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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - side effects from cyclosporine
| Yes, it's me again with another question. I know, after reading the info in the Atopica box that some of the possible side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Oliver isn't doing that, but I have noticed his stool is getting pretty darn soft. Not classified as diarrhea, but almost pudding like. I do have a call into the vet to let her know this and to see if there is anything else I could give him to harden up his stool a little bit. Like Imodium pills or something similar. I hate having to possibly put more meds into him right now. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions. I think the cyclosporine is a little harder on him than the aza. I sense that maybe the first 30-45 minutes after taking it might be upsetting his stomach a little as he seems to pant a little bit more. Luckily, so far, no vomiting or anything, but I would rather nip things in the bud, before it happens. Thanks. |
| Mardi Northern Calif. |
| Mardi, How many days has Oliver been on atopica? What is the dose? Yes, the first few days can lead to diarrhea in some dogs. I would definitely avoid any drugs like immodium that can bring their own side effects to the table. You can try a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin with a meal and see if that helps. When a stool gets soft it is an indication that water in the colon has moved back into the stool. Giving the colon some veggie matter to form around helps absorb some of that water. You can also add a few tablespoons full of well cooked rice, which can do the same thing. It won't be digested much, and you will see it come out the other side as rice! I would only be alarmed if you see any bloody diarrhea and I would consider that a vet emergency. When Chance was on his high dose of Atopica, I noticed that he would have a spacey "glazed eye look" for about two hours afterwards and sometimes pant some. This went away when we lowered the dose. I am not sure what the cause is, but was harmless. Also, as the prednisone is continued, the liver will enlarge and make Oliver uncomfortable lying down and he will pant. I put down soft folded towels all over for Chance to lie on and fans in some areas so he could get some comfort. He eventually did not want to lie on the couch or bed, preferring the towels. There is only so much space in the abdominal area. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Thanks Patrice. He has been on it two days. Tonight will be the third. I have been giving him pumpkin and had thought maybe with the cyclo it was causing it. I will continue though. He is at 300mg right now. Goes back on Tuesday for another blood draw. His gums are paler now, but that could just be his RBC dropping more. We shall see. Thank you for the info. I know this is possible typical side effects for a couple of days so will keep an eye on him. Ollie's systems are very similar to Chance's. It passes though. I sure hope this stuff works. I will try the rice and veggie matter also. |
| Mardi Northern Calif |
| Ginger's stool has been like that since she has been on the cyclo too, I was not concerned because she was not going more then she normally does, it just makes it very difficlut to pick up when I take her out for a walk and I have to pick it up in one of those bags (yuk) Hope the Oliver's next blood work is good. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Your right Cheryl and Ginger. I did speak with the vet a few minutes ago and she said it is common and suggested canned pumpkin, which I already do, good fiber, as in vegies, and keep to a bit of a bland diet for a little bit until he adjusts. He isn't going any more than usual either, and I appreciate you letting me know this. You know how we are, kind of get worried at ANY change in the norm. Thanks again. |
| Mardi Northern Calif |
| Hi Mardi & Oliver You know from my posts that I agree with the vet and that the canned pumpkin is the best and most natural source to neutralise the bowel whether through loose stools or constipation - it's like a miracle cure. Phoebe has been on atopica for six months now and although it has been a long haul to get her to the stage she is at now I still think this is a fantastic drug and doubt whether she would be here without it. Hope oliver likes the pumpkin, initially I syringed it into pheobes mouth but now she likes it so much she will just eat it off the mat. I have also been giving her pasta with pumpkin in with her chicken and she loves it. hope you and oliver are doing well! kind regards gill and phoebe |
| gill uk |
| Pasta, pumpkin and chicken...sounds like a gourmet meal!! Phoebe is one blessed pup! Sue & Ren |
| Susie Delaware |
| We have reached the stage in this disease where there is ups and downs and not just "so called" smooth sailing. Oliver was lethargic and depressed looking this morning, by the afternoon he was back to his usual self. Wanting food, wanting attention. please bear with me folks. I"m a newbie, and am learning. Your words are helping a lot. The pumpkin is awesome and I have been giving it to Oliver for about a month now. I believe, his throwing up the other night, which I brought up in another thread was me giving him too much food late at night and him drinking a lot of water. I"m learning! Gill, how is Phoebe? thanks again everyone. |
| Mardi Northern Calif |
This thread was discussed between 03/09/2009 and 06/09/2009
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