Quick Update for those of you who have been asking/wondering -
Vet called this morning to say that initial bloodwork points to a diagnosis of IMHA - Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.
I don't know cause or the treatment, other than that she is likely to be on steroids for the next 3-6 months.
And if you don't follow me on Twitter - she's slightly perkier but still not feeling well. She peed the bed last night (side effect from the steroids), so I just went to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchased a new pillow and plastic mattress protector.
We go back in at 9AM tomorrow for more bloodwork. Hopefully I'll get some more answers then.
Thanks for the good thoughts and sweet e-mails re: Elle Woods, the bar exam, etc. I appreciate it all!
aww, so glad Elle baby is on the mend! Sheepie was worried about her.. and all the diarrhea-ing and bleeding and... ehhh, vom. Lot's of love and light (from this Maryland housewife) for Elle and for you to kick that barzam's ass... (speaking of love and light, im ashamed. but i grew up in the same town Danielle (RHONJ) lives in).. it's pathetic, really.. haha :)
ReplyDeletePoor Elle! I hope she gets better soon!!
ReplyDeleteWell wishes that Elle continues to feel better and mom keeps the stress at bay to study! Make sure to treat yourself every day (even if its small) to keep your sanity and motivation up.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sending positive vibes for Elle - there's nothing worse than a sick puppy :(
ReplyDeleteHope Elle gets to feeling better, I know how much it sucks to have your dog children hurting.
ReplyDeleteGlad they figured out what's going on and put her on the right medicine - even if it means a little mess here and there, she'll start to feel better soon, and that's what matters. It really sucks when your puppy's sick, but it's even worse when they can't figure out what's wrong. And hopefully knowing that she's on the mend will give you some peace of mind and one less thing to stress about right now!
ReplyDeleteOh, sweet Elle! I've been thinking about her and praying for her (and you - for the bar exam).
ReplyDeleteI have a dog who had IMHA, and she responded well to steroids, and then developed immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, which is where the coagulant factor of the blood is destroyed and she was bleeding (her ears and gums turned red and she had a bruise from her chin to the end of her rib cage). Sometimes a dog who gets one will then get the other, so keep an eye on her. My vet told me that sometimes it is triggered by an allergic reaction to vaccines. Sorry to be a downer; just be on the lookout. We weaned ours off the prednisone for the anemia, but have only been able to take her town to 2/week for the thrombocytopenia and that has been the case for about 2 1/2 years. She eventually adjusted and stopped peeing inside after a couple weeks, but she did gain some weight and got a little pot belly from the weakened abdominal muscles.
ReplyDeleteHope Elle makes a good recovery and good luck on the bar!!