Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - 3 year old Doodle dx'ed today

I just got home from admitting my 3 year old labradoodle to the animal hospital. Yesterday she was very lethargic and wouldn't eat, today she collapsed twice trying to walk across the room. When we got to the vet, her PCV was 10, and the vet took blood for tests then had me take her right away to the hospital, where she is receiving a blood transfusion and IV fluids now. I'm freaking out reading about AIHA, which is what both the vet and the vet specialist think we are dealing with. I can't believe she got so sick so fast!

Christina Chicago

Hi Christina, I am sitting here looking at my 3 year old who is recovering after a PCV of 3.... She is now at 48. She was diagnosed in Sept. '08. It's so hard, but you and your girl can make it! You should see a big improvement after her blood transfusion. You will learn a lot from this site. I will be praying for you and your girl and the doctors. Hang in there and DON'T GIVE UP!!!! Mia's story sounds just like yours! It happens so fast...... We are all in this together! God bless you.... -Liz and Mia

Liz Nashville

Thanks, Liz. I'm still totally freaked out. I've never spent a night without her, or she with me...I'm a basket case. I'm praying for the best - thanks for the encouragement!

Christina Chicago

I am there with you! I was totally freaked out too. I had never heard of this before she was diagnosed. Her PCV was 18, 8 then 3 - all in about 2 days. But, she's totally off all meds now and is doing WONDERFUL! The vets can't believe she's still with us. Just keep reading and get as educated with this as you can! I don't think I ever cried so much. I can't have kids so she is my kid! She is my miracle and your girl can be yours!! Good luck, hang in there.... and go see her as much as you can!

Liz Nashville TN

Christina - I'm sorry about your labradoodle. You've found a great place for information and support - everyone here has been in your shoes. For many of us, the onset of the disease was sudden and we were dealing with something we had never heard of before. One of the most important things is to have a vet who is well-versed in dealing with IMHA and (in my opinion) someone who is open to different approaches - from this board, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to successful treatment - different things work for different dogs (my dog was one of the "atypical" cases). It sounds like you have her in good place - who is her specialist? I'm in Chicago as well - so let me know if I can help you with anything at all. Liz is right - many dogs beat this. But, I know that doesn't make tonight easier. Take care and I hope all goes well for your girl tonight - what's her name? Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Hi Christina, I am so sorry your Doodle is so sick. But you sure came to the right place for help and support. My standard poodle Kahlu got diagnosed January 24. and is now on the very slow road of recovery. In the first dark days I went on Joanne's site http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html many times. I concentrated on the success stories and read them over and over. They saved my sanity. I also learned so much on that site and on this board. Just today i said to my husband, if I would not have read all the stories about the side effects of the drugs i would go insane just about now. There is no quick fix, and the first days are so hard. But there is hope and I know all the people on this board will cross their fingers, send positive energy and pray. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Christina, I went through this 4 weeks ago and was a mess for the first week and have never cried so much so know how you feel. Madison was fine on the Sunday then so ill on the Monday. She had 2 tranfusions within the first 3 days of diagnosis and was on IV fluids for 4 days plus medication. I then got to take her home. She was very weak for another week and then started to spark up. He blood count rose to 32 and now after 4 weeks her blood count is 36. She is going great now and i just keep hoping she will continue to improve so there is hope for you Doodle. Thinking of you Samantha

Samantha Australia

I'm sorry to hear about your baby, just know that everyone here, while at different stages, understands exactly what you are going through. Research and learn everything you can, you will need to be your baby's biggest advocate and cheerleader, and sometimes when things appear to be at their worst, they can turn it around, hang in there! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Hi - thanks for everyone's notes. My sweetie's name is Nicky, and she's a 3 year old lab /standard poodle mix (doodle). She's never been one single day or night without me - I work from home and take her everywhere - so I am worried about her freaking out tonight alone in the hospital! Our specialist is in Grayslake (for Bonnie) - he's a hemotology expert, but he's concerning me - asked tonight about doing an xray to see if she swallowed a penny, even though I told him over and over she's never alone, and if she chews, it's certainly not change! So I think I need to find a real AIHA specialist in the morning. Phew - not sleeping...obsessing instead!

