Post by: CoryTDF on May 13, 2010, 09:02:46 PM
Man, this is a rough month for TDF dogs. On the 5th I had to put down my buddy Jake he was 16 and lived a great life. Now my dog Boone is REALLY sick. The long and short of it is this. A month ago i took him into the vet because he looked skinny. After several tests and several hundred dollars i came up with no answers. He lost 20 pounds and was severely anemic. Not sure exactly what the vet was talking about but she said something about red blood cells and protein levels. I guess they are supposed to be around 30 and he was at 20. Well after two cycles of antibiotics and two cycles of steroids he seemed to be doing a little better. Four days ago i noticed that he was acting weird again and when he all of the sudden fell over i knew things were bad. Today he went in and i got a call that said his levels were now at 8. The vet told me that i either had to give him a blood transfusion of put him down. I gave him the transfusion. Lucky for me my buddy Johnny has the brother to my dog and he was able to donate blood. He is right now sleeping the night at the vets. We still do not have any idea what has caused any of this. Boone can use some prayers....... we could use some prayers..... this is really hard. I just lost one dog and now it looks like i might loose another. I simply don't have the funds to poor into Boone if this does not work. Just thought i would share with you all. If anybody remembers he was the Dog holding the shed that won the March POM last year. Hang in there Boone!
Post by: washelkhntr on May 13, 2010, 09:07:18 PM
Sorry to hear about this. My prayers are sent.
Post by: buckhorn2 on May 13, 2010, 09:10:27 PM
Post by: ribka on May 13, 2010, 09:23:21 PM
Looks like a really sweet dog
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on May 13, 2010, 09:27:28 PM
Post by: toe-jam on May 13, 2010, 09:29:35 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 13, 2010, 09:29:43 PM
Post by: gasman on May 14, 2010, 05:05:50 AM
Post by: markts on May 14, 2010, 05:40:45 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 14, 2010, 06:11:19 AM
Post by: boneaddict on May 14, 2010, 06:21:32 AM
Post by: GoldTip on May 14, 2010, 06:31:08 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on May 14, 2010, 06:37:32 AM
Post by: littlemac on May 14, 2010, 06:48:31 AM
Post by: Copperwood on May 14, 2010, 06:54:53 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on May 14, 2010, 07:14:43 AM
This is Mrs. Gringo and he asked me to post...(I'm a vet)..
It sounds like your dog is very anemic...There are several causes of anemia, and without seeing your dog and all the bloodwork its hard to guess whats wrong. From what you have described, I'd be thinking that he was either destroying his own red cells (an immune mediated hemolytic anemia--basically means the own body sees the red cells as the bad guys and starts killing them off) or loosing them somewhere (like bleeding out through his bowels etc...but usually you'd see that as bloody poop etc.., or parasite...etc...)
Sounds to me like your vet was thinking along the lines of the first idea, by treating him with steroids to counteract the body's immune system killing them off, and also doing antibiotics to try to get rid of a primary cause (like lyme's disease) (but most the time you never know the cause of why they start killing their own cells off...)
I've done what's called a coombs test, to diagnose IMHA...might be something to look into...
8 is pretty low... :(
Sounds like your vet is trying to figure things out, but i'd be more than happy to take a look at the bloodwork etc :) Either way, its frustrating and sad and I hope things turn out for the best :)
Blessings, and good luck :)
Mrs/Dr. Gringo
Post by: Old Dog on May 14, 2010, 07:37:18 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on May 14, 2010, 01:35:58 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 14, 2010, 02:03:18 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 14, 2010, 08:15:14 PM
HI :)
This is Mrs. Gringo and he asked me to post...(I'm a vet)..
It sounds like your dog is very anemic...There are several causes of anemia, and without seeing your dog and all the bloodwork its hard to guess whats wrong. From what you have described, I'd be thinking that he was either destroying his own red cells (an immune mediated hemolytic anemia--basically means the own body sees the red cells as the bad guys and starts killing them off) or loosing them somewhere (like bleeding out through his bowels etc...but usually you'd see that as bloody poop etc.., or parasite...etc...)
