Hi
I have Bassets and Beardies, and I am aware of the immune issues in Beardies and it was through these friends I was advised to look at CIMDA. I am very fortunate that my babies are OK
However, I have a friend who has a 3 year old male Basset, who has been diagnosed with I M Neutropenia, and he is very poorly and she is looking for any help and advise to help support him, he is currently on steroids, which the vets are trying to slowly reduce his dose. He eats a lot but is very thin and listless.
I have left a message for her to join this forum, but I was interested as I had not heard of this in Bassets
I have no experience of this but if you put "Neutropenia" in the search facility (top of the page) then you will see several threads that may help.
Hi and welcome
IM neutropenia is treated by suppressing the immune system with steroids which allows the bone marrow to function normally again. As with all inflammatory AI diseases the treatment protocol is crucial to the outcome. If the steroid dose is too high, the side effects will become a problem. If the dose is too low, remission will not be achieved and steroid side effects build up without resolution of the disease. Can you ask your friend what dose of steroids her dog is on and for how long?
If your friend's boy has not been on a good immunosuppressive drug protocol remission will not be achieved. Below is an excellent protocol by Prof Day who is among the top veterinary immunologists in the world. It is the best I have come across and it can be confidently used as a guide.
Example: Reduction Protocol for prednisolone:
Clinical Immunology of the Dog & Cat , 2nd Edition, by Michael J Day
Professor Michael DayBSc, BVMS(Hons), PhD, DSc, DiplECVP, FASM, FRCPath, FRCVS
Professor of Veterinary Pathology, University of Bristol, UK and WSAVA - Chairman of Scientific Advisory Committee.
This example is based on a dog receiving an induction dose of 1.0mg/kg/q 12hrs (q = every)
Dose Duration (based on clinical effect)
1.0mg/kg/q 12h 10-28 days
0.75mg/kg/q 12h 10-28 days
0.5mg/kg/q 12h 10-28 days
0.25mg/kg/q 12h 10-28 days
0.25mg/kg/q 24h 10-28 days
0.25-0.5mg/kg EOD at least 21 days
0.25-0.5 mg/kg every third day at least 21 days
Every reduction is made after consideration to improvement of clinical signs, blood results and side effects of the drugs.
Prednisolone: "Doses above 2.2mg/kg/day do not give more immunosuppression but do cause more side effects. Many internists believe that prednisolone doses should not exceed 80mg per day, regardless of the dog's weight." Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook Eight Edition.
Jo
Thank you for this information, I will pass it on x