Christina Chicago

Christina, Your Vet was asking the right question, zinc from pennies can bring on AIHA so you might want to give him a chance. Don't worry about her being away from you tonight she is really really tired from the low oxygen so she is probably sleeping a lot, unlike you I am sure. Hopefully you will have better news tomorrow. It is really difficult in the first few days because your mind is just spinning trying to grasp what is going on. Know that there are lots of people here that you can lean on and never worry about asking questions about anything. That is how we all learn. Best to you and Nicky. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Creek

Christina, I can understand your panic about Nicky. I have only been away from my dog about 4 nights in his life and he is now 11. I am sorry this is happening so quickly to you and I hope that he will be home with you very soon. In fact, the zinc in a coin can cause sudden anemia that can appear to be like AIHA. A good vet will apply all diagnostic tools when a dog presents with sudden anemia. There are many causes of anemia other than autoimmune. Many of them can be ruled out pretty quickly but it's good to make sure! At the age of 3, I guess Nicky is a bit old to be picking up things like a puppy would. Other causes can be things like medications (prescribed or ingested by accident), tick diseases, different forms of tumors, kidney problems, ingestion of onions, recent vaccinations and even something as unrelated as bee stings. These last two have a tendency to over alert the immune system. In fact, in recent times many veterinary texts are now calling AIHA (autoimmune hemolytic anemia) IMHA (immune mediated hemolytic anemia.) The difference is subtle but hints at the fact that some of these cases may be due, in part, to an outside stimulus of the immune system rather than a singular direct fault in the immune system. I can understand your difficulty with sleeping and wondering what is going to happen. Right now you lack the knowledge of what is happening and it's hard to make decisions properly. Spend some time reading as much as you can about this condition. Start with Joanne's website and also google. Using the term "canine" with things like AIHA or IMHA will find more authoritative information. I particularly like this websites description and accompanying pictures: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_imha.html I will be thinking about you tonight. patrice

Patrice NYS

My doodle is 1 year old and was diagnosed jab 27 he is doing really well now. He was 12% when he had his transfusion. He was 24% post transfusion then 32% four days later. He is due to be checked again this coming thursday. He is getting his energy back and is really hungry. He is also panting more. He is on pred. Azathioprine pepcid and 20mg aspirin. He just finished his doxycycline. This has been the longest 2 weeks of my life. But I am optimistic I have been reading the posts but this is my first time posting.hang in there I will be praying for you all

carol Washington

I am sorry to hear about Nicky's diagnosis and I will keep her in my prayers. I have been lurking on this thread ever since my dog Ginger was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years ago and I have seen many dogs survive and go on to live normal lives, so there defiantly is so much hope. If you can try to read everything you find on AIHA and if for some reason you feel the vet is not providing the proper treatment then please speak up and ask why and don't be afraid to switch vets if need be, also you might want ask if you can have a copy of the results of any blood tests or any other diagnostic tests performed, just for your records. Take the time to review them and hopefully the next time you get them you can see an improvement and will be familiar with her numbers. Hang in there and please keep us updated and if you have any questions please feel free to ask away as there are many here who have walked this bumpy road before you. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Christina - We went through a battery of diagnostics to rule out other causes of the anemia before landing at the IMHA diagnosis - x-rays, abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds, tick panels, etc. I'm sure it struck you as unusual at the time but the vet is right to rule out other things. That being said, if you feel like you need a 2nd opinion, listen to your gut. I have names & numbers of several board-certified internists in the area (I'm on the far north side of the city) - I'm happy to email them to you if it will help - let me know. I hope this morning brings better news for you and Nicky. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Christina, I am in the Grayslake, Round Lake area. I have gone through two battles with AIHA. If you need an ear, or help finding some Vets in the area, please feel free to email me. blessings, Julie

Julie IL

Hi Christina, Another Chicagoan chiming in here to second what Bonnie said. There can be a lot of causes for anemia and it's best to rule out the easier ones. I can also offer our internist, but he's in Berwyn, not that close to you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help-I remember the fear of those early days. Slinky has fought back from a PCV of 17 and is doing great now. You have access to so many great vets in this area-you guys can do this!

