Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - AHA IN A 7 1/2 YEAR OLD COCKERSPANEIL

Tina, new york 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

Tina, We all understand what you are going through. So many questions so much confusion. First off be sure to read up at the following site. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ It will answer a lot of your questions. Anything else just toss it out here and there will be plenty of people that will share their experiences. It is perfectly normal for them to not want to eat just like we do when we are under the weather. You might pick up some pill pockets they can be a godsend when you are giving multiple pills. This is a genuine roller coaster ride things can change from day to day but rest assured sometimes it is good news. Start thinking about this in terms of months, Every dog has different time lines. Be sure to read the success stories when you are at Joanne's site. Take a deep breath and know that you are not alone in this fight. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Thank you so much Penny. Actually this morning her count went from 24 to 20 so thats not good at all.I dont know if the pills arent kicking in yet or what. I dont know if they will give her another transfusion. I have no idea how long they will wait t see if the pills work if her levels keep dropping before they offer another transfusion. We are waiting for Dr. to call to see what our options are. This is so devastating. I will read up on the site you gave me. Thanks again.

tina new york

Hi Tina. It isn't unusual for the PCV to drop a few days after a transfusion. This happened to my dog as well. After his second transfusion, his PCV went up to 25 and then a few days later was down to 19. That was two years ago and today he is alive and doing really well. So don't give up. Please keep us posted and if you have any questions or doubts, this is a great place to write to. We're all here to support you and help you through this. deb and Duck (my dog)

Debbie BC Canada

Tina I am sorry to hear about Aliki diagnosis and there are many dogs who do survive and go on to live perfectly normal lives, so feel comfort in knowing that there is great hope. The next time you go see her ask what medicines and the dosage she is on and make a list and let us know and how much she weighs. Remember it will take a few weeks for the medicine to begin to have an effect. We are keeping you and Aliki in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Tina, We are in the same excutiating situation with our puppy Henri. Waiting to see what the next PCV number is. He was diagnosed on 2/25 with a PCV of about 10, given a blood transfusion that resulted in a PCV of 23 the next day. He has remained at about the same level through his last check on 2/28. He is now home and we will take him in for a check tomorrow (3/02). We hope that he has remained the same or possibly beginning to increase the number. As it was explained to us (and please correct us if anything is not properly stated), the transfusions are necessary to push the red blood cell count up while we are waiting for his own system to start producing an increased supply of new red blood cells. They told us that from the time our bone marrow gets the message that more red blood cells are needed, it takes 5 to 10 days for the marrow to take a stem cell and manufacture a new red blood cell. The immunosupressive drugs that our furkids are given are necessary to halt the immune destruction of the red blood cells that are left. Depending on how quickly the drugs work, the PCV count may stay the same or drop until the new increased supply of red blood cells arrive. This is the tortuous waiting game that we all seem to be in for the first few weeks. Hopefully Aliki's counts will be able to be managed sucessfully until her systems can get up to speed. We hope to see a rise in Henri's count tomorrow (day 5) but will be happy to see him holding steady. However, we will be quite devastated if his number does not begin to increase by next Friday (Day 9). Rising numbers are a sign of many positive things such as the meds are working to slow or stop the destruction of the red blood cells, his own systems are reacting properly and are increasing the manufacture of new red blood cells, and their reactions to the meds and the transfusions have not created additional problems that get in the way of their recovery. Now doubt, this is a miserable waiting game. Faith in our vets, ourselves and most importantly our beloved pets is what can get us through this. Both you and your loving Aliki are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff, Ella, Bella and fighting Henri.

Jeff and Ella Seattle

Dear Jeff and Ella, I just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear about Henri. My 11 year old Maltese Sh*tzu X was diagnosed nearly 6 weeks ago. Her PCV was 14 on diagnosis so we decided to give her a transfusion. Her PCV then went to 27 afterwards, where it stayed for nearly 3 weeks until we saw a rise to 33, then 37 at last test 2 weeks ago. I was getting quite frustrated that Millie kept holding steady - I expected the rise to happen sooner - especially when clinically she was great! It did happen eventually though.... I guess what I am trying to say to you is please don't despair if PCV stays constant and doesn't go up after 9 days as you hope. The fact that Henri is holding steady is great - it means the destruction has slowed and he is making enough red blood cells to keep up. I've learnt to take things as they come and be patient. I pay more attention to how Millie is within herself, the colour of her gums and her demeanour as well as the PCV. Furthermore, some dogs have non-regenerative anemia, where they don't manufacture red blood cells. It sounds like Henri is regenerative - that gives him one sure fighting chance. Good luck to you both and little Henri, Samantha and Millie

