Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - amy update

thought we were doing wonderful last week.pcv up to 39 even with the reduced pred,then saturday night she was very distressed vommiting with small amounts of blood in it and passing thick mollasses from the other end.down to the emergency vet and her pcv down to 29.put on to antepsin to coat the obvious ulcer.[she was already on omoprazole for acid.]we also started giving her destolit for her liver,as her alkp level was up to 2000.[normal zone 23-212.] monday ,pcv holding at 29,full bloods sent away for screening,and waiting for results.but she's still jaundiced,lifeless and only seems to want sweet things to eat.we will have to wait for the bloods and hope nothing more sinister is starting. .

john teesside england

John, I am so sorry to hear what is happening to Amy. Could it be that the prednisone was reduced too much too soon? Her liver is clearly under stress. The liver is an amazing organ that can repair itself. I know that a lot of dogs have these high numbers and once they come off the medications they are fine. So stay positive! The medication given in North America is SamE or Zentonil. Also Milk Thistle is very helpful. I don't know if Dr. Dodds liver cleansing diet has been mentioned to you. http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Liver%20cleansing%20diet.htm Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodles

Brigitte BC Canada

hi brigitte. the vet seems to think its a pred problem and not a liver problem but we wont realy know untill the bloods come back.we got some milk thistle and started her on it but the vet wasnt impressed. we were all over the moon you got another pal in enzo, hope you are all getting on together. best wishes,john

john teesside england

Dear John, You and Amy are in my thoughts may the angels watch over her right now and give you support to get through these difficult moments, she sounds like a little fighter, take care. Diane

Diane Luton

Hi John, I hope Amy is on the mend now, glad that her PCV is holding now. It is funny how vets are sceptical on Milk Thistle and any natural treatments. My vet was exactly the same. A lot of us here on the forum swear by Milk Thistle, it does help in protecting and repairing the liver. I continue to give it to Millie today as she is still on Azathioprine - we have NEVER had elevated liver values throughout her treatment. I'm not aware of antepsin for ulcers, but I'm sure it work similar to Carafate and Sulcralfate to coat the stomach. Hopefully this helps Amy. We are thinking of you, please keep us updated. Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

John, I don't have any suggestions except that sometimes you just have to do what you think is best regardless how the Vet feels about it. Hopefully things will turn around again for your dear Amy.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear John & Family Please know the I am keeping Amy in my prayers and hope she is feeling better soon. Has your vet suggested adding another drug besides the prednisone sometimes Azathioprine of Cylosporine is added. Please let us know how Amy is doing. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

John, I hope the labs come back with something fixable for you! I know you're struggling! It's such a roller coaster ride. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Amy! Christina

Christina Nashville

Gosh John, Im so sorry that you are all going through this, as well as Amy, its just not fair - it is indeed such a balancing act to try get the drug regime just right. I do hope that Amy picks up and moves forward. Lets know the results when you get them. I have everything crossed for you. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

I'm sorry to hear that you and Amy are going through this. Such a rollar coaster ride this disease. Hang in there. My dog had severe liver disease from the pred with values off the charts. Once the pred was reduced the liver went back to the normal size and readings. We've had great success with the Atopica (cyclosporine). Every dog is different though.Good luck - you're in our thoughts and prayers. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

This must be so scary for you and I hope that things improve, where did you get the milk thistle from? Sue

Sue Cambs uk

thanks to all for your support and prayers. this site and all our new friends on it make understanding this awful illness easier.i'll let you all know what happens. sue.i got the milk thistle from boots,holland and barrets will have it also. best wishes.john&amy

john teesside uk

Thank you, I regretted asking afterwards as feel you have so much on your plate at the moment. I expected to order it from the states. What a learning curve you've been on. Archie sends love to Amy, he knows what she is going through. Sue and Archie

Sue Cambs UK

John, LOL on the Vet not being impressed with the milk thistle. Most vets aen't well versed in the alternative side of things. Heck most schools are funded by the big pharmaceutical companies I'd assume...if not that's where a lot of funding comes from! Lots of the time if it isn't some sort of pharmaceutical they are afraid to try it! They just aren't taught this stuff and to me that's unfortunate. This just shows the inexperience this vet has....unless he was just not happy with you not filling him in on it? I wouldn't worry about it. Milk thistle is harmless for the most part. Another thing with vets they aren't the biggest on "protection" as much as treatment when something, like liver damage, becomes a problem. Regarding the ulcers....there's a slippery elm cocktail on here somewhere that would work great for this. Again, your vet probably won't be thrilled with you using htis either (likely) cause this is also a more natural approach to treatment. This will coat from the top down and also sooths which is what makes it so great! The omeprazole will only work so well...as with the other antiacids like sucralfate and pepcid. I always recommend you give ALL meds with some food. That way it makes it easier on the stomach. the only medication that I give Tessy without food is her thyroid meds. I even give her cyclo (when she was on it) with a handfull of food! Also I try not to give on an empty stomach. Look at this as a small setback....likely the first of many! Kudos on you noticing and getting it taken care of when you did! The PCV is stabilized again so look forward to it climbing again once you treat this setback. I'll keep Amy in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

amy's bloods came back ok,nothing sinister,alkp down to 1200.pcv holding at 29,and not quite so jaundiced.white cell count up so on anti-biotics[baytrill x 100mg daily].so keeping our fingers crossed. best wishes to all. john@maureen

john teesside uk

This thread was discussed between 30/03/2010 and 01/04/2010

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