BLOG DISCLAIMER

**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a veterinarian, and the purpose of this blog is solely to educate, provide resources, and share Reo's story. In this blog, I will present research and information on the theories of SARDS to which I subscribe, along with my own narrative. If you think your dog may have SARDS, or adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, please seek veterinary care right away!

If you are just beginning your SARDS education, I suggest you start with the blog post from August 22, 2011 entitled "SARDS Resources". If you'd like to know our trials, tribulations, and joys from the beginning, start with "But first...Reo!" and click chronologically on from there.

If you would like to read my suggestions as to how I would approach treatment for a newly-diagnosed dog, check the November 16, 2011 post "If I had another SARDS dog" (and then read my blog more fully for appropriate context).

Though we have decided to suspend Reo's retinal protection supplements in September 2012 (see September 16, 2012 post "Decision for Reo") due to the fact that she had very little remaining vision, I am still strongly supportive of our treatment approach, and know that it changed Reo's health and longevity in a positive way. Feel free to comment and ask me any questions - I am happy to help if I can!

Update: Reo became an angel on October 21, 2014. She had a profound kidney infection, causing acute kidney failure, and she was unable to recover. The contributing factors to her decline are covered in my February 16, 2015 blog post "Farewell to Reo".

Though I do not regularly update this blog any longer, much of the information is still relevant (though some of the links may be out of date). Feel free to join the conversation at "SARDS Dogs United" on Facebook.




Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Fifth EI-1 panel

01/17/12 - Today I got Reo's latest blood results back from NVDS.  Results are in the last column on the right.
Reference Range
16-Mar-11
30-Apr-11
15-Jun-11
4-Aug-11
4-Jan-12
Total Estrogen
30 - 35
35.19
35.15
35.11
35.06
35.04
Cortisol
1.0 - 2.5
8.43
7.03
0.97
0.82
0.68
T3
100 - 200
62.7
72.12
87.92
156.94
135.29
T4
2.0 - 4.5
0.87
1.15
1.6
3.99
3.21
IgA
70 - 170
50
53
57
65
67
IgG
1,000 - 2,000
722
754
883
946
973
IgM
100 - 200
74
76
87
97
97


- Her total estrogen is still slightly high, though it is lower than it has been, which is in the right direction.
- Cortisol continues to decrease, which shows that her high levels in previous tests have been an isomer of cortisol (deoxycortisol).  As previously stated, Reo's cortisol-producing capacity is extremely low, which means she is more of an atypical Addison's dog as it relates to her adrenal glands.
- T3 and T4 thyroid continue to be normal, which is great!
- Immunoglobulins are slightly low, but just barely so, and they continue to rise.

Overall, I was a bit surprised that Reo wasn't "normal", because she is doing so well these days!  However, these are steps in the right direction, and so we will continue to maintain our regimen of hormone supplementation and Levin's SARDS supplements for the foreseeable future.

Thinking about how Reo was acting just a year ago versus how she acts today is like night and day.  There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Caroline Levin and Dr. Plechner saved Reo's life.  Every time I look at Reo, I'm so happy we initiated their suggested protocols without delay.  Reo got her sight back, to be sure, but more importantly, she got her life back!  Gooooo Reo!  :)






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4 comments:

  1. LoriJanuary 21, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Hi Lynn,

    My 6 year old maltese, Bennie was diagnosed with SARDS this past week. Your blog has been very informative and helpful to me. Could I contact you via email to ask you some questions?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lynn L.January 21, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Hi Lori, I am sorry to hear about Bennie's diagnosis. I know what you are feeling, and it's not easy; but, I'm glad reading Reo's story has helped you. Please feel free to contact me at cookypuss1 at gmail dot com - I am traveling next week for work, but will be as prompt as I can! Best wishes to you and Bennie, Lynn and Reo

    ReplyDelete
  3. SusanJune 9, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    Hello, Lynn --

    Your blog is a wonderful resource, and an encouraging story for those of us whose dogs have been diagnosed with SARDS. My 8-year-old Havanese, Chloe, got the bad news on Thursday. Because of your blog, I have (1) ordered Caroline's book, (2) shipped Chloe's blood serum to the Texas lab, (3) set up a consult with Caroline today, and (4) enlisted the help of my wonderful vet (who has several patients with Cushing's disease) who is as eager as I am to learn what can be done to retain Chloe's remaining sight.

    Thank you for taking the time to document the long, harrowing journey Reo and you have been on. I am so glad that she is thriving and improving.

    Susan and Chloe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn L.June 9, 2012 at 12:40 PM

      Hi Susan,

      I'm so sorry to hear about Chloe, but happy that you've found some comfort in Reo's blog! Good for you for being proactive - I'm so happy to hear that your vet is willing to explore this road with you. I know you will be blown away by all of the information that Caroline gives you in your consult.

      Sending you lots of strength and luck, and let us know if we can do anything to help you on your journey!

      Best,

      Lynn and Reo

      Delete

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