CrazyCresties Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 It has now been just over 7 months since Louis was diagnosed with IMHA and against all odds he is still here with me IMHA is a hateful condition with a high mortality rate, and Louis is so far one of the lucky ones that has responded well to treatment and is almost weaned off all his drugs. It hit him overnight in May, seemingly fine one day and then off his food and lethargic the next. His treatment was a high dose of pred and an immune suppressant called Atopica (cyclosporine). The pred dosage was almost killing him as much as the condition, and we had a very rough few weeks at the start while we tried to stop and reverse his body destroying its own red blood cells. He has had all sorts of side effects throughout this, muscle wastage and weakness, increased appetite and thirst, and liver issues from the pred. Oral papilloma, very dry skin and gingivitis from the Atopica. Luckily these have all been reversible and disappeared as dosages have reduced. He has had a blood test every two weeks since the diagnosis, with one every day at the start, x-rays, ultrasounds and drugs costing over $100 a week for the first few months. I've given up counting, but we are well over $16k so far. Oh, and he developed glaucoma 3 months ago! Again he has responded well to the treatment and hasn't lost his vision. Other people would think it crazy to spend so much, but he hasn't been in pain throughout this and he truly is my heart dog. I took some shots of him yesterday, as apart from the pot belly and lack of muscle tone due to not being allowed out, he is looking pretty good at the moment :) The next couple of months will be all fingers crossed as we wean him off the last drug, especially as the underlying cause of this is unknown. My little buddy boy :heart: Had enough now Full set including bloopers here - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjQsKZku Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Flying Furball Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 They're very stylish shots...right out of Australian Dogue :laugh: No obvious signs of his intense journey, looking good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harley Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Awww what a sweet little man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjosa Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 He is just gorgeous :) I can see why he is your heart dog and he is worth every penny spent on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted January 11, 2014 Author Share Posted January 11, 2014 Thanks guys, he is total sweetheart at home :D They're very stylish shots...right out of Australian Dogue :laugh: He has the flying hair shot down to perfection :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 They're very stylish shots...right out of Australian Dogue :laugh: No obvious signs of his intense journey, looking good He is just gorgeous :) I can see why he is your heart dog and he is worth every penny spent on him. Couldn't say it better. Totally scrumptious, CC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Awww... what a totally handsome lad! T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Flying Furball Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 I find the colour ones much more satisfying visually...the warmth is very nice with the colour ones... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gapvic Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Beautiful photos CC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted January 12, 2014 Author Share Posted January 12, 2014 Thank you DD, T and gapvic :) I find the colour ones much more satisfying visually...the warmth is very nice with the colour ones... I keep trying B&W and never really get it right - I need a proper lesson from someone :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tibbie_tabbie Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 <3 Prince Louis! Chewy has the pictures stuck up in his dog crate ; p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted January 16, 2014 Author Share Posted January 16, 2014 Louis and Chewy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tibbie_tabbie Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Chewy wanted me to pass on this pic of him for Louis....it's a bit NSFW Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted January 16, 2014 Author Share Posted January 16, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Maeby Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Chewy and Louis He looks great, CC, and it sounds like he's doing really well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyValley Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 He looks so good CC, amazing how he is beating the odds. So glad for you guys :) Love the photo series too, it is so recognisably Australian and so lovely and sharp I thought it must have been on your 100mm until I had a sneak peek at the metadata :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 Thanks RV :) Today is the first day without drugs for the IMHA since it started. Good blood test yesterday so down to eod and hopefully stop altogether in two weeks! Yup taken with my under used 50mm ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now