Sounds to me like your vet was thinking along the lines of the first idea, by treating him with steroids to counteract the body's immune system killing them off, and also doing antibiotics to try to get rid of a primary cause (like lyme's disease) (but most the time you never know the cause of why they start killing their own cells off...)
I've done what's called a coombs test, to diagnose IMHA...might be something to look into...
8 is pretty low... :(
Sounds like your vet is trying to figure things out, but i'd be more than happy to take a look at the bloodwork etc :) Either way, its frustrating and sad and I hope things turn out for the best :)
Blessings, and good luck :)
Mrs/Dr. Gringo
First off, I want to say thank you. It's nice to see that there are doctors out there who still have a heart and are not so stuck on the money that they wont offer any help or advise.
I have had a stool sample test and it was negative for blood and parasites. We have also ruled out Lepto and any tick type disease. His transfusions went well and he is showing signs of regeneration. When the vet tested him this morning his level was up to 15. He is very tired but i can see that he wants to get up and play. He still wags his tale when he sees me. My vet has a friend who has something to do with Pathology at WSU and i guess she is working with her trying to figure this out. Bottom line is, if House was a vet, my dog would be on that show. He is resting on the living room floor right now which is a treat for him as he is an outside dog. If I truly am in the last days with my dog i want to spend as much time with him as possible. He is tough. We went through a Arthroscopic surgery two years ago and he did very well with that. His shoulder bothers him every now and then but he fights through. In the three years he has been in our life we have been through a lot. I hope this is just another story i will tell people about my dog while he is bringing back the ducks we just shot.
Thanks again,
Cory
Post by: BIGMIKE on May 14, 2010, 11:32:51 PM
dozen arrows.....$110.00
hunting boots....$120.00
knowing Boone and Cory who let me take a shower at his home after a week at elk camp.......priceless, I am greatfull. :)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 15, 2010, 11:58:21 AM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on May 15, 2010, 12:35:22 PM
Post by: sisu on May 15, 2010, 01:11:58 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 15, 2010, 09:42:51 PM
Post by: goosegetter79 on May 16, 2010, 10:09:23 AM
Post by: Schmalzfam on May 16, 2010, 09:59:04 PM
Post by: sisu on May 17, 2010, 07:00:15 AM
Keep at it Boone.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 17, 2010, 10:02:53 AM
Post by: huntlakewood on May 17, 2010, 11:07:58 AM
Post by: tndrft on May 17, 2010, 11:34:05 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 17, 2010, 04:43:40 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 17, 2010, 04:45:22 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 17, 2010, 04:47:23 PM
Post by: mad-bomber on May 17, 2010, 07:36:20 PM
North Spokane Veterinary Clnc - Spokane, WA, 99218 -(509) 466-4696
Post by: Elkstuffer on May 17, 2010, 07:44:16 PM
Post by: Curly on May 17, 2010, 07:55:28 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 18, 2010, 09:23:44 AM
sorry about your dog man. there is a vet up here in spokane that knows his labs really well. he fixed up mine after three other vets couldnt if would like his number. it sucks when they cant figure it out as fast as you want them too.
North Spokane Veterinary Clnc - Spokane, WA, 99218 -(509) 466-4696
Called and was told that she might have time to talk with my vet but she was really busy. Receptionist was going to run it by the vet and see if she had time to take a look.
Post by: CoryTDF on May 18, 2010, 03:34:19 PM
That is my vet. Near the Y. Great people that care about the critter and the owner.sorry about your dog man. there is a vet up here in spokane that knows his labs really well. he fixed up mine after three other vets couldnt if would like his number. it sucks when they cant figure it out as fast as you want them too.
North Spokane Veterinary Clnc - Spokane, WA, 99218 -(509) 466-4696
Called and was told that she might have time to talk with my vet but she was really busy. Receptionist was going to run it by the vet and see if she had time to take a look.
