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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    Achilles - Deramaxx blood work-up and possible iron deficiency?

    As you may know, senior Achilles (15? 18? years old) is on a maintenance dose of Deramaxx, 37mg one time daily.

    Last week he went in for bloodwork to check how this maintenance dose might be affecting his kidney function.

    I haven't had a chance do discuss the results with the vet.

    Well the kidney numbers look good. What’s interesting and a bit concerning is that the blood numbers are a bit wonky. His hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCH, and platelet numbers are all a bit under the low end of the normal range. RDW is a little high. All of which suggest an iron deficiency. So his kibble, Acana Adult, may not be meeting his iron needs. Here are Chili Dogs’ counts compared to what seems to be normal.

    Hematocrit: 33 (0.38-0.57)
    Hemoglobin: 111 (134-207)
    MCH: 21.2 (21.9-26.2)
    Platelet:123 (143-448)
    RDW: 21.3 (10.0-19.0)

    So it looks like we could add some iron rich food to his diet. Say, liver (But not a lot because we won’t want to overshoot).
    Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy

    Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles

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  2. #2
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Be interesting to see what the vet says.

    Sending mojo.
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    Mr Kleb (03-20-2019)

  4. #3
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    I hope you get it figured out. I hope the iron does the trick in improving his anemia.

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    Mr Kleb (03-20-2019)

  6. #4
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    We started giving our two Hershey and Honey some cooked liver many years ago (cooked because neither would touch raw)...did the trick. Good luck...glad to hear everything else is going well.

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    Mr Kleb (03-20-2019)

  8. #5
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    I wonder if one species liver is better than another? Chicken livers are very cheap and nice and small so easy to start with.
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  10. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snowshoe View Post
    I wonder if one species liver is better than another? Chicken livers are very cheap and nice and small so easy to start with.
    I don't know. I was told to use beef but never questioned that.

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    Mr Kleb (03-20-2019)

  12. #7
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    Talked with the vet. Reviewing the hemotology numbers reminded me that Achilles has for years presented with low-ish numbers. So it seems that is his normal. (Similar to not every humans’ resting blood pressure is 120/80). Dr. Vallee is not concerned beyond advising keeping an eye on the numbers and Chili’s behaviour and activity level.

    The vet had no specific recommendation about supplementing with liver, seeing no harm or specific benefit. If I. cook it will have to wear a gas mask (ewww not a liver fan).

    He mentioned the (to him remote) possibility of a liver condition - vacuole hepatopathy. (You can DuckDuckGo it.) While we could investigate that, try to isolate cause(s), determine appropriate treatment . . .

    . . . Chili Dog is however old he is. At least fifteen, possibly (probably?) older. It seems more important to manage the pain we know he has. He still occasionally romps on the deck (despite his pain!), definitely wants to eat, go for a walk, for a ride, and now that winter is done to lay down inside the gate to watch the world go by. We made it through the winter, which I was a little concerned about.

    A good catch was to check for heart worm, Lyme, Erlichia. A little earlier than usual to do those tests but it saves a visit in a month or so. He’s clean.

    So I’m inclined to continue as is, managing his pain, keeping an eye on him.

    A photo of treasured Chili Dog dozing on his favourite bed inside.
    Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy

    Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles

    I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .

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  14. #8
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    Sweet face. If the vet's not too concerned, I guess I wouldn't make any major changes, you've done so well by him so far.

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    Mr Kleb (03-21-2019)

  16. #9
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    Awwww....sweet puppy. That blanket is such a good color for him. (and, yes...liver seriously stinks)

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    Mr Kleb (03-21-2019)

  18. #10
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    smartrock, his temperament matches the sweet face.

    SunDance, thanks.

    We will certainly continue supplementing his kibble, possibly (probably) adding a little more meat.
    Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy

    Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles

    I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .

 



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