8 month whippet pup and SRMA

Started by Erica, October 01, 2021, 08:57:11 PM

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Erica

Hello, I am glad to have found this support forum.  I have had a pretty awful week. Elsie is an 8 month old whippet, usually full of beans, cheeky and fun loving. Ten days ago I noticed that she was couldn't jump up on the sofa or put her paws on my lap. (I have been teaching her 'paws' and 'off', mainly to teach 'off' when she jumps up and it is not wanted). She had been running in the garden with my son's Dachshund and bumped quite hard into a sun lounger so I thought she must have bruised herself. In the morning she still looked uncomfortable so I took her to the vets. The vet couldn't find any signs of pain anywhere but noticed she had a slight temperature so gave her an anti inflammatory injection.
The following evening she was quite unwell, shaking, obviously in discomfort and running a temperature. The vets hospitalised her and put her on fluids. They ran blood tests (all negative) and sent off CRP. I took her home the following day with metacam and paracetamol. For the following two days she was in and out of the vets whilst we were waiting on the CRP. The CRP came back elevated so they suspected auto immune mediated polyarthritis. They ran joint taps, Lyme's test, urinalysis. I waited two more days before they put her on steroids. All the tests were negative so she was diagnosed, I guess, by elimination, of having SRMA.
I am upset it took so long but the vets were adamant not to give her the wrong treatment.
Four hours after the first steroid dose she felt a normal temperature. She has been on the steroids (20mg/day) for 3 days. It was suggested I give her all the steroid in one dose but I have split it morning and evening. She is gradually improving. She is sleeping a lot but I see signs of her old self. She has been given omeprazole for five days.
My main worry at the moment is that she has lost her appetite. She doesn't carry any spare covering and has gone from just over 11kg to 10kg in the past week. I have tried all sorts of things. Will her appetite return as the steroids settle in her system? And secondly, should I ask for more omeprazole. I am anxious her stomach isn't compromised.
I would be really grateful for any suggestions help as I am sick with worry. Kind regards, Erica.

Catherine

Hopefully Jo will be along soon as she has more experience of SRMA.

The splitting of the steroid dose is recommended so it is good you have done that and also hopefully giving the gastroprotectant twice a day. Usually steroids make a dog hungrier. I do wonder whether the omeprazole is affecting her stomach. I have experienced this with my dog and have heard of others with similar reactions so it may be worth changing, maybe to Zitac?

I have to say reading your post I wonder whether it is SRMA. It seems such a co-incidence she had the accident with the sun lounger. The temperature could have been to do with the inflammation. Perhaps Jo will confirm that it sounds like SRMA and I am barking up the wrong tree!

Erica

Thank you Catherine. Would the 'knock' have caused the immune response? It might just have been a coincidence. I noticed she was 'not right' and assumed it was the knock. She did run a temperature of 39.6 to 40.4. Her temperature has come back to normal on the steroids. I only have one pill of omeprazole per day to give her and have been giving it with food. I wonder if she should have it on an empty stomach. Or, as you say, the omeprazole may be causing an issue. The vet has just given me mirtazipine to encourage her appetite but I am pretty sure that will make her even more lethargic than she is now. Mum has had that after dad died to help her sleep...xx

Jo CIMDA

Hi Erica and welcome

I am sorry that Elsie is not well.

Typical symptoms of SRMA is pain, high temperature and a stiff neck.  This is diagnosed by doing a spinal tap.

An AI disease with similar symptoms to SRMA  (pain in joints, high temperature but without the stiff neck) is immune mediated polyarthritis and taking synovial fluid via joint taps is the diagnostic procedure for this AI disease. 

The vets have concluded that it is likely that Elsie has an inflammatory AI disease then the treatment is the same regardless of a definitive diagnosis. 

You should not give Omeprazole within one hour of giving other medication, and if you want to give it before other meds then you should give Omeprazole two hours before.   So give Omeprazole two hours before or one hour after other meds.   This is so that Omeprazole doesn't inhibit other medication.

If Elsie weighs 10kg or thereabouts, then 20mg is the correct dose, whether you give it once a day or split the dose and give it every 12 hours.  The reason for splitting the dose is it is easier on the stomach. However, when treating a young dog or puppy for an inflammatory AI disease because their metabolism is different to an adult dog this can also affect how they metabolise drugs and if the response is not as expected then very often the dose of steroid has to be increased. 

Another consideration:  Whippets, or sighthounds, often respond differently to medication and whereas one would expect a dog to be hungry and put on weight when on immunosuppressive doses of steroids, I have known many Whippets to lose weight and respond very differently and this maybe due to a different metabolism to other dog breeds.   So there are a few considerations because she is young and because she is a Whippet.

The prognosis for either primary IMPA or SRMA is very good.  The correct dosage is crucial to the outcome and to achieving remission.  It is not unusual when a young dog develops SRMA or IMPA that they relapse, so don't be surprised if this happens when the steroids are reduced.  Having said that, if you have a good immunosuppressive drug protocol    then there is a good chance that she will not relapse.  I have known many dogs to achieve long term remission first time. 