Just got off the phone with Dr. Alsted. She is a very nice lady. She gave a few suggestions that we had not yet thought of. I'll be taking him in for these final two tests. If they don't show anything then I'm just going to wait it out. As soon as i notice that his quality of life is to poor I'll be compelled to put him down. I pray that is not the case. Thanks everybody for your kind words.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 18, 2010, 03:37:41 PM
Post by: Ironhead on May 18, 2010, 06:38:17 PM
Post by: quadrafire on May 18, 2010, 09:04:09 PM
His red blood cell level went from 8 to 16 after his transfusion and 4 days later it has fallen to 11.
Cory,
The drop after a transfusion is not unusual, and typically happens to some degree. It sounds like the most likely cause is immune mediated as has been mentioned in earlier posts. Depending on the amt of drop, it may be necessary to transfuse again. I am assuming he is on immune suppressing drugs (prednisone, azothioprine or others). It can take several days for these to take effect, and it is a painful wait to see if they are going to work.
This disease (autoimmune hemolytic anemia) is not extremely common, but is seen enough to give us fits in diagnosis and treament. One of the bad things is that there is not usually a definative cause, but lots of speculation placing blame on certain things, most unproven.
I would assume from your initial work-up that rodenticides have been ruled out and that he is not losing blood in the bowel, or in the abdomen.
As hard as it is, be patient, get more blood if you need, because as the blood count gets lower his energy level drops. Keep his stress levels and exertion to a minimum. A good multivitamin, maybe with iron would not hurt. I think you already said that he was on antibiotics, I can't remember. This drug treament is essentially like chemotherapy for cancer, and he is more prone to bacterial infections so keep other strange dogs away if you can. When the meds start to work, don't be in any hurry to discontinue them, it will take several months of treatment before he is out of the woods.
Hope I am not overstepping my bounds.
Anyway. The best of luck.
Speedy healing Boone
Mike
ps. I am vet by the way
Post by: Rowdy on May 19, 2010, 09:22:57 AM
I had a buddy recently go through this exact same thing with his pup. It was touch and go for quite awhile but after three blood transfussions and the meds finally kicking in the pup got back on track. It was touch and go the whole time and they were never certain if he would snap out of it but the blood and meds finally got his count back to normal and he's been good for the last month or so.
I wish you and the pup the best. It tough to watch are four legged friends hurt.
Jake
Post by: huntlakewood on May 21, 2010, 06:07:44 AM
Any updates on Boone. Hope every thing is well and he is eating more of your elk steaks.
Post by: 1morebuck on May 21, 2010, 11:26:29 AM
Kelly
Post by: Copperwood on May 22, 2010, 12:02:05 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 22, 2010, 08:30:55 AM
Well Boone is taking a turn for the worse. He has pretty much stopped eating he is losing weight fast. His energy level is very low. I am starting to think that this is the end. I'll take him in on Monday for a few more tests but it does not look good. Anyway, just a quick update i'll let ya know how Monday goes.
Post by: ICEMAN on May 22, 2010, 08:40:13 AM
Post by: WCTaxidermy on May 22, 2010, 10:51:55 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 22, 2010, 10:55:03 AM
Post by: buckhorn2 on May 22, 2010, 11:50:30 AM
Post by: Schmalzfam on May 23, 2010, 09:38:04 PM
I hope tomorrow goes well. It's hard...they are like our kids. Prayers said for him.
