Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Azathioprine side effects

two days ago my vet added Azathioprine to Lady's drug program. it is now the 3rd day, and she can not stand, does not want to eat - not eating is a huge change. I have done some reading and the following symptoms ring true - this all happen in 3 days -lethargy - fever, Lady has a dry warm nose -reluctance to move, she does not move at all - loss of appetite My vet has been notified and Lady has an appointment. Anyone else experiance this? Victoria

Victoria Avon Indiana

Hi Victoria, Sorry to hear about Lady and her symptoms, I'm sure that is way scary and disconcerting. How much does she weigh and what is the dosage/day? I wonder if the dose is high for her? I've read from many people here that their dogs don't tolerate Aza, so sometimes vets will try Atopica (cyclosporine) and some other drugs instead. We have been fortunate that Tiggs didn't have many side effects from Aza, he's been on 30mg/day since dx in July, and he weighs about 74 lbs. now (he weighed 64 lbs at dx). I know it is very hard on the liver as well. I hope you get some answers ASAP, and hopefully you can get right in quickly. Have them check the liver values for sure. What other drugs is she on, and dosages? Also, when was she diagnosed? melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Meissia/Tiggs thanks for your response. Tiggs I am glad you are doing well. Here are the answers to your questions She weighs 45lb meds are Aza 50mg once daily- she just started this on Jan 5 pred 20 mg twice daily, dosage varied over the last month amoxicillin 200mg twice daily - almost finished She was suspected of having AIHA in early december - her test result was inconculsive Victoria

Victoria Avon Indiana

Victoria, My dog was taken off the Aza. when she developed pancreatitist after a transfusion. They also lowered her Pred. from 30mg/day to 5mg/day. Both of those drugs were considered to have caused the pancreatitist. In addition to the symptoms you mention that Lady has, my dog was also throwing up. I'm not saying that Lady has pancreatitist, but what I'm saying is that some dogs can't tolerate Aza. and/or high doses of Prednisone. We are now doing the Neoral(Atopica) and low dose Prednisone. My best wishes to you and to Lady. Karen

Karen NC

Thanks Melissa/Karen for your advice. Lady had a rough night last night. She did not eat, and barely moved. I carried her up to my room and settled her in on her big dog pillow and blanket. I could hear her steady, but somewhat labored breathing. Then during the night I heard her yelp and she rolled off her bed. I lay on the floor with her for a while, picked her up and tucked her back in. This morning she had some how turned herself around, so she was able to move. I helped her drink water, which she could not do last night, carried her down stairs and offered her some food. She ate well. She is able to lift and hold her head up, but her hind legs are completely useless. She is alert and responsive. I have an appointment first thing this morning and will be requesting a second opinion. Victoria

Victoria Avon Indiana

I am so sorry to hear about Lady. I have read over the past months many dogs here can not tolerate azi and have the same symptoms. Is Lady not responding to the prednizone and thats why she is on azi? Are her numbers really low? I posted on your thread about the teaching hospital, your vet could talk to them Laurie

Laurie CA

Victoria Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Lady today. Please let us know how she made out at the vet today and how she is doing. If she was not acting this way before you started the AZI and began shortly after Lady began taking it, I would think there must be some connection and perhaps your vet will recommned a reduction in the dosage or not giving it at all. Perhpas your vet may prescribe the cyclosporine for Lady. Ginger weighs 75 poounds and was on 50 mg of it 1x a day in the begining of her treatment. Please know we are thinking about you today. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

We are pulling for you Lady! Hang in there.... things may turn around in a few days!

Cynthia Grosse Pte

My dog did not do well on the azathioprine either. It was only after starting the Atopica(cyclosporine ) and being on it several weeks that I noticed an improvement. Good luck with Lady. Keep up posted. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

This must be so hard for you, and like medication for people some of these drugs have serious side effects for our furry friends as well. Hope they can find the right one for lady and hope she is doingbetter. A dog on azathioprine (Imuran) will need regular blood testing, just as people need regular blood work when they are on this drug. My son and his gf's dog who also had AIHA did not do well on this drug. My Vet told me that they don't use this drug unless it is absolutely necessary. Other Veternarians may have a different opinion on it and use it freely as a regular part of treatment for AIHA. The one good thing I read, if your pet can make it without problems on this drug for the first 6-8 months, their chances of continuing side effects are lessened after that, especially the side effect of bone marrow suppression. I would goodle and research the drug side effects, have lady monitored at all times, and if need be you can always get a second opinion. My thoughts are with Lady and hope she feels better soon.

dorri

This thread was discussed on 08/01/2009

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.