I hope this is the last health-related post I have to do for Abbye for a long time. Today’s blood test revealed that her liver enzymes have dropped to 45; a normal reading is under 100, and the initial test two weeks ago had her pegged at a scary 668.
It seems obvious now that the Rimadyl was indeed the culprit; if your dog is on a steady regimen of Rimadyl for arthritis pain, make sure that the animal is getting regular blood tests to monitor its liver enzyme level. If your vet doesn’t agree…consider finding another vet. Seriously.
Her white blood count is still a little elevated, but not to the point of concern. It’s always been on the high side…one of her many peculiarities. We’re going to keep her on antibiotics for another ten days, and she can go back on her thyroid medicine, which we hope will get her appetite and coat back in shape. But she seems to be feeling good — practically frisky — so that’s one less thing we have to worry about.
And I do appreciate all the expressions of concern and good wishes left here for our little dog. You guys are great!
Awesome news!!!
Awe I feel bad because I haven’t logged on in a while and didn’t know she got that bad. I just barely got back to posting on my blog (which no, I haven’t deserted if anyone cares LOL) I hope Abbye continues on to a 100% complete recovery. Get well soon!
Hooray!
Hooray!
Hooray!
Give Abbye a hug for me!!
Great news! We’re really glad!
You go dog!!
Thanks again, folks. Abbye says “thanks” also (although she’d prefer to skip the hugs, if you don’t mind. Personal space issues and all that, you know.)
What’s horrible is that I kind of skim over your Abbye posts (I’m sorry, I’m sorry!)…I knew that about Rimadyl. My sister is a vet tech, and we’ve both been heavily into animals, and she often sends medicines, shots, etc. up here for me to administer.
We had a German Shepherd with hip problems (hip dysplasia a problem for the breed) and I cautiously used Rimadyl, but my sister was adamant it was a temporary thing because…it wrecks the liver. That dog has since died, but not because of the liver thing.
Sorry, Eric. I could’ve maybe helped. My sister would have said, right away, lose the Rimadyl. That’s the problem.
I have guilt over my selective reading…
Julie, you’ve nothing to feel guilty about…nothing at all! We knew the risks all along; Abbye’s symptoms just really spiked without warning.
Thanks for caring!