Freya - Our Poorly Puppy

Freya's Diagnosis

·         Histopathology results compatible with lymphangiectasia.

·         Lymphatic vessels have become damaged/dilated.

·         Many reasons for this.  One of which could be a tumour.  This was never a huge concern but it was a concern, especially when actual masses were seen along her lymphatic channels nearby her intestines.

·         The reason why Freya’s are dilated is due to a very, very rare complaint called granulomatous lymphangitis.

·         A certain type of inflammation going on from potentially several different causes – bacterial problems, fungal problems.

·         Tests have not demonstrated some of the rarer causes but they could have been and gone.

·         On a blood test, 3 weeks after treatment, Freya demonstrated a nearly normal albumin level.

Treatment

Freya had a chest drain put in which stayed in place for ten days.  This allowed regular drainage of her chest without repeated anaesthesia.  It also provided a quantitative analysis of how her treatment was progressing.

Freya was then placed on Octreotide.  This required injections three times a day of 1.5ml.  Freya had the injections for ten days. 

Since being placed on the Octreotide, the amount of fluid being removed decreased.  This allowed for the removal of the chest drain.

Freya is also now on a prescription diet of Hills z/d.

Freya was on antibiotics (Metronidazole) for 6-7 weeks.

She is on a daily dose of the corticosteroid Budesonide.  Freya's dose is one 3mg capsule once daily.

As she came off her antibiotics, Freya started to experience diarrhoea again.  To sort this problem she has started on Ispaghula.  Freya is given the adult dosage of this each day.  This has helped to form the poo properly again.