The Weekly Bleat: Maud Update #2

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Many of you have been interested in our dog, Maud, and her recovery since she became ill a few weeks ago.  After being rushed to the emergency vet due to bleeding from her mouth, etc. and spending nearly a week at the vet clinic secondary to very, very low platelet levels and red blood cell count, she was diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) and hemolytic anemia.

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, Maud has been home and feeling a bit better.  She’s eating again, gaining back two of the ten pounds she lost.  She’s also wagging her tail more frequently and howling occasionally; however, she’s still weak and unable to run or climb stairs well.  Maud is taking high doses of steroids to depress her immune system so that it will stop attacking her platelets and red blood cells, but there have been negative side effects.  Because of the heavy doses of steroids, Maud’s immunity is fragile.  She was diagnosed with a gall bladder infection last week as well as non-infectious, steroid-related growths inside her ear.

Maud’s check-up on Tuesday went well:  platelet count increased to around 200,000–an increase from 17,000 initially and 100,000 last week, hematocrit level stayed about the same, white blood cell count decreased (infection almost gone), and she gained weight.  All in all– a positive report.  While Maud is improving, she still has a way to go on her road to recovery.  The next step will be to start decreasing the dose of steroids and hope that her immune system doesn’t attack again.  Currently, Maud is visiting the vet weekly to make sure she stays on track.  We’ll keep you posted!

Many thanks to all of you who have mentioned Maud in your comments.  You are very kind to think of her and ask about her progress.  I really appreciate your encouragement and concern for her well being.  🙂

Categories: Photography, Reflections on Farm Life, The Weekly Bleat

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    • Thank you, Doug. I really appreciate your kind prayers. They mean a lot. It’s been upsetting and stressful, especially last week. We tried to decrease Maud’s prednisone due to the side effects, but her platelet level fell from 200,000 to 100,000–not good. And, then she was diagnosed with an infection, plus whatever’s going on with her ear. I don’t know where we’re going to end up with all of this. We’re hoping for the best. I’m grateful she’s stable and feeling somewhat better.

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  5. Tonya, I’ve been thinking about Maud and you all. Do you have someone to take care of her while you’re away. We’ll be in Forest next weekend and could bring her back with us and keep her for you ? I know you have someone who watches all the animals, but if u think she needs more attention. And I do have a good vet down here.

    Susan

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    • Susan, it’s so generous of you to offer to help. My parents live next door and are farm-sitting, and Mom plans on taking good care of Maud. Scott’s mom also offered to take Maud to her vet appointments while we’re away. I think we’re all set. Thanks, again. 🙂 xoxoxo

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  12. I hope that Maude recovers fully and soon. It’s so difficult with dogs, since they can’t tell us what’s wrong, and we’re left trying different things. Prayers sent Maud’s way!

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