Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Are they suffering?

Today is the one month anniversary of the onset of Sunny's IMHA. Sunny seems to be doing well. I take him in to the vet on Saturday for a blood test, so I will know if he is improving. I'm not trying to be negative, but I was wondering if he will ever be the same as he was before the disease? Will he ever want to run and play again? And is he suffering?

Leslie CA

I wish you and Sunny the best. Please check out Joanne's web site http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm It is a great place for information when you are fighting this disease. Lindy was very tired, but never lost that spark in her eyes. I would carry her outside to "chase" squirrels in the beginning, as she didn't have the strength to do it. We passed the three year mark in May, since her diagnosis, and she looks and acts like nothing ever happened. Everyone that knows her in the neighborhood makes comments how far she has come. Hang in there, as it does get better. Nancy and Lindy

Nancy CO

Leslie, I am pleased to hear that Sunny seems to be doing well only one month after his IMHA diagnosis. That is very good progress. To answer a few of your questions, dogs who have AIHA/IMHA are not suffering as a result of the disease.They feel just very tired and weak. Dogs who have been diagnosed with AIHA/IMHA CAN and DO recover and run and play again. My Meisha was such a "ball nut" and once she got into remission she ran and played just as she had prior to her illness. To look at her you would never ever have been able to guess she had been sick a day in her life. As Nancy suggested you might want to read the SUCCESS STORIES at my AIHA/IMHA Web site; http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm Some of these dogs have gone back to doing agility or theapry dog work that they did prior to their illness. Hugs to your dear Sunny from me and my little canine red-headed gal, Maddie.

Joanne MN

Yes, they do turn around and become the critter they once were. Sofie is 7 months from her diagnosis and is 3 months med free. She is totally back to herself, playing, digging holes, chasing her buddy Sera, and is even attending dog shows. Once your Sunny is weaned off the pred and the other meds completely or as low as he can be, the problems of being tired, weight gain, no energy will fade away and Sunny will be fine. This disease takes lots of patience and prayers and ups and downs, but there are plenty of dogs that survive, like Sofie, and lead normal lives. One day you will even quit looking at Sunny's gums ten times a day. :-)

Joanne Wyoming

Yes, they can and do feel better! Slinky is now 13 months from diagnosis and 1 month med free. She is great-her weight is back to normal, her energy is fantastic, and she just loves life. Hang in there!

Stephanie Chicago

As the previous posts have said. Yes they do get better. Matter of fact my Lucy, who was had her first diagonosis on April 29, 2005 is a MORE HAPPY AND MORE ENERGETIC dog than since she was probably a puppy! She is so crazy happy now (although she does have her days...normally on the EOD that she takes her Imuran) but for the most part...she's a crazy cocker spaniel. Lucy, as said previously, is known in the neighborhood, at the vets office, at her groomers, for her tremendous, miracleous story. My Lu has had probably (I've lost count) at least 8 relapses? Although not all MAJOR but they have included multiple transfusions she has weathered the storm, as have her daddy and I and has come back a BETTER dog than before. Sorry for the ramble...but yes there is hope. It WILL HAPPEN...

Crissy Kansas

Thanks for all the encouragement. I took Sunny in for a PCV yesterday and it was up to 37! Things are looking up!

Leslie Oceanside

Hi Bertie was diagnosed in Dec 2005 and is completely med free. While he was sick he didnt do alot. He went from a 7month old playful pup to a dog that just laid there. Now you would never know he was so sick. He runs, plays with his ball and other toys. It is heart breaking to watch them go through this but it sounds like your Sunny is doing very well, Im so happy for you. I look forward to reading when Sunny is playing and you cant keep up as I cant with my bertie ;-) Lisa

Lisa West Aust

As everyone else has said, yep, many can and do get back to their old selves. Sierra was diagnosed with AIHA & ITP in May 2003 - she is beyond 5 years post diagnosis and still on medication but still has her moments of puppy crazies at 6 1/2 years old. And her sweet and sassy self is the same as ever. Truthfully, I never dreamed she would still be here more than 5 years later (it seemed at the time that would be asking way too much), but I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that she is. She is a bit spoiled, but darn worth it.

Ronda So Cal

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2008 and 26/07/2008

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