Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Archie - one year on

Archie reached his 1st anniversary on 1st March but it has taken till now for me to post. I have prayed so much for that day but somehow I got worried about tempting fate and posting incase something goes wrong. This is silly as I have no reason to think he isn't well and his last pcv was 45. The vet has signed him off and of course we would be straight back if needed. Our amazing vet who no doubt saved his life has left the practice so I would like advice on whether we should check his levels every few months or not?

Sue and Archie Cambs UK

Congratulations Archie!!! We celebrate with you on your 1 year anniversary:) A BIG HUG from Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Sue, Congratulations to you and Archie!!! I remember Archie being very critical and it was a very desperate time. But look at him now.... what an inspiration for everybody still fighting! With best wishes for many more healthy and happy years together, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Congratulations Sue and Archie! One year...what a milestone!!! Clyde's wagging his tail for Archie...We wish you many, many more, Hugs, kathy and Clyde

Kathy

Sue: Congratulations Archie! Two thumbs and four paws up for hitting the one year mark! We hope you have many more happy "anniversaries". If it doesn't stress Archie out too much and it makes you feel better about helping keep his IMHA in remission, I see nothing wrong with checking his levels regularly. We have Sheba's PCV checked every three months and have ever since she was weaned from the last of her meds in December 2008. Granted, she's 14 now and so we probably err on the side of overly cautious but I think it pays to be proactive. So, go with what feels right to you - you know Archie best and what is in his best interests. Again congratulations and be sure to celebrate with some special treat/activity! Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Sue, Congrats to you and Archie. I understand your paranoia about tempting fate but it sounds like Archie is doing great. I think for your own peace of mind it wouldn't hurt to have his blood run a few times a year. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

That's fabulous news Sue!!! Archie is so lucky to have you watching out for him! Paranoia.....what's that???? LOL If it were me I'd be going in every few months or so for a checkup! OR at the minimum every 6 months...making sure it's around the same time of year that e was diagnosed just in case. Give Archie some hugs and scratches for me....and a big treat for being so successfull!!!! Hugs, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

You're all so kind and I have no doubt we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the support I had last year even if it drove the vet potty as I turned up asking the right questions albeit on a pad as I didn't have a clue! To those that are where I was or even worse having lost their pets I wish you well.

Sue and Archie Cambs UK

Hi Sue, I wonder if you might be able to share your experience with me. Our dog (Mo, an 11 year old cocker spaniel) has just been diagnosed with AIHA and is in hospital. Her red cell count fell to 9 and is now at 18 after a transfusion and steroids. We are terrified that she will not survive but from what I can see of the thread, Archie may have suffered similarly. I suppose I am just searching that there is some hope that she will survive. Thanks Diane

Diane Wehrle Milton Keynes

Hi Diane, I am so sorry to hear about Mo, I remember the time as extremely scary and stressful. Archie's pcv was 17 on the day he took ill and it did drop to 10. It took a long time before we saw good figures and there were many times we didn't think he would get through it. Do use this board as there are many people who do know their stuff and cn explain things. I do hope that Mo gets through this critical period and we are thinking of you. We have got there so keep praying. Sue

Sue Cambs UK

Hi Sue (and Archie!) Thanks so much for responding. We have had a horrible night as Mo's blood level fell from 19 to 18 and then to 15 yesterday and so the vet gave her a haemoglobin transfusion yesterday and today her count is 17 and stable. So to hear that Archie got through an experience of similar severity gives us the hope we need right now. Did your usual vet treat Archie or were you referred to an AIHA specialist? We are seeing the vet on Wed first thing after getting back from Switzerland on Tuesday evening (we are collecting her from the hospital and driving straight back to the UK), and I was going to ask to be referred. Our vet seems good but I am not sure what experience he has had in treating AIHA and of course want the very best for Mo. Take care and thanks once again Diane

Diane Wehrle Milton Keynes

Celebrating with you and Archie! Great news and such an encouragment fo those of us still in the fighting stage to recovery. Blessings, Cindi & Tori (IMHA)

Cindi PCB

hi sue,great news that archie is doing great.i know what you mean about not wanting to tempt fate and thinking your being paranoid looking for warning signs,we're just the same.best wishes for the future.

john&amy teesside england

This thread was discussed between 06/03/2011 and 04/04/2011

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