Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Barb & Kylle (reposted)

I just had my Lab Mix "Kylle" diagnosed at 12:30 this morning with IMHA. She is having a blood transfusion at this time. If there are any questions you know that I need to ask the Vet that will help this diagnosis to be a happy ending PLEASE LET ME KNOW. My Kylle is 9 years old and an absolute sweetheart. I pray God let's me keep her for a few more years. Any help will be appreciated.

Barb Ohio

Barb, I am so sorry you had the need to find this site, but glad you did at the same time. There are lots of things you can ask your vet! First of all how experienced he/she is with treating this disease. would he be willing to work with Dr. Dodds at hemopet, consult with her and send blood. Have Kylle's Thyroid checked and also do an aglunitation test, to see if Kylle's blood is clotting. This would indicate a small dose of aspirin should be given. Get all test result print outs. You can then see trends and report to us accurately what is happening. There are people on this board who can tell you things that your regular vet can't see. do not give up hope!!! Go to Joanne's website: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html Although she talks about AIHA it is interchangeable with IMHA Make sure you go to the link of the success stories, you will learn a lot from them, but most of all, they will give you hope! Best wishes, please let us know how Kylle is doing! Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Ask your vet to refer you to a specialist or teaching hospital immediately...And consult with Dr. Dodds immediately. DO NOT WAIT. There are many more experienced on the BBS. Trust what they are telling you...it is from their own experience and from the heart. Best of luck!

Pat Vermont

Dear Barb, I am so sorry to hear that your Kylie has been diagnosed with IMHA. Definitely visit the website listed above in Brigitte's post. It is a wealth of information, and also has success stories of dogs who have beaten this disease. Please let us know what medications Kylie is on and the doses. How much does Kylie weigh? Find out her PCV, and do ask your vet if Kylie's anemia is regenerative or non-regenerative. It may also be worthwhile checking if your vet has experience treating IMHA. If not, they may be willing to refer you to a teaching hospital. My regular vet did all they could for my girl Millie, but it wasn't until she went to a Teaching Hospital that she got the care, medication and treatment she needed. We are thinking of you, please stay on this forum where you will receive a lot of advice and support. Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Barb, I am so sorry that Kylle has been diagnosed with this awful disease. While you are at Joanne's site be sure to read the success stories too. Make sure you have a Vet that is experienced with this disease. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Barb~ Glad you found us...but sorry Kylle has to fight IMHA. It is a confusing and exhausting journey to recovery, but stay calm and informed. It will help you when talking with your vets. Hope the transfusion gives her the time it takes for her meds to kick-in and surrpress her immune system. Please keep us posted! Praying for you and Kylle girl! Stay positive...there is hope! Blessings, Cindi & Tor~ 8 yrs old (IMHA) Responding to treatment and is 6 mos into recovery!

Cindi PCB

Barb, So sorry to hear your news. I'm keeping you in thoughts and prayers. I hope you hear good news soon. Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

I'm going through the same thing as we speak. It is heartbreaking seeing our precious fur babies go through this. Finding this site was THE BEST thing that has come out of it. Gunner had his transfusion 2 weeks ago this past Saturday and his RBC has been holding at 20. I contacted Dr.Dodds and she gave me a ton of info to pass along to my vet, everyday of this is precious, but with the right combo of meds it can get better. I ordered Pet-tinics on Amazon and also switched to Wellness food sicne Dr. Dodds said dogs with this should be on a grain free diet. I also am adding more home cooked food as well , organic chicken and some spinach, which I run through the food processor so it looks like parsley and just toss the chicken in it to coat. Sometimes he's interested in it other times I need to be more creative. They sleep ALOT which is normal, but that worried me at first. I would contact Dr.Dodds as soon as you can. Although I love my regular vet, I feel like this is compared to a family doctor treating a cancer patient. They know a lot, but can only go so far. Good luck, this site is so supportive, I've asking alot of questions and got some really great info. If I'm unsure of something I go back into the archives and research things I don't understand. Write down everything they say and google it and look things up, be as informed as you can be. Knowledge is power in this crazy process ! Hang in there Love, Jacki and Gunner

jacki Phila

Kylle was at Ohio State University Veterinarian Hospital. It is a teaching hospital and her doctor has treated quite a number of IMHA canines. Kylle had to have 2 blood transfusions and her PCV went from 15% to 33%. The doctor was very pleased especially when it maintained that level over 24hours but no matter what I would bring to her to eat (steak and chicken and her favorite treats)she refused to eat and drink. Kylle was also on 2 immunosuppresent drugs along with aspirin to hopefully keep her from developing blood clots BUT last night she developed a blood clot in her brain. Today has been a very difficult and sad day. At 1:00pm I had to let my beautiful girl go. I prayed that God would make sure she got better and I would bring her home to her other 3 sisters and brother. I guess God had other plans for her. I miss my beautiful Kylle. I do want to thank all of you who wrote and thank you for your helpful words and your kindness. May God watch over all of your critterkids who are plagued with this disease and I pray you have many more happy years together. God Bless, Barb

Barb Ohio

OMG Barb I am crying here as I'm reading this. My heart is breaking for you right now. There are no words to express how truly sorry I am. I came back on here tonight to check up. Please accept my heart felt condolences !! XO

jacki

I am so sorry Barb! This is a horrible disease! My story is very similar to yours, Our dog rosie was turning around (PCV going up finally) but she got a clot in her lungs, and God had other plans for her as well. It is so hard to accept when you pray for hours begging for a miracle, and it seems to happen, only to be taken away again. Please accept my sincere condolences for Kylle, she sounds like she had a wonderful family and life, remember those great times, not the last few days, it does get a little less painful in time. Take care. Heather

Heather Oregon

Dear Barb, I am so sorry and you have my sincere condolences. I hope in time the wonderful memories you have of your sweet Kylle will heal your broken heart. Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Barb, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Kylle. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I urge you to visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very useful to you during these most very difficult days. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

I am so sorry, I am praying for you and your family. This disease is just horrible. Carrie and Summer

Carrie DFW

(((BARB))) Hugs for you! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. It isn't easy! Kylle is playing with lots of special friends now at the bridge! My condolences and sympathies to you and your family. Run Free Kylle Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

I am so sorry. I lost my Lucky last Thursday. It's just heartbreaking. My condolences to you and your family. Jerry

Jerry

Dear Barb Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your Kylle. Feel comfort in knowing that you did everything you could possible do for her and unfortunalty they can't all be saved. Kylle know how very much she was loved by you and her family. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" May your memories of Kylle forever be in your heart. RIP sweet Angel Kylle Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

This thread was discussed between 23/01/2011 and 26/01/2011

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