Maltese with ITP
Hello,
I am new here. My dog was diagnosed with ITP in November. I am having a hard time dealing with this and have no one to talk to. My anxiety is getting the best of me. He is only 3 1/2 and I am constantly worrying about him. I guess I am looking for some people to talk to who can help me through this. I feel for people who are experiencing this themselves and whose pets have it also. Any communication would greatly be appreciated!🙏
Hello Casper, so sorry to hear this.
The following link may be of some use to you and provide some information and reassurance that will help -
itpsupport.org.uk/index.php...
Best wishes
Anthony
Hi Anthony, thank you for the link. I did see this support organization. It is based in the UK and they charge a recurring annual fee to join. I am a bit skeptical about giving my credit card information since it is overseas. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and send it though! It really means a lot!😊
No problem Casper, just hope that the information can be of some help & consolation.
Take care.
Hi Casper.
Is your dog name Casper? I have a dog name Casper and he is 4. He's a maltipoo though. I feel so sad for your little one right now. It's painful to know they are hurting yet they can't tell us. Most of the time they hold it in, so its difficult to tell if something is wrong. They are brave little people is how I see them.
I have ITP myself and luckily I'm not on any meds. I only increased my intake on vitamins, and foods that help increase platelet production. Of course this may not be the case for everyone, as it also depends on the severity. I did some research about dogs and found chicken soup and coconut juice can help raise platelet. Also reduce or completey stop processed food. Perhaps try fresh dog food? I purchase my dog food from Just Food for Dogs.
Of couse please do discuss with the vet on medications he can take. Eating right may help mild cases. However if his condition is more severe, he may need to be on meds to treat what is causing the low platelet count.
I do wish you all the best, and for the little guy to get better soon !
I am so sorry to hear you have ITP. I’m glad to hear though you don’t have to take any meds. Our dog is named Casper too! He is on prednisone and cyclosporine right now and I have eliminated all processed food. He now gets fresh food. Right now he is in remission but I just constantly worry if he doesn’t seem to be acting right that the ITP has come back. I appreciate you responding as I don’t have many people to talk to. It’s nice to have an outlet where other people can offer advice and words of encouragement. It makes my day!
So sorry to hear your dog has ITP. It's not easy sometimes however he will be okay I'm sure. They are resilient and stronger than we think sometimes. It's hard because you love him I completely understand that. Stay strong it will all be okay.
Thank you so much for the kind words!❤️ It really means a lot to me!
Perhaps contact a university veterinarian service near you. Ours in Minnesota is the best dealing with small animals and uncommon rare conditions. If you can find a large research hospital near you it may help?? Just a thought.
I appreciate your response! He is currently seeing a veterinarian who specializes in internal medicine. She said she has seen hundreds of cases with dogs who mysteriously get this disease. Unfortunately it’s one of those diseases where they don’t know what causes it. He is in remission but there is always a chance that it might fear it’s ugly head. I just hate having the fear of the unknown..
I have ITP in remission- can the pet take prednisone if needed? Does it work for him/her?
I am so sorry to hear that you have it as well but I’m glad you are in remission. Yes he is currently on prednisone and cyclosporine. They have been gradually reducing his prednisone but he wasn’t feeling well a couple days ago so I brought him in and turns out he had a UTI. His platelet count also dropped so now he is back to taking the prednisone every day instead of every other day.
I have a standard poodle, 8y, 62 pounds, that also has ITP. IMO, do not let a vet give your dog doxycycline and prednisone; it nearly killed mine. After treatment with high dose prednisone, my dog currently gets 5 mg prednisone daily. His platelet count is now pretty normal and we may eventually take him off prednisone.
Oh I am so sorry to hear that your dog is going through the same thing! My dog is not on doxycycline but on cyclosporine 25mg daily as well as 5 mg of prednisone. I am happy to hear your dog is doing well!😊 May I ask how long your dog has had ITP and how have you dealt with the worry and anxiety? My dog was diagnosed this past November. Thank you for replying it’s nice to hear from someone who is in a similar situation!
About 2-3 years and he is doing great.
Wow! That is great! I am happy for you both!
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Hi Casper I am so very sorry to hear this. I had not thought that animals could get ITP but of course why shouldn’t they. I am a dog lover and can quite understand how desperately upsetting it must be. But presumably your vet has put him on medication to control it and you must make sure you ask questions when you don’t understand things (like I tortured my poor consultant for my own issues) and I think when you understand how they are treating your dog you will feel less anxious. I lost my little dog who was only 5 and a half from repeated back problems. I know all about chronic anxiety and how much it is possible to love a dog as if it was your very child. Do not feel alone Casper. I hope you get other people here to reassure you and that your dog will adjust to the condition with treatment in time and if you can contact others in your situation it will comfort you. Good luck.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It really means a lot! I am so sorry to hear about your little dog. You are right that we do treat them like our own children. If only they could talk and let us know how they are feeling, it would make a world of difference!😊
Just a thought - but what about getting a second, companion dog. ITP is not contagious and it might help both you and your dog. All the very best Casper.