Post by: huntlakewood on May 24, 2010, 06:31:41 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 24, 2010, 09:56:32 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 24, 2010, 11:14:22 AM
Post by: Fastass350 on May 24, 2010, 09:27:57 PM
Post by: Copperwood on May 24, 2010, 09:30:21 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 25, 2010, 11:39:26 AM
Post by: longrange7mm on May 25, 2010, 11:48:49 AM
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on May 25, 2010, 12:07:01 PM
For weight to be put back on try these. I rescued a dog one time while hunting he weighed 37 pounds. I had him up to 64 pounds in about a month. Also have they seen if your dog is auto immune? I had my bluetick almost go down on me and it sounded like the same thing. A lot of the tests they were doing was actually hurting him because his immune system could not take it. Even for him to get his rabies shot now I have to put him on meds 3 weeks out. Good luck to you.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Put-weight-on-your-dog-with-satin-balls/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/Put-weight-on-your-dog-with-satin-balls/)
Post by: Schmalzfam on May 27, 2010, 03:41:51 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 31, 2010, 07:23:34 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on May 31, 2010, 07:25:08 PM
Post by: Goldeneye on May 31, 2010, 07:42:37 PM
Tim
Post by: bowhunterforever on May 31, 2010, 07:46:42 PM
Post by: Curly on May 31, 2010, 07:51:23 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on May 31, 2010, 07:51:37 PM
Post by: Elkstuffer on May 31, 2010, 07:57:14 PM
Rest in peace Boone!
Post by: sisu on May 31, 2010, 08:14:25 PM
Scott
Post by: 6 Point on May 31, 2010, 08:18:52 PM
Post by: mulehunter on May 31, 2010, 08:29:37 PM
Mulehunter
Post by: Copperwood on May 31, 2010, 08:51:51 PM
Post by: Huntbear on May 31, 2010, 08:54:03 PM
Well Cory you did everthing you could. I never new your dog but just followed the story as others did and as the story went on we felt like a part of it it and prayed and hoped as you did. I know others will have tears as I do as his struggles have ended but he was a very very lucky dog to have the family and friends and the Master that he had. RIP
My sentiments exactly. Boone is in a good place now. RIP.
Post by: Kuduman on May 31, 2010, 10:55:55 PM
Been following this thread and hoping it turned out differently.
All things aside, Any true waterfowler will agree that the best hunting buddy we have are the four legged ones. Labs like Boone and my Magnum live life with a passion and vigor that we cannot comprehend. They have the uncanny ability to love without condemnation and live their lives without regrets.
A true water dogs life is a hard and unforgiving one swimming through ice and pounding the brush in search of downed game has got to take it's toll on them yet the wouldn't change it for the world, They are truly in their element and doing what they were bred to do. .
I put Magnum down last year and think of him daily I'm not sad he's gone because it was my decision to let him go rather I feel fortunate to have spent so many wonderfull years with such an amazing friend that never left my side.
People can learn a great deal from Boone and Magnum
Sorry for your loss
Jeff
A.K.A. Kuduman
Post by: CastleRocker on June 01, 2010, 04:58:30 AM
That about sums it up. Couldn't have said it better.
I've been following this thread every morning. Sorry it turned out this way. My son's chocolate lab is named "Boone" as well.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on June 01, 2010, 10:19:11 AM
Post by: ladyelkslayer on June 01, 2010, 10:30:47 PM
RIP Boone
Post by: tlbradford on June 02, 2010, 07:58:04 AM
Post by: WCTaxidermy on June 02, 2010, 09:29:23 AM
Post by: MasterMisser on June 02, 2010, 12:40:12 PM
P.S. Next time I come down we are getting drunk!!!
4 SHOTS OF TEQUILLA AT ONE TIME CAN REALY FU*K A GUY UP!!!
I hope that made you smile..... ;)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 02, 2010, 12:59:23 PM
Post by: MasterMisser on June 02, 2010, 01:14:20 PM
Man he hated me during this time...
Post by: Austrian Hunter on June 02, 2010, 02:16:23 PM
Post by: goosegetter79 on June 02, 2010, 08:44:04 PM
Post by: ribka on June 02, 2010, 08:47:47 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 07, 2010, 12:05:02 PM
Post by: huntlakewood on June 07, 2010, 05:28:40 PM
Post by: Buckblaster on June 24, 2010, 02:13:49 PM
Your story brought a tear to my eye. My dog is a part of our family. Its hard to lose that member of your family. I feel for you man!