Stephanie Chicago

Christina, I am hoping as everyone ele Nicky will take a turn for the better. My boy also was brought in with a pcv of 9. This was 2.5 years ago. He required,over a number of months, four transfusions to begin to recover. It has been a long journey, but he is now doing well. I didn't see anyone else mention this as a potential reason for initiating AIHA, but my dog was stricken due to a flea control product, Frontline. This spot-on and other flea control products contain fipronil, which is a strong pesticide. Pesticides are very toxic when absorbed by the system. The pharmaceutical companies that produce these products lie outright to consumers for their profit gains and tell you they do not penetrate the outer-layer of the skin. I'm sure you are too worried now to do a lot of research in varied areas, such as flea control products but I am just trying to share with you mine and many other pet owners experience with these very dangerous products, if indeed you have used same. Hang in there and know your baby can recover from this awful disease. It will take some time and a lot of your love, which your Nicky will feel from your heart. Best, Jan When able, you may wish to read letters from consumers via a website devoted to providing consumers with info on dangerous flea control products. http://www.elversonpuzzle.com/biospot.html

Jan PA.

Hi everyone - thanks for the info. Nicky spent one night in the hospital, got her transfusion and IV fluids, and was started on both meds for a tic bourne illness and steriods for AIHA. She went into the hospital with a PCV of 10, and came out with a PCV of 20! I got her yesterday, took her right to our regular vet who knows Nicky very well, and said that no xray was the right call, because Nicky doesn't eat anything strange, never has. He kept her on IV fluids and the med regimen, and her PCV at the end of the day was holding at 20. Our first retic test came back as non-regeneterive, which he said is usually a bad sign that her bone marrow can't reproduce blood cells, but since he did the test so close to her crisis, he wants to redo it again at the end of the week before we make any conclusions. She slept in bed with me last night so I could watch over her (she slept, I didn't). She was hyperventilating for about 2 hours, and I almost scooped her up and took her back to the hospital, but she calmed down and slept soundly for the first night since this started. The hospital said she didn't sleep at all - just barked all night (as I told them she would!). She's back to the vet today so he can keep a close eye on her, and watch her PCV. We should also get the tic bourne illness test back today. Thanks for everyone's ideas and support, I appreciate it! I may need that specialist in Grayslake, so Julie, you may hear from me!

Christina Chicago

Hi Everyone - just want to thank you again for all the advice and good wishes. Nicky is doing pretty well - per PCV is holding at 22. We got the tick bourne test back, and it is not a tick disease, and we should have the results of the reticulocyte test back today. She's eating, a little bit, and drinking, and she's on the prednisone, so now we just wait for her to rest up and get better. The vet is happy with her progress, so that makes me a bit calmer! Thanks again for all the advice!

Christina Chicago

Well, not good news. Got the retic test back today, and we are dealing with non-regeneterive anemia. Now they want us to get a bone marrow aspiration. Sigh.....

Christina Chicago

Christina, I am sorry to hear about your latest test. I think there many here with the non-regen anemia and have been doing well. Why dont you do a new post referring to the non-regen that may help get some good response of this. Prayers and hugs to Nicki Laurie

Laurie CA

Christina, I am sorry to hear the results of this test. I treated my dog Chance successfully for this condition during 2007 with the constant guidance of Dr. Jean Dodds of Hemopet.org. He is very much alive and well today thanks to her and our round the clock care at home. If you email me privately I will send you the current protocol that Dr. Dodds has for treating this condition. It is nearly the same as she proposed to me two years ago with a few additional items. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Christina, my boy also showed non-regenerative initially, but please know that count changed, slowly following several tranfusions. Nicky may require more than one transfusion. With my boy the transfusion would last about ten days to two weeks before the RBC's began declining. I could always tell as he became quite weak and lethargic. The transfusions bought him time for the pred to begin working. It took four transfusions before he began regenerating. He also had a bone marrow aspiration, but it read inconclusive and I am not certain if I would agree to do it again if the situation was the same. I would have to do more research. Many of the diagnostic tools need to be weighed regarding the potential effect on an already very weakened pet. But, do not give up hope. It has not been an easy disease to fight but my boy has recovered. Thinking of you. Jan

Jan PA

Well - here we are, two blood transfusions and a bone marrow aspiration later. Here we are: Nicky's PCV was 18 three days ago. I'd bet it's lower today, with how weak she is today. She's on 60 mg prednisone 2X a day, plus chemo, because the bone marrow aspiration showed her marrow can make RBCs, but her white cells are eating them faster than she can make them. We're trying to kill off her white cells so her red cells can catch up. Today she is so weak she can barely stand, she's got the shakes (from the prednisone, I'd guess), and she is wheezing when she breathes. The only good news is her CBC is great - her liver and kidney functions are great, tolerating the meds well. I'm so worried she's in pain - she literally can't do anything but lie around. I'm feeding her by hand and giving her water by holding the bowl up for her.

