AIHA

[Jo CIMDA]

Kellies Pcv level on Fridays bloods was 39 so her steroids have been reduced by a quarter for 4 weeks. Plan is test again and reduce by a quarter again. Pleased to see an improvement:-)

Hi

I have answered this, at length, already today and the reply must have got lost in cyber space!!!!  It is so annoying and posting the second time around never seems to come out the same as the first time.  I'll have a go though.

The good news is Kellie's PCV is good.  However, I don't understand why vets feel they can put a dog on high doses of preds, or reduce the dose, and leave it one month without checking on how the dog is doing.    It is very important to monitor the side effects of the drugs as this can be a huge problem if the preds start to become too much for the dog to cope with, especially if the owner doesn't recognise this and blindly continues with the vets instructions. I believe the reduction should be for 14 days and then reassessed.  If the dog is coping well then it can be extended to 21+ days but the dogs should be monitored by the owner every day.   

Before the dose of preds is reduced in a dog with AIHA or IMTP, a blood test  to check the status red blood cells or the platelets should be performed.  The blood result, the clinical signs of the disease and the side effects of the drugs can then be fully assessed and an informed decision to reduce or extend the duration of dose (or in fact increase the dose) can be made.  I would not leave this any longer than 14 days and for peace of mind I would probably have a test after a week to see if the red blood cells were still going in the right direction.

Diseases such as SRMA and IMPA do not need further blood tests, joint taps or a spinal fluid test before reducing the preds.  This is assessed on how well the dog is doing clinically, and the side effects of the drugs.  It is very different to monitoring the blood diseases or SLE. 

I hope Kellie continues to do well and if you are in the slightest bit concerned or curious about her blood status, please take her back and have a check.

Jo

[Kate H]

Hi Catherine. Had Kellie up for bloods yesterday. Her pcv was 44 which was up from 39 a week ago. She isnt too stressed by going to the vets but has to spend the.day there while I am in work. But she walks in happy enough and I am always pleased by how warm and gentle they are with her. So we are making good progress. Thanks for your advice

[Kate H]

just an update. Kellie is still doing well. Bloods today were 43 so we have the all clear to take a step down in the steroids. I am going slightly mad from watching her and convincing myself her gums are a bit pale etc but I guess that will be the way for the rest of her life. Hopefully she keeps going in the coming weeks. I hope everyone has a lovely holiday season with their dogs. I thought my girl wouldnt see it but it will be pig ears for all:-)

[Jo CIMDA]

That is fantastic news!!!!

Jo