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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Abby - 8 yr old American Eskimo
| Our beloved Abby, American Eskimo, became fatigued and anorexic on Sunday. By Monday, I realized she was anemic. At first, I thought something was wrong with her heart and took her to the vet on Tuesday. My world fell apart when the vet told me she was jaundiced as I realized she must have hemolytic anemia. I started surfing the web to learn as much as I could since then. Abby has had 3 doses of high dose dexamethasone but has not shown any response. She became so anemic the vet had to give her a transfusion this afternoon. I asked the vet about using other immune suppressive meds. He said he would consider it tomorrow. Should I be pushing him for additional therapies or should the steroid therapy be given more time? |
| Kim CT |
I am so sorry to hear about Abby, have you checked out this site that may answer your questions? http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ hopefully the experts with transfusions here will chime in good luck Laurie |
| Laurie CA |
| Kim, I'm sorry to hear that Abby has become sick. Everyone here can understand what you are going through and will provide you lots of support and advice. My dog Tiggs (a 65 lb Pit bull mix) was diagnosed July 16, and as I've said before on this forum, I believe the transfusion saved his life. It buys time while the medications kick in- by medications, I mean high doses of Prednisone and Azathiaprine in our case. Pred can take several days to work, and Azathiaprine can take a few weeks. Some dogs need more than one transfuision, and it's not uncommon for the numbers to go up and down during this time. Definitely visit Joanne's site on the link above- learn everything you can about AIHA/IMHA because you are the biggest advocate for your dog. Some vets do not treat this aggressively enough, or just aren't experienced with it. I don't have experience with the drug Abby is taking though I'm sure others here will, but find out everything you can ASAP- you cannot waste a minute of time treating this sh*tty disease. But, as everyone here will tell you, they can and do survive even when it looks bleak. Hang in there, stay connected here on this forum and let us know how Abby is doing. You guys will be in our thoughts. Melissa and Tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| kim, wishing abby the best. everyone here has dogs going thru this nasty disease so know that we are all behind you and its worth fighting against... my dog is 15 months in and we are definately winning |
| josh california |
| Kim, I am sorry Abby has been diagnosed. As other people said you need to have a vet that is well versed in fighting this and is willing to go the distance. When you are at Joanne's site be sure and read the success stories too. Keep us posted. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek calif |
| Hi everyone, Thank you for your thoughts and encouragements. I've ready every word on the suggested website. I have a really good vet. He's been consulting vets at the Tuft's Vet School. I am truly thankful for his willingness to reach out to his colleagues. Abby is holding her own today. Her Hct is 27. She is stronger than I've seen her in days. If she can hold ground, she may come home tomorrow. Another big concern I have is that she is not eating. I made her blenderized chicken and rice. She seemed interested but quickly lost interest. Any suggestions? Thank you again for your advice and well wishes. Kim |
| Kim CT |
This thread was discussed on 22/08/2008
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