Minnie's update Thursday 21st

[Diflower]

The vet could see the improvement, and has fallen a bit in love with Minnie She (Alison) takes her through to the surgery to shave a bit of fur and take the blood, and said this morning how Minnie would let you do absolutely anything to her.

We're allowed to give her more food, which is really good news. We were worried not to give her too much, which is right, but she has some muscle wastage so more food is ok.
She has less of the obvious excess liquid/pouchy bits, which is due to protein leeching out, which is also good.

However. Why is there always a however? Alison is concerned because Minnie's stomach area is 'doughy'. She suspects her spleen is swollen, which is a side effect of the disease - the spleen does a lot of the work with blood cells (Jo would know a lot more than me!). I've seen mentioned that quite a lot of dogs need a splenectomy with IMHA.
But, it can right itself once the condition has stabilised. But, it could also be due to a mass/tumour...at the moment it would be difficult to read an x-ray or scan, but if it doesn't disappear then it's something that would need doing at some point.

For now, Alison will phone later today with the blood results and will discuss then what to do about the drugs, so I'll pop back as soon as I know.

[debih]

What a rollercoaster Di.

Fingers crossed the news continues to be good.

[JoM]

Glad that Alison was pleased with her on the whole Di, and that she can have more food!

Yes, the spleen filters and cleanses the blood and destroys the old red cells. I think it's in the spleen where the white cells go into attack mode on any bacterias and viruses, hence why it's an important organ in the fight against infections.

Fingers crossed and lots of vibes for good blood results!

[Ally]

This Alison is glad vet Alison was pleased.

[Diflower]

Thanks Jo, I knew it was something like that!

The vet has rung. Blood count is up to 33
Protein level is up from 45 to 50 (usual range is 55-80)
Steroids can be reduced from 25mg twice a day, to 25mg once a day, hoorah
Imuran to carry on, once a day.

Need to get the protein in her, I've bought a tray of chicken livers and cooked them with some rice, and another bag of frozen fish for when that's gone.
I will get to Morrisons at some point for more hearts, she liked those and they were cheap and easy to cook.
Appointment to be made for a week's time, but to phone if any problems.
Now we just need her to actually start feeling a bit better

[Ally]

Great news Di.

Keep getting better Minnie. xx

[Lozzles]

Good news Di Fingers crossed that this continues. She's a little fighter is Minnie

[meriad]

Gosh Di, this is sounding so much more positive; I am so happy for you and Minnie The blood results are a great improvement, aren't they .

As a matter of interest, with time will she be able to go back to her normal 'doggy' diet or will she always need to be on a higher protein diet; do you know?

[Kaz]

Oh well done Minnie!!!!! Clever old thing That's a great improvement in those numbers

What a relief, eh D'? Let's keep everything crossed for further improvement xxxxxxxxxx

[Diflower]

Thank you all
Yes the numbers are really impressive

Meriad she'd be able to go back to her normal food, if everything else is ok. But I think I'll carry on with cooking some for her as well, and the spirulina too. Btw eggs gave her the runs so they're out.