Guest greyvettech Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 I am asking everyone to please pray for my Lexi. Here is her story.....Sunday night she didn't eat her dinner which is pretty unusual for her. Monday morning I woke up, she was lay on the floor, not in her usual spot, and she had had diarrhea on the carpet. She was reluctant to get up. So, since I work for a Veterinarian, I took her to work suspecting she had gastroenteritis. She got anti-diarrhea meds, an iv cath and a cbc/chemistry profile. I took her home that night as she seemed to feel a little better. Her chemistry panel was perfectly normal and on her cbc her platelets were low but there were clumps in the sample so we didn't know how acurate it was. Monday night she began vomiting blood, had bloody diarrhea and had blood in her retinas and began to become partially blind. She was also very weak and painful.. I rushed her back to work and my vet diagnosed her with immune mediated thyrombocytopenia. Her platelet count was 9 (very very low) We started prednisone and doxycyline incase it was a tick borne related thyrombocytopenia. As I was on the way home, she vomited her meds:( I took her back to work and we started iv dexamethasone. The next day she developed petichia (bruising all over her skin). In my eyes, she was going down hill fast. We decided to check her blood values again. Now her chemistry profile indicated elevated liver and kidney enzymes just within 24 hours..my worst fear. At this point, my vet was boggled and knew something more had to be going on but nothing was making sense. we did extensive tick profiles, coombs disease titers, rheumatoid titer (immune diseases)..everything was negative. At this point, she seemed to feel a little better but was not eating. the next day she was worse than ever. Her kidneys and liver were starting to fail even though it seemed her thyrombocytopenia was resolving. So, I decided to email Dr. Couto at Ohio State and he got back to me within 12 hours! Just from the little info I told him, he already knew what could be wrong. the next morning he talked to my veterinarian and was able to diagnose her within 10 minutes based on her symptoms and all her blood results. He diagnosed her with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (this is something very very rare in dogs but he had seen it before)-stems from e-coli in the gi tract- (from when she ate raw meat while racing) Her body thought of e-coli as a natural flora in her GI tract and she had been vaccinated a week prior to her illiness and the vaccines affected her immune system and then she became suseptible to the e-coli and it began to reak havic on her blood cells and organs. I will never vaccinate my greyhounds again!!! Not only that, the only treatment for her at this point was plasma. He arranged to send plasma overnight free of charge!!!! (and I am in Florida) OMG- I love Dr. Couto! The plasma arrived this afternoon and we were able to give it to her a couple hours ago. This may not be a cure but it might be enough to get her over this nasty syndrome. The plasma which is full of antibodies and protein should kill the organisms that are attacking her kidneys. She has kidney damage and we don't know if her body can recover from this. She has so much adema she is so swollen she doesn't even look like my Lexi:( Now, it's a wait and see thing. We are repeating blood work tomorrow to check her values. She feels so poorly and I hate to put her through this, but if there is hope and I didn't do it, I would regret it forever.The main thing is- she has not had any digested food since Sunday! -despite a very small handful of i/d that she ate this morning. She will drink but refuses to eat. I have her here at home on her IV and steroid injections. I have down everything I can do for her. I don't know what I am going to do if I lose her. If she doesn't eat food by tomorrow, we are in big trouble. I am giving the plasma 24 hours to make her feel better and start eating again. I cannot stand to see her suffer:( I love her more than anything and I cannot believe this is happening, I have had no sleep because I am constantly staring at her... Does anyone else have any experience with this syndrome? I am trting to remain hopeful but it's so hard. Please keep her in your thoughts. Thank you for listening.. This is very long, I know... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirocco_Nikki Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 lots and lots of prayers for your girl. Quote Drake - Fortified Power x Cajun Oriel Janney - Ronco x Sol Happy Waiting at the bridge: Sirocco - (Reko Sirocco) - Trojan Episode x Reko Princess; Nikki - (MPS Sharai) - Devilish Episode x MPS Daisy Queen;Yukon - (Yak Back) - Epic Prince x Barts Cinnamon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 My God, no experience with HUS but I remember that Dr C mentioned that to Jaynie's mom. All I can offer is many prayers for your girl and of course you! Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytloves Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Good golly, no experience. But fight on Lexi! Sounds as if she is one lucky girl to have you, your boss and Dr. Couto on her side! Who would have thought HUS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest runner615 Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 I'm so sorry to read about your Lexi...please know that I'm saying an extra prayer for her that she rebounds and begins to get stronger with each passing day. Stay strong and think positive...you're doing all you can do for your sweet girl (and you know she senses that ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Sending many prayers for your sweet girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Many positive and healing thoughts coming her way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Praying for both you and Lexi. I hope hope hope she feels better with the plasma and starts back on the road to recovery now. Try and get some rest. No experience with this illnes but have hunches over-vaccination caused an autoimmune disorder in one of our guys. Be well and be strong, Lexi. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shanesmom Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Sending prayers for Lexi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Oh Kelly! I'm hoping that she looks better tomorrow. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Rita the podenco maneta, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAJ2010 Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 ((((Hugs))))) I really hope she can pull through! What a nightmare. What shots did she get? Quote ------ Jessica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cello Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Many prayers for Lexi. I hope that the plasma will be an answer to your prayers and that she makes a full recovery. Hugs, Carol Ann Quote Molly Weasley Carpenter-Caro - 6 Year Old Standard Poodle. Gizzy, Specky, Riley Roo & Lady - Our beloved Greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BellesDad Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Positive thoughts and prayers for Lexi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 (edited) I am soo sorry to hear this! Wow, you are were all over this, of course. I, personally think, Dr. Couto is a GOD, myself! You are doing all the right things, and THANK GOD, you know how, and Lexi can be home with you! That is a blessing for sure! Maybe you could try force feeding? I mean, you could puree some ID with some low sodium chicken broth, and use a turkey baster or 10cc syringe with most of the tip cut off. At least that way, you could get some nutrition into her, or even baby meats. They seem to love that. Thank God she is drinking and getting fluids to keep the kidneys going. By the way, I don't vaccinate my dogs, either. Just Rabies (law). I will PM you my phone number, and please feel free to call if you need me. We could at least Brainstorm! Hugs! Dee Edited October 31, 2009 by Energy11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ashley Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 I'm so sorry, you guys are in my thoughts and heart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kelli123 Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 We will pray for Lexi and your family. God Bless her sweet little heart. I'm So sorry this is happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Oh God- how frightening. I am so sorry. Sending loads of prayers. Please update as soon as you can. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 OMG. No experience here, but fingers crossed that she makes a quick recovery. God bless Dr. Couto, what an amazing man. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FreddyGirl Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 praying that she turns the corner soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Sending a ton of prayers for your sweet Lexi, that the plasma gives her what she needs and she pulls through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurie Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Sending prayers for your girl. Quote Laurie **& Angels Emily, Beatrice, Okie, Rhemus ,Vixen, and Rose-always in my heart** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyvettech Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 ((((Hugs))))) I really hope she can pull through! What a nightmare. What shots did she get? She received the distemper vaccine (7in1) the bordetella vaccine and lymes vaccine. She has been vaccinated every year for these (rabies every three) She has never had an immune reaction. Two years ago she had a vaccine site reaction which got better in a weeks time. At work, we recently did a vaccine titer on a dog who had been vaccinated two consecutive years- and you would not believe how much protection he still had in his system.(owner requested the titer) So, I could imagine with my girls, that have been vaccinated every year for 6 years, that they would never need vaccines again! I should have never done it. I guess all vets have different opinions on this. I have learned that, again, with a lot of things, greyhounds could have more potential for a bad outcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfish Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Gosh, I'm so sorry .. I hope she pulls through! Sending prayers from England! My dogs have always been fine after vaccinations, and they've been done yearly so they could go into kennels (it's required), but Mum and I have both developed immune-related diseases after vaccinations. In our case, not over vaccination, just one each - she had the flu shot, I had the pneumonia shot. Crossing everything here for Lexi. Quote The plural of anecdote is not dataBrambleberry Greyhounds My Etsy Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 All the best for your Lexi. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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