Hi Nikeann (& others with PLE babies).
I took JaJa to the vet on Fri. She was almost due for her annual
exam but I pushed it up because after she was groomed a couple of weeks ago & I really noticed that she had lost weight - could feel her spine & ribs.
Long story shorter, she's lost a bit more than 1/2 lb.-- supposedly though I've been feeding her more and despite her constant ravenous appetite - she's not absorbing nutrients well
... and her blood tests showed that her albumin & total protein counts have dropped (but not nearly as low
as when she was 1st diagnosed with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia June '07). Her kidneys, liver etc. are fine and show no signs of Prednisone damage. Her thyroid is borderline low but her vet doesn't want
to treat that because it might make her lose more weight and complicate the main condition.
So, we're upping the Prednisone to 1/4 tab every day (as opposed to the current every other day - she initially was on a full pill 2x/day).
I can feed her up to 20% more food. I've been feeding her Natural Balance duck & potato- canned & dry for the past 2 yrs. because overuse of antibiotics made her have serious gastro problems for 5 months. I now also add some powder from Cranactin capsules (due to her recent urinary tract infection (UTI) - prednisone can make dogs more suseptible to infections). Every so often I give her a 3V Skin Cap (supposedly essential fatty acids are helpful but will double check if this is the best formula). I also give her bits of broccoli & sweet potato from my dinner.
We're going back to the vet in 3 weeks to weigh her and get albumin & protein blood tests. I'll know this week the results of her B-12 test and if she still has immunity from rabies. We decided Not to give her a booster shot for distemper.
Our vet reiterated that this is a life long illness that can't be cured but
hopefully can be managed. Ja will almost definitely be on Prednisone forever... Her huge appetite and constant peeing is a bit trying at times... as I'm sure you can relate to. Otherwise, Ja appears healthy & happy and normal in all other ways.
The news could've been much worse, so I am thankful. Please keep sweet JaJa in your thoughts & prayers.
I will continue to have the most positive thoughts for the health of your sweet Yorkies.
Please let me know how Holly & you are doing and if you have any questions you'd like me to ask our vet.
best,
Karen