Christina Chicago

Christina, The one positive of this disease if you can even think that is in itself it is not painful (except for us that have to watch it) Hopefully the drugs and such will get her stable enough that you will begin to see the Nicky you know and love. It is a real positive that she is tolerating all this and that her CBC, liver and kidney functions are good. Holding you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Penny, I hope so. She just lies there, looking at me, trying to wag her tail, I just kills me!

Christina Chicago

Hi everyone,I have a cockerspaniel 7 1/2 year old. Her name is Aliki. She was diagnosed with this horrible disease, AIHA on Feb 26. Her blood cells went from 15 to 13 in a week, so she needed a transfusion. She has been in the hospital for 2 days right now they are at 25. I am so in another world, I dont know what will happen or what to expect when I bring her home. She is on meds in the hosp., but I didnt even ask which ones I guess prednisone. I am supposed to continue meds when she gets home. How long do you see improvement if any. Is there a chance her levels will drop again from 24 lower with her meds then what has to happen. I am so upset, I dont even know if I am typing everything that has happened. Also she is not really eating she is on fluid for hydration but she must eat because when we take her home there is no other way to give her her pills. We put them in her food or treats. Please anyone just give me your thoughts and I pray My little life aliki gets better.

Tina new york

Hi everyone, Three days ago, when i orginally read your stories I cried so hard! This is the first forum I found that gave me hope. My 7 year old Labordoodle, Keary, is in the process of being diagnoised with AIHA. It started two weeks ago when we bought her diet food. She wouldnt eat it but would scarf treats. WE figured that she was being picky and everyone told us to leave it there, when she is hungry she will eat. that went on for about a week. (she didnt strave completely bc we are suckers and gave her milk bones). I then noticed she was starting to fall alot. I figured either she was so weak from being stubborn and not eating or her hips were going out which I thought she was a little young for. I broke down and bought her the food she has been eating since a puppy. Still she continued to fall and wouldnt eat. She is very spoiled and perfers a bed or couch over the floor any day and now was not jumping up on either. If we would put her on the bed she would do a nose dive when jumping off. Finally I realized something was very wrong and even though she was a lazy dog by nature this was beyond the normal. I took her into the vet who thought maybe it was just heartworms but also warned me about AIHA and took blood. I knew when the vet called me 3 hours later and not the nurse that it was bad. He explained it to me as being VERY serious but sounded hopeful. He RBC was at 24 and her white sky high (I think in the 80s?) Her platelets only at 74 mil (norm is 175-500mil). He said he saves 80% of dogs with AIHA which I htought sounded good. Then I read online... Most stories said that they were diagnosised Mon and had died by Wednesday... I bawled and bawled until my eyes were almost swollen shut. I slept on the floor with her that night in fear she wouldnt come home the next day. She has been in the hospital since Saturday and has been eating they said. She had xrays and they found a mass in her chest which he is thinking is a bloodclot. We are waiting on the big blood test which should be in today to deterime if it is 100% AIHA. Although, its a horriable disease I am praying for it because otherwise he thinks its cancer. Im a little confused though because 24 sounds like a high count compared to most but it also sounds like most dogs got really sick really fast and I would says she showed signs for almost 2 weeks before. Is 24 high compared to most dogs with AIHA? How long does recovery take normally? Did anyone have to change their dogs diet? I am so scared that we will go through all of this and put her through it and it wont make a difference. Thanks to all!

Rachel Missouri

I would like to report only the best but unfortunitly Kearys test came back today and she was diagnoised with Lymphocytic leukemia. From what I read online it is only a matter of days maybe weeks. Just when I got my hopes up. AIHA is terrible but at this point it sounds better.

Rachel Missouri

Rachel, Oh dear. I am so sorry. I had high hopes this would be treatable. If this the acute stage then your vet is correct. The chronic form is more treatable and dogs can live quite well with the treatment protocol. Give Keary a big hug from me. with much love, patrice

Patrice NYS

Did anyones dog vomit on being on too many meds. Is this normal.

tina new york

Tina, Any time you see vomiting you need to report this to your vet right away.

