Blood Update for Poppy

[BabyElephant]

I got a call from the vets last night, they have been discussing Poppy's case with a specialist at a big research facility in the East of England. Anyway this is what she told me:

they don't think that Poppy's blood disorder is congential (that's good ) and although she didn't say it they don't think it was caused by the sedative they gave her (I know I was pinning my hopes on this).

they do think it could either be a transient viral infection, a minor infection in her uterous (precursor to pyometra) or a hormonally induced thrombocytopenia caused by an increase in estrogen levels.

So I have to take her back once a month for them to take blood and send it off to monitor her platelet levels this means I still have to check daily for the bruising, still have to carry a bandage in case of injury and still have to stop her playing rough with other dogs

When they have built up a picture of her platelets over a period of months and coupled that with her general health which I have to monitor (like I don't already - lol) they will then make a decision on whether or not more tests or treatment are appropriate. But at this stage it's still very much wait and see...

[Dax]

Can I assume that they will not spay her? If it is pyrometra, should they remove the "plumbing" as soon as possible?

[BabyElephant]

Yep, they won't spay her until they know for definite what it is. It's a catch 22 they don't want to spay her in case they can't stop the bleeding BUT if it turns in to full blown pyometra then they will have to operate and hope that they can control the bleeding.

That is why they are waiting to see, they don't want to risk an op just in case. When Poppy had conjunctivitis last year and she stopped eating the vet (not our usual one) said that we had to keep an eye out for pyometra since she had just been in season. I thought only older dogs got it but apparently that's not always true.

What they can't understand is why she looks so fit and healthy, normally dogs would present with other problems so they can pinpoint what it is.

[lovemelovemedog]

I do hope there is something they can do for her. I would be a mess right about now. bug higs coming your way.

[barnjess]

I hope all goes ok for her, I know you ahve a long wait but good luck

[IcyMist]

Will keep her in my prayers, poor sweety. Could you give me a layman's explanation of what pyrometra is?

[weezyNollie]

A pyometra means pus in the uterine cavity;
It can be caused by a pregnancy, or whelping.. or sometimes they are idiopathic (meaning.. they don't know why).

I hope Poppy gets better! Keep up updated. Did they say what type of clotting disorder?

[BabyElephant]

Icy, it's as weezy said, but once females are spayed they can't get it - it's another good reason to spay. It is my understanding that it can be fatal if it's not spotted and treated early enough and it can happen in dogs that have never been pregnant.

Weezy she has thrombocytopenia but they don't know the cause which is why they gave the suggestions above. Her first platelet count was 23 (when she went in to be spayed) then it went back to "normal" levels the following week. But she also had a possible Factor VII deficiency before Christmas which they thought might have been congential but now they don't think it is. They said you don't usually get the factor VII deficieny and low platelets together?????

So now she has to have monthly blood tests to monitor the platelets and see what's happening.

[Blaze]

Poor Poppy and you having to go through all of this! I hope she gets better soon!

[weezyNollie]

I don't know which news we should hope for! The pyo wouldn't be horrible, if it is caught soon. As the clotting disorder is a permanent health disorder.

Best wishes to the next several months and the blood tests.