Below is an excellent immunosuppressive drug protocol and it can be confidently used as a guide and tailored to the individual.

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.

I hope Elsie starts to improve very soon, if not then return to your vet for a review of her meds.

Jo

WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE TREATMENT HAS STARTED
If a dog has a serious autoimmune disease, then the sooner treatment commences the better chance the dog has of survival.  The main delay to starting treatment is obtaining a diagnosis or at least your vet being sure that he hasn't missed anything that could be made worse by giving high doses of steroids.  Achieving a diagnosis can be a fight against time. 
If your vet has decided that in all probabilities your dog has an autoimmune disease, then to a certain extent, which autoimmune disease your dog has, as far as treatment is concerned, is irrelevant because with the exception of a few diseases, they are all treated the same, that is, with immunosuppressive drugs.  The main objective is to 'knock out' the immune system and virtually stop it from working (or near enough) so the destruction will cease and give the body a chance to recover.  As previously stated, this treatment regime works in most cases, that is, if it has been given early enough and the dosage is correct.  All dogs are different and some can tolerate the drugs better than others. In proportion to their size, small dogs seem more able to tolerate higher doses of steroids than large ones. Some diseases are more serious than others and carry a poorer prognosis. So the initial crisis is a crucial time, however anecdotal evidence shows that many more dogs survive than die if correct treatment is administered in good time.
It is hoped that a positive response can be seen within 4-6 hours of starting treatment (depending on the disease), but in a serious, life threatening situation, the first 2-7-14 days can be a very worrying time.  Assuming the dog has stabilised he will quickly feel much better, and if he is in hospital may be allowed home within a week.
When he comes home he will probably have a 'goody bag' full of drugs.  He will be on a high dose of steroid, usually prednisolone, and he may also be on another immunosuppressive drug, such as Azathioprine.  Your dog will be weaned off in a controlled manner according to his wellness and clinical observations. 
Note: High doses of steroids must not be stopped abruptly.  Your dog could go into an adrenal crisis if the medication is withdrawn too quickly. 
In addition to immunosuppressive drugs he should have something to protect his stomach from excess acid.  The last thing your dog needs when he is feeling poorly is a bleeding stomach ulcer caused by the drugs.  Sometimes, Antepsin is given to coat and protect the stomach (but this must not be given within two hours of other medication otherwise it will stop the drugs from being absorbed. Another gastroprotectant used is Omeprazole. To minimise irritation to the stomach it is usual for the daily dose of steroid to be split into two doses and given with food, one dose in the morning with breakfast and the other dose with his evening meal. I have known several dogs, who did not receive a gastroprotectant as a part of their treatment regime, and went on to develop anaemia. This is not autoimmune haemolytic anaemia but iron deficiency anaemia caused by bleeding stomach ulcers. Using a gastroprotectant is a good preventative measure. When the steroids have been significantly reduced to a low dose, a gastroprotectant may not be necessary.
Excess acid, produced because of the drugs, may make a dog prone to developing pancreatitis. A dog with pancreatitis will appear in pain and his back may be arched as if he can't straighten up.  He may be lethargic, seem bloated and have a tender abdomen. Dogs usually go off food and water, may vomit and look depressed.  If you suspect that your dog has pancreatitis, don't try to feed him because it will make the condition worse. Take him to the vet as soon as possible as he may require treatment or need to go on an intravenous drip to stop him dehydrating.  Again, the risk of pancreatitis should be minimal once the dog is on a lower dose of steroids.   A low fat diet is best when your dog is on high dose steroids or prone to pancreatitis. 
As your dog's immune system is being significantly suppressed, he will be more likely to pick up infections, and will not have the ability to fight against them.  As a precaution a broad spectrum antibiotic is often prescribed. Also it is sensible not to exercise him in areas where he is more likely to encounter infections, for example, a park or a popular dog walking area. 
Whilst your dog is on high dose steroids he will want to eat and drink excessively. However, this also means that he will want to urinate more and this can sometimes cause temporary incontinence.  You may have to get up to let him out during the night and if you leave the garden door open during the day, it may save some mopping up!  He cannot help it and won't like it either, so don't be too hard on him, it's only temporary. You will notice as he is weaned off the drugs the unwanted side effects will subside and he should return to normal habits and behaviour.  Urinary tract infections and/or bacterial skin pustules are not uncommon when a dog's immune system is suppressed, and this is often the reason for a dog to be off colour during this time.  Note: Always consider a urine infection if your dog seems under par.  A course of antibiotics will usually sort this out quickly.
Depending on what autoimmune disease your dog has, he will probably need to have regular blood tests.  Biochemical blood tests will also keep an eye on other body functions, such as those of the liver and kidneys, which is important at this stage.
Assuming good progress is being made, the clinical signs of his illness are diminishing and positive signs of improvement are apparent, your vet will want to start weaning him down from the high doses of steroid.  This process can take 3-6 months or more, and usually begins any time after 10 - 28 days from the start of treatment, depending on the results of his blood tests and his clinical signs.
Relapses are not uncommon, especially in diseases that are difficult to control, for example SLE.  A relapse may mean that initially, your dog needed to be on a higher dose of immunosuppressive drugs for a longer period of time, or your dog may have been weaned off a little too quickly and then the dose withdrawn too soon.
If a relapse occurs he will probably show similar clinical signs to his initial crisis.  He will have to go back on an immunosuppressive dose of prednisolone, but it may not have to be quite as high as before. A combination drug may need to be added at this stage. The weaning process will then have to start all over again. Returning to an immunosuppressive dose will mean that he has to go back on a gastroprotectant.