Samantha Geelong

Hold on tight it will be a bumpy ride. Drago spent the 1st week in the hospital on IV meds. My vet told me it takes at least a week for the drugs to kick in and the body to begin to reginerate. After that it was total rest, no excitement so that her blood cells could regenerate without using too many by getting excited. A really good diet is another thing that is very important. I fed her alot of red meat, liver, eggs etc... So hang in there. Sue

Sue K PA

Thanks to everyone being so supported and all the information is so helpful. Jeff and Ella how is Henry doing. How is his PVC. Please let me know. I hope he is doing better and they went up or at least remained steady. Aliki is now home and we are going to vet tomorrow (3/3) to see how she blood is. Hopefully is remained steady and will go up once the meds take effect. No one understands this situation unless you are in it. This is a sad disease. I hope everyone and Aliki ofcourse the best and a recovery fast. Please let me know how everyone is dealing with this. Anything I should know. How to take care of her at home etc. Thanks

tina new york

Tina, Henri's PCV was measured today (day 5) at 25%. Holding steady (up but not significantly)and we are elated. We realize that this may take awhile and will be happy to see the number slowly ticking up. Thanks Samantha for the loving advice for patience. It is really hard to do but it is the only course. It really does help to see their energy pick up and for them to start to return to a normal rythm. Henri seems much like his old self more and more each day. He definately tuckers out at times, but then who wouldn't if they had gone through the crisis and then be put on so many strong drugs. One question that I may put on a separate thread, I noticed that one of the side-effects of AZT (azathioprine)that Henri is taking is possible supression of bone marrow function. Does this possibly play some part in the delayed response for new red blood cell production? Any info on this would be helpful. Loving thougths and prayers to everyone touched by this disease. Jeff, Ella, Bella and baby Henri.

Jeff and Ella Seattle

Tina, I am sorry this is so confusing for you right now. I assure you that when you get her home, you know how to care for her. Make sure that you request copies of all the testing that was done. Ask for all CBC's complete blood counts and chemical screens. Keep all your records in a folder. If you don't understand all the numbers, we can help you here. Ask for a list of all the meds you must give with the instructions on when to give them. Keep a notebook in the kitchen and mark down all the meds that you must give, the times they are given, food intake, bowel habits and general condition. Everyone in the family should participate in keeping this notebook. Prepare to feed Aliki simple food that is easily digestible. Many people boil chicken or ground beef and fix a little rice. I use scrambled eggs for my dogs when they are not feeling well. Have a bottle of Pedialite in the house in case Aliki develops diarrhea. You can be creative with things to tempt her to take her pills. Small bits of peanut butter or cream cheese can make giving pills easier. I sometimes put bitter tasting pills inside a bit of canned fish inside a small piece of bread so that Chance couldn't smell or taste the pill. Try giving her a regular meal and while she is eating it, offer the special tidbit with the pill so she will gobble it right down. If you have a busy family, set aside a part of a corner of a room with a blanket and block it off so that Aliki has a quiet place to lie down. Stick to family routines, but don't push her to do anything too strenuous. I slept many nights in that little corner of the room with Chance. Avoid having dogs and people visit for a while. good luck patrice

Patrice NYS

Hi Tina, I totally know how you feel - i was a total mess for the first 2 weeks. My 8 year old Shiz-u x Maltese - Madison was diagonsied on the 13th Jan. She had a PCV of 15 then had a tranfusion it went up to 25 then down again the next day to 17 and she had another transfusion which took her PVC to 30 then i took her home. She had tests everyday for the next few days and it went down slowly to 24. The following week (2 weeks from meds/transfusion) it started to rise, 4 weeks later it was constant at 36 and the meds were reduced. Last week she was tested again (6 weeks) and she is up to 41 and her meds reduced again. Madison is doing great and the vets are amazed at her recovery. Once the meds kick in you will see an improvement. Thinking of you both Samantha & Madison xx

Samantha Perth Australia

Jeff and Ella, Yes, I do believe Aza causes bone marrow suppression, which can stem the red blood cell production. My vet did say that the 'normal' PCV for a dog on Aza could be lower than 'normal' for a healthy dog(if that makes sense!). Samantha.

