topic Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure in Community Chat

Update on Chloe's dental procedure

chlema — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 17:10:40 GMT

Chloe's dental procedure was cancelled this morning. The blood test showed her platelet count was very low. Doctor said he could do the cleaning but if she needed to have a tooth extracted he would be very worried doing so due to such a low count. They took some more blood and sent it out to find the cause. Since Chloe is 14 I am very worried and will anxiously await the results coming maybe late today, most likely tomorrow. They also found her kidney function was a bit low.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

candys mine — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:30:27 GMT

Sad news. But she's home now so that's good. Decreased kidney function in a 14 year old dog is not really unusual. Low platelet count is worrisome. It may be real or it could be that the platelets all clumped together creating a false reading. It's good that they are looking into that more thoroughly. Chloe didn't get into anything like onions or aspirin did she? Have you looked her over for any bruises? Bruising without trauma is one indicator her blood is not clotting well. Just remember that as far a Chloe knows she's home, safe and happy. Please give her an extra pat for me and keep us posted!

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

NickNack — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 20:25:47 GMT

I'm really sorry to hear this. I hope they figure out why her platelet count is so low. I know she really needs to have the dental. Is she able to eat anything now?

I had a dog with low platelets. They were all clumped together, so that was the reason. She was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and that's common for the breed (the clumping platelets).

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

doxie1 — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 22:55:16 GMT

Try not to panic. It may be something they can use prednisone to treat. Is anything pollinating? It may be an autoimmune issue. Wait patiently for the results and then you can make a plan of action. Good thoughts coming your way.

doxie

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

chlema — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:56:55 GMT

Thank you all for your kind words, it means a lot to me. No, Chloe did not ingest any onions or aspirin. She has a lot of fur so it is difficult to see if she is bruising, but I checked her abdomen and all is clear. She still has her appetite, but will only eat soft foods. The doctor did mention something about the possibility of clumping platelets, but did not elaborate. Should get the lab results sometime tomorrow.

Once again, thank you so very much for responding.

Chlemma

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

lucylover64 — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 04:23:46 GMT

I hope Chloe is doing okay!

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

Sammycat1 — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 05:43:56 GMT

Prayers and good wishes coming your for Chloe and the test results. It's hard when they get older and face health challenges, but the fact that she's 14 says volumes about the excellent care you've provided to her....and that you love her dearly. Try to stay positive in your thinking and know we're pulling for her.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

chlema — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:24:34 GMT

New lab test came back showing her platelet count is, as suspected, below normal. Doctor said an infection is not likely, perhaps a tumor but not cancer because her red and white blood cells are normal. He put her on prednisone for a week, then will do another blood test.

Chloe is not happy taking pills. I have been mixing the antibiotic in her food by opening the capsule, she smells it and lets it sit for a couple of hours before eating. I tried peanut butter, honey butter and cool whip, turns up her nose at them. Now I have two pills to add, the steroid and famitidine so that is more challenge. She likes cauliflower with cream sauce so I'm thinking I will try mixing the pills in that. Wish I knew what they put in her heart worm medicine because she loves loves them lol.

You're right Sammycat, we do love her and I hate to put her through all this. Yesterday was traumatic for her and she trembled in my lap (well, part of my lap that she could fit on :-) - last night. Thank you for your kind words.

Chlemma

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

candys mine — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:03:11 GMT

So sorry to hear about Chloe's results. I hope the pred makes her feel better quickly. Have you tried sticking the meds in marshmallows? She's got quite refined taste wanting cauliflower in cream sauce! Find out if you can crush everything up and add some tuna juice then squirt it in her mouth? I know she's not a cat but I have never yet had a dog refuse a taste of a tuna sandwich and the strong taste of tuna may mask the medicine smell. At my vet they have sample treats of the chewy heartworm preventative without the medication in it to see if the dog would like it. Maybe your vet could contact the company for a bag of samples? It can't hurt to ask. My best wishes to Chloe and you.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

NickNack — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:05:16 GMT

Have you tried putting her pills in Pill Pockets? Most dogs really like them.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

Sammycat1 — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:18:44 GMT

Definitely do not break open capsules with "pill material" inside -- it is very bitter. Put it in a pill pocket or wrap it tightly in cheese for her to gobble as a treat. Same as the steroid -- it's one of the worst tasting pills ever -- conceal it in something. Do not crush these and mix in food; they can smell it and won't get all of it unless you somehow get them to eat every morsel (which they usually won't).

Another thing you might do is look at tutorials on giving pills on You Tube. You might be able to chuck them down her throat with a bit of butter or pill pocket on the outside of them. This method worked best for us with our dogs and cats.

A third idea: get your vet to write an Rx for a compounding pharmacy, that can mix medicine in highly potent, dog-friendly stink things to get them to eat it.

Your poor baby, shaking on your lap. But she's on your lap, not hiding or retreating from the family -- she knows you love her and you're trying to help her. Try to act as confident as possible when giving pills and if she takes one, reward her immediately with a treat and lots of praise and hugs.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

lucylover64 — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:06:41 GMT

I am so sorry to read about Chloe....but she is so blessed (as are you!) to have you as her Mom! The ideas others gave about giving her the pills are good ones. We have typically been successful using "sticky" cheese slices or peanut butter or a tiny bit of hot dog. Our two are so sneaky about picking out the pills, and I so understand how frustrating it is--especially when you are wanting her to feel better. Best wishes and keep us posted as you feel able--

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

Kachina624 — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 06:00:31 GMT

I went through an entire small ""loaf"" of Velveeta last week just using it to give pills to dogs. It works extremely well though. They love it.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

savetheanimals — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:26:49 GMT

So sorry about your sweet girl. Please don't open the capsules or crush the pills in her food. Call your vet and ask if you can get the pills in a formula type cream that you can put inside her ears. We have a special needs cat, her head bobbles and it is almost impossible to give her pills, we use the cream formula of the pills and rub inside the tops of her ears. Works great. They should have that available. Easy to use, switch ears on each application. No stress for her. Good luck!

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

chlema — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:13:09 GMT

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas and wishes. I bought a bag of peanut butter pill pockets this morning and to my great surprise she liked them! Hopefully she'll like them again tonight for round two of meds . Now will wait and see what next Friday brings when they do another blood test.

Chlemma

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

NickNack — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 19:01:40 GMT

I'm so glad she likes the Pill Pockets! I thought she would. All of my dogs and cats that I've had to use them for over the years have liked them.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

chlema — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:13:44 GMT

Chloe had another blood test yesterday. The doctor called me this morning and he was very happy. Her platelet count is now normal and he reduced her steroids to once a day. Will follow up with more blood work in two weeks. So right now I am ""cautiously optimistic"" as the saying goes .

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

grandkidsrgreat — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:00:53 GMT

Love good news. Thanks for update.

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

NickNack1 — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:11:50 GMT

This is great news. If the blood work is still normal in two weeks, will he then do the dental?

Re: Update on Chloe's dental procedure

apple1964 — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:52:14 GMT

I have read your posts O/P and I am glad your dog is doing better. Sending more healing thoughts your way.