holly

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Christina

At least you have some positive news.  Where on her body is Holly's hair loss?  Does she have skin problems too?  Does she nibble where the hair has gone?

Hope the urine infection gets better soon.  She may be suffering a bit because the steroids lower her immune system and leave her open to infections etc.

Jo

[Catherine]

Could it be the medication causing some of the problems? I notice that you mentioned in May that she was on Flagyl, has she been having it  for all that time? Flagyl is a drug I treat with caution. Not only have I had an elderly dog who reacted badly to it I have also had similar with a friend's dog and have heard of others. In the beginning they were okay but then suffered bad side effects after some time.

It may be an idea to review her medication to see if she improves.

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Christine

Flagyl (Metronidazole) is a great drug but with chronic use the dog can suffer side effects because it crosses the blood/brain barrier causing neurological signs which shows in an unsteady gait, flicking eyes, knuckling, head tilt etc....  I have not heard that it causes hair loss.

Why has she been on this for such a long time?

Jo

[christina]

Hi jo and catherine,
Thanks for your replies.
I have been unwell nearly 2 weeks now with viral gastroentiritis,boy its been very bad,though i still managed to look after holly somehow!
The good news is that hollys hair started to grow again last few days ,it mostly her stomach and sides going bald and her skin went flakey dry despite eve promrose,fish oils.
The masaleb anti bac shampoo has helped thank god!
She is prone to urine infections but rarely seen blood and never mucus before.
It has got better but still smells and she wet the bedroom.carpet a few days ago..any tips on getting rid of the smell,i have scrubbed 3 days now,still smells,esp cos urine infection.
Flagyl we tried to get her off ,she has inflamatory colitis condition and every time take her off flagyl shes very unwell gagging ,bringing up bile ,mucus ,even blood in poo.
She has had this ever since immune collapse ,i think linked to immune problems
She is now on lowest dose one tablet a day and of course the 2.5 mg pred and

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Christina

I'm sorry you've not been well.  Tummy bugs are nasty things to have especially when you are trying to look after a poorly dog. I hope you are feeling better and it didn't spoil your Christmas.

I suppose if Holly is doing OK on the low dose of Flagyl then that's fine, but if you do feel she is starting to suffer as a result then perhaps your vet could prescribe something else.  Ranitidine or Omeprazole are excellent drugs for controlling gastric acid, so that may be an option in the future. 

Hope you are feeling better soon.  Glad Holly is improving. 

Jo

[polly]

Hi Cristina,
It is a long time since you have posted news of  yourself  or Holly and I hope things are getting bettter for you both.
I thought of you yesterday when a vet on   the radio was giving suggestions about how to provide mental stimulation for  dogs  required to be kept confined for several  weeks while recovering from injury.

Hope that 2015 is a much better year for you.