Joanne MN

Dear Christina, So sorry! My 3 yr. old Labradoodle recently came down w/ this horrible disease also! (in Dec.) We got it early as she was on a follow up visit from ear infections. I know what you are going through, unfortunately. I think hers (my Layla's) was due to her yearly shots (which I didn't want to do). I hope & pray your little angel will be OK! Will keep U in my prayers. Terese

Terese Erie

Did anyone experience any of your dogs stomach being so bloated. ALiki's stomach for the past 2 days is bloated. I mean big, we are bringing her to Vet tomorrow. Can anyone share their experiences or let me know if this is normal. Thanks, Tina

TINA NEW YORK

Things are improving! Nicky's PCV came back at 8 on Feb 28, and we were preparing ourselves for the inevitable fact that we'd have to put her down. After a second round of chemo and prednisone, her PCV was up to 18 on Mar 6th! Her first positive PCV move without a blood transfusion. She's on her third round of chemo right now, with another CBC and PCV next Thursday, but she is more chipper than she's been since before she was diagnosed. I know it's hard to be excited about 18, but we are thrilled. Considering her improvement in movement and energy (I'd say she's at about 50%), I fully expect her to be in the 20's at her next test. Her organs are tolerating the meds well, although she has had some muscle tone loss. But no nausea, no vomiting, no blood in urine or stool. Rachel, so sorry to hear about the cancer dx. I had to put down my lab/rottie mix at age 11 with lymphoma, and it was horrible the last month before he finally succumbed. We still don't have a cause, other than breed/heredity, but if her PCV keeps increasing after this last round of chemo, we expect that, while this may be a chronic condition, she will pull through and live well. Thanks everyone for your advice and good wishes!

Christina Chicago

Just a brief update - it's 3:30 in the morning here in Chicago, and Nicky just died in my arms an hour ago. Her PCV got up to 24 - just this morning - and by midnight, she was obviously not going to make it through the night. I want to thank everyone for your advice and good wishes. Your support through this was very helpful. Christina

Christina Chicago

Christina, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Nicky. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I hope you will visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Only this morning when I got your email telling me of Nicky's death, did I realize you had posted here on the forum. In email I have known you as Christa and I guess I was having a "senior moment" perhaps more then one since we had communicated a couple of times. I will email you later. Once again please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss and know you did everything you could for your dear Nicky, because you did. Take care of yourself during these most difficult days and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. It's so hard to deal with the loss of a loved one. We're here for you if you need to vent or talk with anyone. Be strong and remember to take care of yourself. Johnny and Tessy

Jonathan

Christina, I am so saddened by your news. I know how difficult this is. You were a good doggy Mom and did everything you could for Nicky. Nicky is now at the bridge meeting a lot of our dogs who will play with her everyday until you meet again. Sharing in your sadness. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Christina, I'm so very sorry to hear about Nicky's passing this morning. Your posts about her show how much you loved her and did everything you could. Please know that it is a blessing that the person she trusted most was there with her in her final moments. Deepest sympathies, Leslie

Leslie

Christina, I am so grieved to hear about Nicky untimely passing. She was far too young. You and your family have been changed by Nicky and, though others may never know about Nicky, they will notice something very special about you. Nicky lives on in your heart and actions. Please accept my deepest sympathy. patrice

Patrice NYS

Christina, I'm very sorry to hear about Nicky. My dog also died in my arms from this disease 1-1/2 years ago. I know the feelings you must be experiencing. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Nicky will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sue

Sue PA

Christina I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Nicky. You did everything you could and sometimes our pets just can't be saved no matter what we do. Nicky is in a better place now and no longer suffering, she will be met at the bridge by the greatest dogs in the world have succumbed to this terrible disease before her. Nicky knew how very much you loved her and felt the love as you had the courage to be with her while she took her last breath. My heart aches for you at this time and I wish I had the right words to ease your pain. Please know that your are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

I'm so sorry to here about your sweet doodle, I have 1 yr old doodle too and I know how affectionate and bouncy they are. keep her in your heart and remember her with joy! Carol

Carol Vancouver Wa

This thread was discussed between 10/02/2009 and 14/03/2009

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