You guys are in my thoughts - get well soon, Kelso!!!

Get well soon Kelso. Keep us posted!

I hope Kelso gets better soon!!

Sending good thoughts to Kelso!

Oh no, I'm so sorry to read this. Sending many good thoughts and healing vibes.

How is Kelso doing today?

Just saw this. Any news on Kelso? Hoping he is recovering.

How scary! Sounds like you acted quickly, though, and have a good plan of action. I do hope Kelso is feeling better soon and that you can get a handle on what's going on.

Sending my positive thoughts to both you and Kelso, hoping he is doing a bit better today

I hope Kelso is doing better today!

Poor Kelso.

I'm hoping, and praying for good news today.

Please check in Steph!! I am keeping Kelso and you in my thoughts and prayers...

I've been peeking in for an update - worried about you guys

Hey all

thanks so much for all the support, man what a great bunch, I really appreciate it

Im so sorry it takes me so long to get here to update. I had night clinic tonight at work. I also have to warn you that my updates are not entirely detailed and such at this point as I am mainly getting the info from my husband, who has been taking Kelso to the vet and talking to the vet mainly. I asked him a few times today to make sure he gets copies of labs and everything to specifically know what meds he is getting...he is trying but did not bring copies home and can't remember it all, I think he is worried and frazzled. I feel bad as I know he is trying and unfortunately I just came back from vacation so work has been hectic with my own patients and I can't get out of work to go with Kelso Dan is trying very hard and very thankful he is able to go to and from with K! I did talk to the vet briefly today.

Hopefully will have some of the lab stuff to scan in tomorrow.
Kelso spent monday at the vet and Dan took him back again this morning as planned. He stayed there all day and they said he was silly :), so that is good...but sick. Temp was 104.6. SNAP 4 was negative, specifically he said negative for heartworms, erlichia, lyme, anaplasma (Lisa is that what the SNAP 4 contains?)

They have not repeated the counts but are concerned. The vet said his spleen was not palpable, but we had not seen a BM in a few days so he did a rectal, soft stool so I think they got a sample.

When I talked to the vet he basically said he thinks it is autoimmune or a primary bone marrow problem (such as cancer) he thinks infection is apparently less likely? but he said he honestly is not sure at this point as he has had a fever... he got an injection of antibiotics (this is where info is missing as Dan does not know what) and steroids (for the autoimmune part like you were saying Lisa)

The vet called the specialist today to discuss the case as he is considering doing a bone marrow biopsy. The specialist did not want to do this at this point and is thinking that we need to get an US and xray. Kelso will likely have to be sedated for this (as the vet said even with a 104.6 fever he is.... playful ) Which I wonder about and Kelso makes me laugh as I think he is about a 4 on a scale to 10 of energy since this all started...wondering if they really know what Kelso's 10 is!! hehe

So he is going back tomorrow in the morning to stay again and I think they are planning on discussing about what all we should do if he is going to have to be sedated anyway.

Kelso is tired, no change except he ate his kibble. He gets these bursts of energy for 5 min and then lays around for the next two hours, I think he gets tired off and on when he is having a fever. He did howl with Allie at the ambulance sirens today though!

I just have such a sick feeling but am trying to stay positive for him. He is trying so hard you can tell to feel better.

thanks again, you all are an invaluable source of knowledge and support, and prayer are MUCH appreciated

Thanks so much for the update, Kelso is still in my thoughts and prayers.

Steph, I am with the specialists and not jumping to the bone marrow biopsy before some other tests.

Kelso, sending you some really good strength and healing vibes.

Thanks for the update!!! I know how frustrating it is to have such a sick dog and not know what's wrong. Continuing to keep you, Dan & Kelso in my thoughts and prayers!!! Hang in there!!!

Steph, does the vet have him on doxy while they are trying to figure this out?

Yes, the SNAP4 tests for what you said. BUT we see a lot of false negatives with that on the tick list.

Personally, I wouldn't do the bone marrow thing.

It's pretty straightforward really. Playing the game of odds, depending on the labs...you either try doxy and see if there is improvement, or you try doxy and steroids if the labs are life threatening low. There are a few other things this could be, but those are less likely, and treating in the manner above, won't hurt and may help in those cases too.

There is no harm at all in starting doxy at this point as a trial. It is an anti-inflammatory and helps in infection. autoimmune, and cancer. It is cheap and non-invasive, and has the chance of a high pay off.

I will be thinking of you guys tomorrow

You might want to contact Jean Dodds at hemopet. She works with a lot of cases of vaccine reaction. I have her protocol here - in fact, it's printed out and sitting not 5 feet from me, since it was under consideration in treating Max.

I'm on my phone, so can't look it up, but please google "immune-mediated hematologic disease and bone marrow failure" for more info.

That is for vaccine reaction. Me? I would try doxy first, or couple the above protocol with doxy for protection.

I am keeping Kelso in my thoughts and prayers Hoping tomorrow shows something simple and easy to treat.