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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Boogie update
| One week ago today, my Boogie (mini dachshund) had a PCV of 10 and was transfused (third time). The next day her PCV was 35, and then on Monday it was 37. I was encouraged since it had actually gone up a little. This was the highest PCV we've had since starting this roller coaster ride on 3/4/08. Her PCV's were always in the teens except it rose to 22 after each transfusion. So 37 seemed like a miracle. Today Boogie's count dropped to 30. Still a good count, but the drop scares me a lot. Scares my vet too. I'm trying not to worry about what next week will bring, but this is so hard. It does help to read about others' experiences on this board. It makes me feel less alone in dealing with this horrible disease. My thoughts are with everyone dealing with this. Just awful! Sue |
| Sue Moorpark |
| Hi Sue. I think it is normal to have a dip post transfusion but hopefully Boogie will have an increase at the next check. Are you having her checked again next week? In the first months of Duck's illness, I was constantly afraid. I'm not sure if the fear has gone away or if it's still there and just feels normal now. I really feel for you. Hang in there. deb and Duck |
| Debbie BC Canada |
| Thank you, Deb and Duck. We have an appointment for 10:00 AM on Monday morning, April 21st. So we'll see what the count is then. I'm getting a little tired of counting the days and hours between my little girl's blood tests. She's worth it though. |
| Sue Moorpark |
| Mini-dachs owner also. Choe has been a 19- month AIHA patient stemming from pesticide poisoning from Frontline plus flea control product. Your Boogie is a relatively 'new' patient and you will probably see flucuations in pcv for quite a while. If she is on pred and other immune suppresents the vet will probably give you instructions to increase when the count goes below a certain range. Always seems like a juggling act to keep the numbers in that remission zone. Many pet owners have the pcv checked every two-three weeks. I have been in that routine for 19 months following four transfusions the first three months. (also showing initially a pcv of 10) with lot of scary fluctuations the first six months. Some folks have a shorter time for stability. There are a couple of doxies on this board and I'm sure I don't have to tell you they are all feisty and strong willed. I've had many over twenty-five years...they are one of the best,'little people' around! Don't dispair over some bumpy numbers from the 30-40 range. As long as you are watching her closely and checking her numbers and adjusting the med doses she hopefully will do well. Choe's last reading ws 41 so we've come a long way. Jan |
| jan philly |
| Another mini dach owner, Holly. Holly is a 13 month IMHA patient stemming from either Frontline or Parvo vacc and has had many ups and downs just like Choe, Jans dach. Her initial PCV was 8 and she had one blood transfusion and slowly started climbing. 6 months ago was down to 2.5mg pred every other day, but had to up the dosage to 5mg a day because her numbers started dropping, now we go down just 1mg a month and so far so good with her currently at 3mg a day of pred. Like Jan said the numbers certainly do go up and down alot, but again Dachs are subborn German little ones! Holly's last PCV was 44.1 but it did take 13 months to get to this point so Boogie is doing good to be in the 30's so soon. Please keep us posted. Linda |
| Linda Sapphire |
This thread was discussed between 18/04/2008 and 19/04/2008
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