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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Boogie getting worse
| Boogie has no appetite today, and she is unbelievably weak. I stopped by her regular vet (her internist is closed on Wednesday), and her PCV was 19. That's down 6 points since Monday. She has an appointment with the internist tomorrow. It looks like she'll be getting her fourth transfusion soon. The fact that she has no appetite scares me a lot. This is the first time since this all started (first time in her life actually) that she has refused to eat. Food was the only thing she had left as far as quality of life goes. Have others experienced this? What did you do? Thanks so much. Sue |
| Sue Moorpark |
| Sue, I just wanted to say I am sorry Boogie is not doing well. Hopefully she can get back on track after she sees the internist tomorrow. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Penny, Thank you so much. I'm just so scared. I feel like Boogie's little body is shutting down. So sad. Sue |
| Sue Moorpark |
| When Matilda was first diagnosed, 5 weeks and 3 days ago, her PCV was at 18. She was weak, didn't want to even walk, and was refusing food and water. After the 1st two days of prednisone & doxycycline her PCV fell to 11, which is when they put her in the critical care unit and gave her a transfusion, and increased her meds, adding cyclosporine & imuran to the mix (along with the anti-acid one) She did not regain her appetite, and her lethargy did not improve until her PCV went back up to 33 - after the transfusion. I'll keep you guys in my prayers - and hope for a good report soon. jeanne |
| Jeanne texas |
| Sue, I am very sympathetic with your alarm right now. When Chance reached a pcv of 18, he could not squat to do his business. I pulled out my cell phone right there on the sidewalk and called the vet to arrange a transfusion. Within a few hours he was at the vets getting it. His appetite was for the most part pretty good. However, dogs often respond to not feeling well by not eating. It is instinctual to do so. When humans are sick, we often do the same thing. My vet advises me to use "really smelly food" to encourage appetite. Canned sardines or salmon are a bit hit at our house. When Chance came home from surgery I made him a small omelet with bits of cooked liver in it. I brought the plate to him and hand fed him small pieces. At first he was not interested, but the smell helped him to respond. When a dog is sick, it helps to be creative in what is considered acceptable food... most anything that is safe for dogs to eat. Warm, high quality protein is always the first thing on my agenda. That is what dogs need the most. Pan searing meats or scrambled eggs really smells good. Let us know what happens today with the internist. I wish you the best, Patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Hi Sue, My dog Cali was just diagnosed last week with IMHA. Her PCV is 17 right now, it is low but she is ok for now. Since she has been sick she has no interest in dog food at all, but the Vet told me to try different things. Right now I will give her what ever she wants & right now Hamburger is her favorite thing. She can't get enough. She even is picky about her treats, but anything that smells like bacon is a big yes. She will eat some cottage cheese, but basically she wants anything I'm eating. It's like she knows she has a free pass right now. So if she'll eat eggs or potatoes I'll give them to her. I figure getting something in her belly is the most important thing. One of her legs has now gotten puffy, but the Vet just put her on another medication. She is up to 13 pills a day! I hope she gets better, but the more I read about this disease the prognosis doesn't look that great. I'll keep hope, but I know it's out of my hands now. Good Luck to you & your dog Boogie. Dee |
| Dee Wisconsin |
This thread was discussed between 24/04/2008 and 25/04/2008
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