Clementine Update

[Guest greydogluvr]

I do not know how to indicate an update on the title line so here is an update from the last 2 days. Thanks again for the good thoughts.

 

 

 

Update: 10/14/08 Clemmie's blood work came back. Her potassium levels were very high and her heart rate was slow. The vet ordered anultrasound which indicated that her adrenal glands were small in size. This he believes

indicates Addison's Disease (I have not looked up the spelling). She is in what is called a Addison's crash where her intestines are shutting down and her heart rate is slowing. There is another test she must have to confirm the diagnosis but he is treating her according to thisdiagnosis because he can not wait for the results to come back or she will be too bad to treat. As of right now she is on IV fluids and receiving treatment. I am going to visit her at 8:00.

 

The prognosis is good. She will be on daily low doses of Prednisone (the hormone her body is not producing) as well as injections every 25 days (do not know the name). I am hoping she will be home by tomorrow. This progression has been so quick. I miss my little ladybug. Please keep her in your prayers.

 

10/15/08 The Addisons's test came back positive. She is still on IV fluids and they have added Procalomene (sp) an amino acid, dextrose nutritional supplement. She has made improvements with the treatment protocol but has still not eaten (seven plus days). She will stay at the clinic until she is able to eat. The vet is hoping within 12-24 hours. She is losing a lot of her hair which he states is a possible side effect of Addison's. She sat up and wagged her tail a bit when I visited but was not strong enough to visit more than 5 minutes.

Edited October 15, 2008 by greydogluvr

[Burpdog]

I can't remember the name of the medicine we used back then --it was a pill. My Dane was up and functioning in two days. Sending lots of prayers.

 

had to go look

 

Once the disease is diagnosed, the treatment is fairly straightforward. The standard treatment involves replacing the mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body. The drug most commonly used to accomplish this is Florinef (fludrocortisone). Florinef is usually given twice a day. Initially, the blood sodium and potassium levels are monitored to help obtain the correct dose. After the animal is regulated, then the levels are rechecked 2 to 3 times a year and adjustments in dosing are made as needed.

 

A newer option in the treatment of Addison's disease has recently been made available. The new medication is an injectable medication called DOCP. The injection is long acting and only needs to be given every 25 days. DOCP was available years ago, but was taken off the market and recently reintroduced as an approved drug for dogs. DOCP has been intensively tested and been shown to provide better electrolyte regulation than Florinef. Some animals on DOCP may also need to be placed on a low maintenance dose of prednisone. Novartis is manufacturing this drug and more information on DOCP can be obtained by calling their customer service number at 1-800-332-2761.

[Guest greyhound1]

Sending prayers!

[patricia]

Sending my prayers.

[Guest Greensleeves]

Will the vet let you bring food in and try to feed her? Nelly's specialist at the hospital was worried when she wouldn't eat for them, but she'd eat a bit for us. But he also told us that 50% of dogs (healthy or not) just don't eat while they're at the vets'. If your Clem is in that 50%, what will the vets do to encourage her to eat? Will they allow you to try syringe-feeding her?

[CaliforniaGreys]

Lora, the good thing here is it can be treated. You know she stays in our prayers. And please consider the Nutritional Yeast

[Guest greydogluvr]

Thank you everyone. I am going to take her some bones tonight when I go. Maybe she will eat her favorite treats. I will definitely get some of the nutritional yeast for her as well.

[Remolacha]

I am glad you at least have a diagnosis. I hope when the treatments kick in she will start to feel better!

[NevadasMom]

From what my Vet has told me, Addisons is pretty easy to treat. When Nevada was dx with Cushings Disease, we considered making her Addisonian. Best wishes....