Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Some good news about Riley

Most of you know I was made redundant on 11 November, so Im surviving on that while I look for work - not a good time of year, but some prospects. I had taken Riley to the Melbourne University Vet Science clinic for a consultation and the vet there checked Riley over and felt that his medication had been reduced too quickly, but wanted to do a cyclosporine assay which came back as low at 136 - and it should be 200+ - I wish I could remember the exact numbers, anyway it was low - so she increased the dosage - and of course its the most expensive. Today 10 days later, he was due to have a PCV and another assay to see if things are working - Riley was stuck on a PCV of 29. I was going to take him back to the University, but my pet insurance has run out - more bad luck - Riley fell ill on 3 September and the insurance anniversary date was 5 September when it increased another $2k, so I have reached my limit with Riley and now not having a job, makes things difficult for me. Well, the PCV result today came in at 34 :) I bought some more cyclosporine today and an email from the Melb University vet tells me that we may be able to get a script for generic cyclo made up - she apparently rang my vet and asked her to send results through to her to determine what to do next for Riles. I have everything possible crossed for Kahlu, Tiggs and Riley!

Silka Melbourne Australia

Three cheers for Riley! You must be relieved, albeit a little worried about the financial part of it. Hopefully it will only be for a short period of time. I'll be thinking of you both. PCV sounds great! I will keep you and Riley in my thoughts and am hoping you not only find a job soon, but that the new year will be one of promise and healing...Take care.

Mardi Northern Cali

Silka, What a terrible term "made redundant" Hopefully you will find something soon. While I am sure it is very difficult for you right now perhaps it was meant to be so you could spend more time with Riley? Whoo-Hoo on the 34! Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

That is such great news Silka! A PCV of 34 is a very good step forward. The cyclo assay you're talking about must be a trough test to measure the amounts in the blood. I had one done on Tessy after she was on the cyclo for a few days. It should be noted though that Dr. Dodds does not think these are necesary to do. She goes by the way the body responds (I think). She usually starts dogs off at 10mg/kg/day....divided morning and night. Be carefull when switching cyclo from the Atopica version to a generic brand. You gotta watch out for the non-bioequivalent cyclosporine brands out there. You're using the modified Atopica now so you'ld want to make sure you get the equivalent to this. Talk to the pharmacist or the doctor about this and make sure they know what they're getting. It should also be known that the atopica is easier on the dogs stomach. If your dog ever had problems with keeping the atopica down then I might reconsider switching. Your choice though. Like you said above....EVERYTHING that can be crossed is crossed right now. Good work Silka...and Riley. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thanks folks, I take heart from your comments, they are much appreciated. Im glad you chimed in Johnny as I saw in the other thread something about the generic brands. I understand from the University vet that she will give my vet the prescription for this, but I was aware that there could be some problems. I think, depending on the outcome, that I would stay with the Atopica brand, while I can - there doesnt seem to be any reactions that I can see from this one. Penny! I know its such a terrible term "redundant", means Im no use anymore, boo hoo. 5 people have taken on my job though. What do they say in the USofA when someone doesnt have a job anymore? Its for financial reasons they say - economic downturn and all that jazz. Yes indeed, I can spend more time with my doggies now, there is always an upside.

Silka Melbourne Australia

We are very happy to read the Riley's PCV continues to go up. It sounds like Riley is on the correct dosage Atopica due to the fact that the numbers are improving. I also agree with Johnny and wound not go to the generic version. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Thanks you Cheryl & Ginger - your view too is much appreciated. I believe I agree given that this is a good result, so I dont want to change.

Silka Melbourne Australia

I have always found, and really, no BS, believe that when one door closes, like your job situation, another better door will open. Just when I think and start to stress "What next" something positive always happens. You will find employment very soon! And like you said, you can spend more time with your pups and get through the holidays with them. Here's to a better year and good job and good health for all in your family. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

Silka, so happy to hear things are improving for Riley. I agree with Mardi, one door closes and another will open. Enjoy the free time while it lasts, try to pretend you are on a holiday :) Thank you for all of your support. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Thank you Mardi and Melissa, your words mean a great deal to me - today I actually felt like I was on a holiday, lovely summer day, and a couple of people from the "old" job want to have coffee with me. I just have to get some of that ole Christmas spirit! My daughters gave me an early gift, a day at a spa, getting everything in order, pretty cute - its right next door to where my daughter works, so that will be nice. The best gift would be for Riley to turn a corner and have the wish to play again - I think that might come with pred reduction.

Silka Melbourne Australia

This thread was discussed between 12/12/2009 and 15/12/2009

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