Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - AIHA &Transfer Factor???

I'm very sorry to hear that so many of us are going through this terrible rollercoaster with our beloved pets! My "Chance" was recently diagnosed w/ AIHA 5 months after receiving the required annual vaccination cocktail! He had all the same symptoms, needed an immediate blood transfusion and was on the same battery of drugs as other folks have described. His PCV has gone from 11 to 42 over the past 2 months of non-stop treatment but now his liver enzimes are through the roof, 2000+ and he is now in jeapordy of liver failure. We are completely convinced that this disease is the direct result of being vaccinated and we need to get him off of this deadly prednizone and on to a holistic solution...has anyone had experience with a product called "Transfer Factor"? If so, what do you think about the results for AIHA & liver damage?

Denise Gilbert

I am with you on the vaccination connection...I just posted as much on Beasley's thread. I have been reading a book called Shock to the System by Driscoll. She makes a very good case supported by documentation. Juliet had a rabies booster in September. My vet said that the reactions are usually closer to the vaccination, but Driscoll's says there are many cases that are within 3 to 5 months of vaccination. Driscoll makes the case for stopping boosters since the initial vaccinations are usually sufficient for the life of the dog. Of course, that won't be as profitable a business model. It would not surprise me if the bloody drug manufacturers knew this risk, but felt it was something they could gamble on without fear of serious financial risk. Afraid I don't know about the alternative to prednisone. There are others more knowledgeable here that might know of it. Sorry for the rant, I am having a bad day with Juliet today. Suggest you get the book I have mentioned above. Good luck..

Pat Vermont USA

Denise, The liver is an amazing organ and has proved to heal itself from damage. My dog Kahlu also had very high liver enzymes but once the drugs were lowered his liver improved tremendously. He was on a strong milk thistle tincture and on Zentonil, which is the same as SamE. I have no knowledge of Transfer Factors but highly recommend SamE and Milk thistle. It will take time, but don't be tempted to lower the prednisone too quick. Rule of thumb: 25-33% every 2-3 weeks once the PCV is stable. You could also give Dr. Dodds liver cleansing diet a try. It is home cooked with white fish, sweet or yellow potatoes and greens. Best wishes and good luck, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Thanks Pat! In fact I just responded to the Beasley thread about the fact that I agreed with you! No worries about the rant over your Juliet:) Chance is having a bad day too. It's quite the rollercoaster, isn't it? Regarding the drug companies and profits...OF COURSE THEY KNOW THE RISKS AND LOOK THE OTHER WAY FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY!!!! (Don't get me started!) Well, if we stick together we can find a solution to help our babies and make a change to the laws! I signed the petition for "Safer Vaccinations for Companion Animals" at www.petitiononline.com/petvax23/ I really hope for the very best for you and your Juliet!

Denise Gilbert

Brigitte, Thanks for the stats on reducing the pred. I'll take the advice and resist the temptation to go too fast. Our vet has Chance on Denamarin which is a organic milk thistle/antioxidant combo. You gave me even more confidence in that approach.

Denise Gilbert

Denise, how much does Chance weight and what are the drug dosages he's on? What's the current CBC results and has the crit been stable at 42% for a week or more? There's a couple things you can do. First thing is a combo of SAM-e and milk thistle. This would be my recommendation. OR second...get a prescription of denamarin from the vet. Either or is really good for the liver and will help to *detox* and fix the damage. I'd be in the care today getting it if I were you. Once you state the numbers asked above I might be able to offer more advise. Thoughts and prayers for Chance. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Oh...transfer factor has been discussed here lots of times and the general feeling is that it isn't all it's cracked up to be. Do a search here for more info.

Johnny

Denise, I saw your other post. Juliet perked up tonight for supper and was very interested in the holiday roast beef. We don't eat much of that but for holidays so that was encouraging. I am a political activist and,I will definitely sign the petition on the vaccines. Holding strong and trying not to freak out. Thanks to all of you! Can't help feeling that the drug mfgrs are really evil!

Pat Vermont USA

Hi Johnny, Sounds like you know what you are talking about and I am really happy with my vet too because she just recently perscribed Denamarin for Chance. He has been taking it for 3 days now. Shih Tzu - Male - Age - 2 1/2 Weight - 14 lbs...and getting bigger every day! He has always been and continues to be on a whole food diet and we walk him every day. Current Meds: Prednisone - 1/2 20 MG Daily (1/4am / 1/4pm) Azathioprine - 1/4 50MG Daily (1/4am) Sucrafate - 1G Daily (1/2 am / 1/2pm) Vitamin E - 1/2 Human Dose Daily (1/2am) Pepsid AC - 1/2 Tab Daily (1/2am) Denamarin - 1/2 Tab Daily (1/2am) He had a complete blood test last Monday and his red blood cell values were all stable; we seem to have the anemia under control.However, the liver enzymes were 2000+ and the kidneys were showing signs of stress.(Sorry, our vet went over the values verbally, I don't have a copy of the results yet.) He also just increased to 42% PCV from 38% the prior week. In addition to introducing the Denamarin, we have reduced the pred by 1/4 to the above dosage and are reducing the aza by 1/4 every other day from the above dosage. We also give him IV fluids every other day. Duration on this new schedule - 5 days. His current behavior/condition is lethargic, ravenous, thirsty, labored breath/panting. Occassional attempts at play, lags behind on very slow walks. HELP!

Denise Gilbert

Denise, good to hear you're using denamarin! I'm fairly sure it isn't organic....highly refined pharmaceutical grade milk thistle/marin combo! It's dose specific so you gotta watch the amounts! The 2000+ liver enzymes were from Monday?? I'd get them checked again early this week if it were me...in fact it would be best if you could get the FULL chemistry panel that way you can also keep an eye on kidney values amongst others. I assume you are giving the meds with food? This will make it easier on the liver! Are his hemoglobin (hgb) levels at normal levels? Heartbeat normal? Once the drugs get lowered you should see things improve. Remember to have them look at the blood under the microscope before any further reductions. You wanna make sure there are no spherocytes present before a reduction. Keep up with where you are at for now and let him rest and get lots of clean fresh water. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 01/01/2011 and 02/01/2011

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