Waaaay Off Topic: My Dog is Sick

blainejennifer

So very off topic, but I know we have a lot of dog people here. And, this dog is an important factor in my quality of life. (Mods: It's a reach, I know.)

She is a standard poodle, 8 years old. About two months ago, she started showing some paw lameness. One of her "toes" was swollen. So, she did a ten day course of amoxycillin. It seemed to get better.

About a week after she'd finished the Amoxy, she just started getting lethargic. Didn't want to mess with the cat, and didn't really look forward to going out. So, I took her in to the Vet. Temp was 104.1, platelets, in the 60s. Yikes. Concerned faces all around.

The Vet thinks she has Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia, where the immune system is attacking her platelets. It's ironic that she and I are having the same problem for different reasons (unless she's been sneaking to the MO and getting Gemzar). So, the Vet starts her on a course of Prednisone, with famotidine to help with tummy related steroid problems and doxycycline, to mop up anything else. It's a standard course for canine Thrombocytopenia.

But, her hind end starts going, and she can't make it up onto the sofa, and last night, she failed the stairs. I'm the queen of spinal mets (started at 5'6", am now 5'1"), so - with spouse not available - I have a little trouble getting us both upstairs.

I will be checking with the vet tomorrow, of course.

Has anyone experienced this? So far, we seem to be playing stump the vet. The hind end weakness is bizarre, and not related to the Thrombocytopenia. Could it be a side effect of the prednisone? You know, the steroid that is keep her immune system from killing her?

And, I still haven't heard from MSK. I think the Universe knew this was going to happen, and there is no way I could leave her now.

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? I was raised by standard poodles, and while she might not be the sharpest dog I've ever trained, she is the most loving.

This is her, on the sofa with spouse, and Fred. If she's not with me, this is her second favorite snuggle spot. I have used my vast computer abilities to scrub out spouse's face, as he is very private.

Chico

So sorry to hear this is happening to your dog. This could be a side effect of the meds but your vet is obviously the best person to make a diagnoses. I really just wanted to send best wishes to you and your lovely girl.

Sadiesservant

Jennifer,

I sincerely wish I could offer some advice. I have not experienced this specifically but wonder if there could be some bizarre drug interaction. I had this happen with my previous collie - locumvet prescribed Imodium for colitis issues. Turns out collies have a genetic mutation which results in severe reactions to certain drugs including heartworm medicine and Imodium. It crosses the blood brain barrier causing neurological issues (her backend also went out).

My heart goes out to you. I know that my girl is the thing that keeps me going. I love her to bits. Plus, you can't be a couch potato when you have a dog.

Sending positive thoughts and hopes that you get to the bottom of this and your girl is on the mend soon.

Rah2464

Blainejennifer so sorry to see this post. It hurts when our furry friends face struggles like this. I do not have any experience with this disorder in dogs so I cannot add anything, just sending you support. Hope your vet gets to the bottom of things.

nat_blue

Sorry to hear about your dog. Can you get a referral to an internal medicine specialist? Have tick borne illnesses been ruled out? Low platelets, shifting leg lameness, and low platelets can all be clinical signs associated with tick borne illness. I hope she feels better soon.

Cowgirl13

Prayers coming your way for you and your dog.

jensgotthis

I was wondering about the possibility of a tick as well. I’m sorry your pup is going through this. The love for our pets is very real. My beagle Max is my best buddy

blainejennifer

Thanks for all your advice and support, everyone. The vet ran a full tick vector panel, as where we live, the ticks are the worst. And, Miss Dog did have Lyme when she was two.

So far, nothing.

We continue to watch and wait. Dang - we all know how to do that, don't we?

WC3

blainejennifer:

Sorry to hear about your dog. I hope she pulls through. Could she have possibly been exposed to any of your medications or their by products? A lot of them are excreted in the urine so might be a hazard for pets who drink out of the toilet, like my sister's weird cat who will drink from no other place.

blainejennifer

WC3,

I worried about that.

We are a closed toilet family because of the cat. Ms. Dog seems to be stable right now - not getting any better, but not worse. Sadly, in her case, stable sucks.

One more week till we get to see the fancy vet. If she shows any more decline, I'll go back to the vet that said she was stumped.

Thank you for your help.

Jennifer