Dr.Top made another home vet visit to see Bolo last week. He examined him and took blood samples to check on several things:
- Liver function
- Gall Bladder
- Potassium (Electrolytes)
The results are in…
Bolo’s liver function has doubled since his last visit. Be careful when giving your pet Rimadyl or other NSAIDS as they can cause problems in your pet’s liver and kidney function, and are usually only a temporary solution for pain or inflammation control. They should only be used under close veterinary supervision as regular blood checks need to be monitored. Bolo had been on these too long, in trying to give him prolonged use of his legs, even tapering the dose several times, but unfortunately it took its toll on his liver.
We will be changing the medicine as soon as it comes in, hopefully within the week. Living in Thailand, and going to a local vet, sometimes means a bit of a wait. This is giving his body a little break though from months of medications, not a bad thing in my opinion. We’ll give it a try soon and post later on its effectiveness.
The new medicine is S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe), it’s created by the body from an essential amino acid called methionine. SAM-e for dogs is a dietary supplement that mimics the SAM-e that is naturally made by the body. It is commonly used an anti-oxidant supplement to treat several common problems in pets, especially cats and dogs, including liver disease, osteoarthritis, age-related behavior changes, and other cognitive and nerve disorders in mammals.
Bolo’s Gallbladder was 10 times the normal level. This is of course a concern, so a swift medication change is needed here as well. An increase this high shows inflammation of the gall bladder and/or an issue with bile flow.
The new medicine is Ursodiol, a naturally occurring bile acid that is made by the liver and is secreted in small quantities into bile, used for treating liver disease in dogs and cats. It is used to dissolve and prevent cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. It is a popular drug prescribed to treat pets with chronic liver disease because it increases the flow of bile acids. The medication should take effect within days, so hopeful he’ll get some relief. In rare cases, ursodiol can cause the liver disease to worsen, let’s hope that’s not the case for Bolo. We will keep an eye on his levels (remaining hopeful!), and will update again on his progress.
Bolo’s Potassium was slightly low. He’s had terrible incontinence for some time and urinates every hour or sometimes more, so it’s no surprise he has a low reading as he must be dehydrated due to the constant urination.
A natural potassium supplement, potassium citrate, will be started along with the other medications. Banana can also be used, but Bolo is a hardcore carnivore and wouldn’t consider eating fruit!
Again, incredibly thankful to Dr. Top for making the home visit, and providing such great care for Bolo. He absolutely loves his vet!
We’re so appreciative to Bolo’s followers, especially in his old-age medical journey, and hope his trials can be of some use to your ageing pet(s).
With gratitude,
Kelly
🤞Kelly, give soldier Bolo a big hug from us here in UK.😘🙏
Will do Pam, thank you so very much! Love to you, John and the girls.XX
I have read, just too let you know. Don’t know what to say. Big kiss 💋 😘 💕.
Yay Corinne, thank you! I know you love and do your best for all doggos!
Good to know Kelly as Gaela is on Previcox for her back legs. As well as a monthly injection.
I’m sure you’re doing all the right things for Gaela, and as long as you have a great vet you can trust, that’s the best you can do. Good luck with her treatment and hold her close. Love you sis!
This sounds like what Ruby Too went through. I’m so sad I didn’t do more to keep her comfortable. I miss her so badly! Thank you for your information for senior dogs!! Love you! 🐶
As you know each dog is so individual and it’s really a case by case. You were the best mom to Ruby and that is the truth, she was a very special girl! It’s always a learning curve when having a dog with health issues, don’t be too hard on yourself. Love you too!
Hang in there, Bolo (& you Kel 😉 You are so fortunate to have such a wonderful vet!
Thank you Ellen! We have the best vet in town, he spends so much time with Bolo, such special attention he lavishes on him. I’m so very grateful!
Sorry to hear that Bolo has experienced complications from his meds. Glad he is going to get a break, but I hope this doesn’t mean you will have to deal with more leakage and clean up ;0 But, I know you have no choice but to do all that you can to care for the love of your life!
Thanks El, it certainly has been a challenge for both of us. We’re all doing the best we can. but the boy is getting tired – and mom too. We’ll keep it up though and see how he goes, fingers crossed!
Huge hugs to you big fella – and to your beautiful devoted Mum
Thank you Susan, we’re doing our best!