IMPA - Immune Mediated Polyarthritis
Primary Immune mediated polyarthritis is the most common non-erosive polyarthritis in the dog. IMPA can be primary, or secondary to other diseases such as SLE, myositis or meningitis. Symptoms of IMPA can closely resemble Lyme disease or multiple joint infection and this has to be considered in the differential diagnoses.
For a confirmed diagnosis of IMPA, joint taps need to be performed to obtain evidence of infiltrating immune cells within the synovial fluid in the joints.   Clinical signs such as shifting lameness, soft tissue swelling around the joints, difficulty in rising to a stand, stiffness in the neck and back, and very high temperatures etc., can be vague and evident for several months prior to diagnosis.
Clinical signs therefore can be intermittent and initially antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually given, but little improvement is seen. The disease continues to progress until the dog becomes quite overcome by the inflammatory process. Also, it is not unusual for the dog to become depressed and anorexic and stand with its head held low, unwilling to move. This is a very painful condition.

Steroid Responsive Meningitis Arteritis
Not to be confused with bacterial meningitis.
SRMA is inflammation of the meninges (membrane covering the brain) and peripheral nerve roots, caused by immune mediated infiltration via the spinal cord.  The disease may acute or chronic and is cyclic in nature.   Relapse is not uncommon.
Clinical signs:
High temperature (up to 42C – 107.6F)
Neck and joint pain with stiffness.
Depression.
Diagnosis:  Evidence of immune cells via spinal tap and clinical signs.
Treatment:  Immunosuppressive doses of Steroids

Jo CIMDA

Hi Erica

Omeprazole can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. It is recommended to be taken in the morning but It might be more convenient to give it last thing at night when it won't interfere with other meds.

I doubt the knock started an immune response.  It could be that her joints were tender which made her unsteady and she knocked herself.  A knock wouldn't cause a high temperature, so it is probably a coincidence or the effect of the brewing AI disease caused her to lose her balance.

Both SRMA and IMPA respond very well to immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone, so I hope Elsie will improve  very soon, but if she doesn't then take her back for a review of the meds. 

Jo





Catherine

I see Jo has beaten me to it regarding giving the Omeprazole separate to food. I have never heard of mirtazipine but I had a quick check online. Personally I would leave giving it at the moment. I also wonder whether the Metacam could be the cause of loss of appetite, maybe making Elsie nauseous.....

I have known dogs to get so anxious their temperature went up to 40C but then it returned to normal within a short while. But this sounds like it was high for some days.

Hopefully Elsie should soon feel better and start eating.

Erica

Thank you. I will time the omeprazole as you suggest. I am not going to give the mirtazipine as I think I need to figure out her diet and what she would prefer for the moment. She has eaten some chicken today which is encouraging. She seems to give everything a real good sniff before she takes it. She would eat cat biscuit and I have given her a little. Thanks again.
She is is booked in at day 10 for CRP. I will keep a diary.

Catherine

Unless there is something in the cat biscuit that she really should not be eating I would still give her some. Perhaps you can mix a little in with Elsie's usual food and she may eat it altogether. Or even mix little bits of chicken in with her normal food. What is her normal diet? If it is dried food then maybe soaking it in a little hot water may make it more enticing.

Erica

I have reread your previous post and I do wonder if the omeprazole is making Elsie nauseous.
She ate a little chicken for breakfast at 7.15am with her steroid and then I gave her the omeprazole at 10am. She looked for a little to eat at 12 ish and picked a bit of chicken. One hour later she had loose stools and I noticed some undigested chicken. She has had firm stools to this point.

Catherine

I have just remembered something about the Omeprazole I was given for my dog. The tablets had to be given whole so that the dog could swallow it before the contents opened up. Well, it was quite a large tablet and probably tasted bitter and it was very difficult to get my dog to swallow it without chewing it. She regurgitated her food whilst on the Omeprazole so after a few days I changed to Zitac and things improved immediately. Also you do not have to give the Zitac apart from food AND you can cut them or crush them.

This was a lot easier and I would sprinkle it in her food. Of course you will need to make sure she eats her food. She was on the Zitac quite a while but we never had any problems and it was one less thing to have to remember giving at certain times.

Erica

Yes, I am having to push it whole down the back of her throat..quickly.
I will ask the vet about Zitac.