Epi4Dogs

I don't have any experience with canines using Xarelto, but my husband took it for a little while and it made him tired. I'm glad to hear that Finn is wanting to play.

Hi Stacie, Hope your hubby is doing better now!!!!!

We got positive news regarding Finn's heart ultrasound results today. Normal cardiac function, no DCM. Thankfully, we won't need additional heart medication for him. We've always been worried about his heart because of elevated Cardiopet results. The Cardiologist says higher proBNP levels may be related to some reduced compliance of the ventricle that may be secondary to systemic conditions or renal function and to look into glomerulonephritis. The Internist already has and his kidneys seem ok.

He had blood work taken today to see if the Xarelto is working. We'll know more in a week or two. The clot is in the left femoral artery.

His appetite has decreased a bit again so maybe hunger was a temporary side effect of the Xarelto or the Plavix. He whines at 5 am to wake us up and go for a walk. He's a morning dog, too bad his parents aren't morning people. He would like us to walk him longer on his walk too, so his energy levels are still good. We've increased his Tylosin back up to 4 pills a day because he's getting a bit of gas and poop just a little more soft. Maybe the pills are affecting his GI a bit. Hope that doesn't worsen.

I hope your husband is better Stacie.

And I forgot to ask about a study using Xarelto. That's a really good idea as a cost saver. We'll see once we know if it's working.

I haven't asked the Internist yet, but was wondering if Finn's BNP levels have gone up and down, which indicates the heart muscle is stretched and pumping harder, and his IDEXX kidney levels are sometimes elevated and then sometimes not, plus the history of rear leg lameness which also goes away would be signs that he's had clots in the past and they perhaps were reabsorbed by his body. Just a thought. We'll never know I suppose.

Glad to hear the good report on Finn....no abnormal heart issues. You must feel very relieved. Fingers crossed that the Xarelto is doing its job. Let us know when you get the blood work done and the results. Hang in there. We are rooting for Finn.

Barb

Glad to hear things are going much better. Keep us posted on how things are going - it takes a village with these pups

I have no advice ...... I am just following this post.. Rooting for you Finn !

That is FANTASTIC new that there is no DCM... WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And sure hope the Xarelto works it's magic..... of course if you could only get the Xarelto a wee bit cheaper, that would also be magical too!!!

Please continue to keep us posted.... and Madelon is correct, it takes a village with these pups... we are all here for you.

Finn had his follow-up ultrasound today and his clot is gone. They said a bit further down from where the clot was there is an area where the wall is thickened but the blood is flowing through well. We'll know more when the Internist gets the report and we hear how she wants to proceed but we are happy to know the meds broke up the clot. Sounds like he may need to stay on the meds, maybe long term, but will see what she thinks about it all.

He's not as interested in his food the last couple days but still eating ok, and was having some gas so we'll have to let her know that but that could be reflective of just about anything with this stomach issue prone dog as anyone on this forum understands. His appetite has increased and decreased of this drug with his diet unchanged.

The other night he was being really silly and wanting to run and play. We've been keeping him pretty subdued and I think he's ready to get out and play more. I'll post after we hear from the vet. Each day we have with him is a blessing.

Thankyou for the update, so great to hear the clot is gone! Keep us updated.