Lack of Energy

[Kysha]

Originally posted by Debbie Magon
Do you know if your vets tests have rules out cancers like hemangiosarcomas?
Some cancers can cause anaemia.
Hope he improves soon.

I have not heard the big 'C' word yet. All I know is that there aren't any masses in any of his organs (x-rays).

I will bring this up tomorrow though - thanks for the idea.

Owen ate his dinner just fine and is now sleeping beside me. The vets said he would be quite thirsty and have to pee alot from his steriod, but not so far... he seems to be the same.

We are all rooting for him.

I will post tomorrow with another update from his visit. We are heading out in the afternoon most likely.

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Indy, Ava and I are pulling together for Owen. Here's to a good report tomorrow, and that things are turning around for the better.

Hang in there, and be strong for Owen. We'll be here for you.


Tom

 

[bustermom]

Kysha,

There is a slew of information on anemia available online for free in the Merck Veterinary Manual. It's a bit of a slow, technical read, but raises some very interesting possibilities for causes of anemia.

Here's the link:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/toc_10200.htm

You may want to sit down and give it a go -- you'll get lots of ideas to discuss with your vet... I was reading the section on "excessive RBC (red blood cell) destruction" and was hoping something may apply in Owen's case.

Good luck!

- Gloria

 

[Kysha]

Originally posted by bustermom

Here's the link:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/toc_10200.htm

Good luck!

- Gloria

Thanks for the link - I will certainly be reading that this afternoon.

The appointment went well yesterday, his count has gone up again to 24. He is now on steroids for seven days (dexamethazone), and will continue with this antibiotics (ampicillin).

His temp in normal and he is eating more and more each day - he actually ate some chicken backs yesterday and today! He hasn't eaten them in over a week.

We are going back in tomorrow for anothe RBC count (PCV). I also called my vet the am (hopefully he will call today), and I want to get his opinion about the possibility of e.coli, ehrlichiosis, lyme disease, and rocky mountain spotted fever. Although we really don't have ticks in this area, and I have never seen or pulled a tick off of either of my dogs, it can't hurt to test...

I will keep you all updated.

Thanks for eveyone's support and idea's. I am determined to get to the bottom of this!

Cheers,
Kysha

 

[Lizzie]

Kysha

I am so glad to hear that Owen is improving. I hope he continues to improve each day,

Liz, Diva and Monty

 

[Kysha]

We just got back form the vets and his RBC count is now at 25!!

The vet seems to think that the anemia was caused by a toxin, or an immune system issue. We don't think that it's a toxin simply because he is with me all the time, but you never know what these guys can get into in a split second!

We are keeping him on his steroids until he reaches the normal RBC range (35-55), once we get there we will start te reduce his steroids and see what happens. If this was a toxin causing this his body will respond well and he will most likely bounce back to health no problem. If this is an immune system issue (where his body is attacking his RBC's for no reason), then he MAY have to stay on a maintenance level of steroids for life.

We have upped his iron intake through diet and vitamins, and he is also taking a vitamin B complex too. I am making sure that he is getting lots of protein to help his body produce the RBC's.

We go back in next week for another count - will have an update for you then.

Thanks to EVERYONE for their support and suggestions. We are taking one day at a time with him.

 

[bustermom]

Wonderful news, Kysha!!

Go Owen, go Owen, go Owen... *happy dance*

 

[coveyjt]

Finger's crossed. I sure he'll reach and stay above 35 in no time.

Your in our prayers.




Powder and her Dad.

 

[Tam319]

Hi Kysha,

Glad to hear that Owen's RBC count is improving. That is great news.

With Tony (Mr. Immunosuppression) I have found Transfer Factor to work GREAT! We struggled for about, hmm, a year with not much improvement in immune system. His lymph nodes were always quite swollen. Then we put him on Transfer Factor and his lymph nodes shrunk. It was unbelievable. I took him off of it and back to sqaure one. Now he is on it long term and I hope he will greatly benefit from it. It is not prescription but I think you have to order from the US (online) or from your vet. It is an immune system modulator, not a stimulant and seems to be a benefit for many different ailments. Perhaps it would help modulate his immune system if it is out of whack?

Here is a little more info:

"Transfer factors are tiny molecules found in colostrum which provide "immune knowledge" from a mother's immune system to her baby used in recognizing and fighting outside threats. By transferring information from cell to cell, transfer factors serve as "teachers" to the new cells, ensuring a strong immune system capable of surviving, even thriving, in its new environment. It acts as an immune modulator, not a stimulant. It can be taken continuously without exhausting the immune system. Dr. Sherwood Lawrence found that adding transfer factors to an existing immune system increased the efficiency of that immune system dramatically. This helped fight bacterial infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus infections, viral infections like colds and flu, and diseases like cancer, much more effectively."

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/tf.htm

Tony is on plain TF but you can get a Canine Complete formula with lots of added nutrients. Sounds very interesting. Check it out at:

http://www.netriceuticals.com/listing.asp?id=373

Maybe you could ask your vet about it to see if Owen would benefit from such a supplement??

Is your vet considering putting Owen on long term steroids because they suppress the immune system and he suspects his immune system is out of control/attacking RBC? I found a little more info on steroids, uses, side effects, etc on Merck's online manual. Thought you might be interested:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/191503.htm

Hope you get to the bottom of the cause of this soon. Keep getting better Owen! We are all rooting for you.

Tamara

 

[catneon]

Kysha,

I am so glad Owen is felling better, hopefully you will be able to get to the bottom of all of this soon at least you are closer to an answer. I will keep on sending those healings vibes.

Big hugs

Catherine