Samantha Geelong Australia

We are having a hard time giving Aliki her meds. She smells them and she spits them out. Or she keeps them in her mouth then goes under the bed and we find them. We tried treats that are special to put pills in not a chance she smells it. Anyone have ideas. If I give her cream cheese how should I place the pill. She wasnt never fond of taking pills. This is a hard situation. She needs her pills and we are having a big issue. Anyone have ideas, please help me. Thank you, Tina

tina new york

Tina, The smell of the pill is what tips her off, at least that is what my vet says. So she advised using something really smelly and fooling them to eat it while they are already eating. So those little fish sandwiches I make seemed to work really well. Tear off a small piece of bread, place a tsp to a tbl of canned fish inside. Drop the pill(s) in. Now wash your hands to get rid of the pill odor and then tightly wrap up the bread around the fish. While she is eating her regular meal, offer her the "treat". She will most likely gobble it right up. Of course your kitchen will smell like fish. ;o) patrice

Patrice NYS

Thanks Patricia for your input on the pill situation. I will try everything. So aliki came back from Vet with the PVC level remaining stable from the hospital which is 20. I guess the meds didnt kick in yet for the level to rise. Did anyone hear about giving baby asprin to prevent clotting, if so how much should I give her. I forgot to ask Vet I guess I can call tomorrow. Also the Dr. said Aliki's case is critical and the first 2 weeks are critical and if her pills dont respond that we might lose her. From what I am reading there is such a high chance of survival I dont know why she would say such a thing. The pills will work and Aliki will be fine just like all the other dogs posted on here. I have faith with time she will get better. THANKS EVERYONE

tina new york

You have the right attitude, Tina! You are dealing with a serious illness, but it is certainly not hopeless. In those first days after diagnosis, I kept going to the success stories on Joanne's site. They gave me so much hope. I took my dog home with a PVC of 17 and now 5 weeks after that he is up to 36. Aspirin can be necessary, but as I understand it can also cause bleeding. I am sure there are people that are more knowledgeable on this forum, that can give you some insight. Our vet did a coagulation test to check if Kahlu is in danger of clotting and came to the conclusion it was not necessary. Stay positive and keep giving Aliki lots of love. Best wishes, I will be thinking of you. Brigitte and Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Is vomitting yellowish normal, can it be from the meds. She vomitted 2 times in 2 days. I am waiting to hear from my vet. Did anyones dog vomit while on meds. Thanks,

tina new york

It could well be from the meds. Kahlu threw up blood after 4 days of taking prednisone and we had to give him more stomach protectants. He is now on three different ones. Sucralfate, Raniditine and Misoprostol. You were right to contact the vet, he will figure it out. Make sure Aliki's stomach is protected. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte: Aliki is just feeling very weak is that normal. She is just out of it. Walks slow etc. Is this normal until the meds really kick in. Her PCV level is stable at 20 after 4 days of the transfusion. What is your situation

Tina New York

H Tina, We are still very new at this. We are in week 6 and Kahlu is still very tired. A big part of it is, that the transport of oxygen by the red blood cells is not happening as it should. I was always hoping, that one bright morning Kahlu would get up, shake himself and be full of energy again. Unfortunately it does not happen that quick. I am a very active, energetic person and so was Kahlu. This illness has sure slowed us down in our tracks! But it is not all negative, we have a lot of cuddling time, slow walks just down the drive way to smell the crocuses. And then there is the hope that it will get better in time! Someone on this board once said, this illness is not measured in days, but in weeks and months. Kahlu came home with a PCV of 17 and is now after 5 1/2 weeks at 37. He has his moments of a bit more energy, but over all is still very tired. I have no experience with transfusions, but I think it is a good sign that Aliki is stable at a PCV 20 and not dropping after 4 days. Hang in there, read lots and educate yourself. I found that was the best medicine for me. I will be thinking of you and Aliki, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Tina, Madison was like that for the first month, she looked like a zombie and her eyes never seemed to be fully open - now 2 months on and meds reduced by half she is full of beans, bossing me around again. She is still really hunrgy and is a bit fat at the moment. The vet said she should loose some once we reduce the meds even more, that should also reduce her hunger. Her PV is now 41 which is considered normal. She takes 15mg Pednisone every 2nd day and 10mg Imuran once a day. The first month she was on 30mg Pedsisone every day and 10mg Imuran every day. It does take time for the meds to work but hang in there you will see an improvement very soon Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!~

tina new york

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

Get this checked out. I think someone told me before that swelling near the abdomin could mean fluid retention which could lead to strokes or heart attacks. I'm not overly sure so don't quote me on this. Maybe someone else here knows a little more. Good luck and Tessy and I will be praying for you.

Jonathan

This thread was discussed between 01/03/2009 and 06/03/2009

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