Very very poorly Benson :-( Hyperlipidemia? Auto Immune Disease? Pancreatitis?

[Linda B]

So sorry to hear Benson is so unwell, sending positive thoughts to you both.

[Bibby]

Very sorry that Benson is so poorly, I do hope the vet can stabilise him tomorrow 

[coopersmum]

Sorry I've taken so long to answer, had a crazy day at varsity! I'm so sorry Benson has AIHA Atleast you have an answer about him though. Its vital that he is treated asap so that his immune system can be brought under control and the destruction of those red blood cells can be stopped. They'll probably put him onto high doses of steroids (pred is a steroid) as well as other drugs to protect his tummy. Please, please get him back to the vet as soon as you can to start treatment, its vital.

Steff is right, CIMDA is a great group with a wealth of knowledge and support to offer on immune mediated diseases. They're really great.

I really hope Benson will stabilise soon. Big hugs to both you and him!

[ShellyJeff]

Sorry I've taken so long to answer, had a crazy day at varsity! I'm so sorry Benson has AIHA Atleast you have an answer about him though. Its vital that he is treated asap so that his immune system can be brought under control and the destruction of those red blood cells can be stopped. They'll probably put him onto high doses of steroids (pred is a steroid) as well as other drugs to protect his tummy. Please, please get him back to the vet as soon as you can to start treatment, its vital.

Steff is right, CIMDA is a great group with a wealth of knowledge and support to offer on immune mediated diseases. They're really great.

I really hope Benson will stabilise soon. Big hugs to both you and him!

When the vet called with the diagnosis this morning I was really surprised he didn't want him back today having spoken to 3 Haematologists and them all coming to the same conclusion! Instead I was just told he would be in touch once they had a definite diagnosis for his hyperthyroidism. Now I feel like he's just being left to suffer....I told him that there had been no change and he had been sleeping most of his days and evenings and he just told me it was to be expected 

I am getting on the phone at 8am tomorrow morning and asking for him to be seen, I actually had no idea it was so dangerous until I read up on CIMDA this evening!

I am so upset

[Bibby]

  for you and Benson, hopefully they will see him straight away in the morning

[coopersmum]

Hypothyroidism is usually associated with profound lethargy so the vet may be attributing his lack of energy to that, and correctly so, but anaemia also causes lethargy. The AIHA definitely needs to be addressed though as it can be a very serious condition and the sooner treatment is started the better. I'm not questioning your vet though, he has a vast amount of experience compared to me.

I really feel for you. It is so difficult to watch your happy, tail wagging friend become a recluse. Cooper had a really tough time with Immune mediated polyarthritis and I really struggled to get him stabilised and on the right track.

You're welcome to pm if you want.

[helshaw]

I would be asking the vet to put him on some sort of treatment. Busters blood count was down to 10 when he needed a blood transfusion & was on steroids straight away. He is now on much more medication but after the vets thought we were going to lose him his blood count is now up to 41 so keep positive even though i know it is hard. We have had an emotional 3 weeks but he is here full of life again and the support from cockersonline was invaluable. Will be thinking of you both x

[ShellyJeff]

Just a quick update we're due at the vets in an hour so hopefully get some meds and more answers. I will keep you all posted x

[ollie nathan's mum]

Good luck, thinking of you

[MIN]

Wishing you good news this afternoon

[ejp]

Good luck, thinking about you and Benson. 

[SusieY]

Good luck, thinking about you and Benson. 

Same from us xx

[piph]

Just wondering how things went at the vets - has Benson been put on any meds yet?

[ShellyJeff]

Hi everyone, well I have good news. He is on meds for his under active thyroid and while we were there they took a bit of blood and spun it and his red blood cell count has risen from 22% on Monday to 28% today!

His anaemia is regenerative meaning his body has kicked in and his bone marrow are producing new red blood cells. He's only on half a tablet for the thyroid at the moment because they want to monitor him carefully in case he has another anaemic crash.

We're back for more bloods on Monday.

Very much more positive and I'm feeling so relieved and optimistic!

Thanks for all your support 

[Snoo]

So pleased to read more positive news on Benson's condition, and I hope his blood count continues to improve! Keeping fingers crossed for more good news after Monday's tests.