Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Brandi 12-22 Update from OSU

I just spoke to the doctor. After Brandi's transfusion her pcv went up to 24. This morning it's still holding at 21! If you remember the transfusion she got Sat put her at 23 and the next morning she was back down to 11. So I pray this is a good sign that the meds are kicking in! Her platelets went up from 4000 yesterday to 8000 today. The doctor said they are seing giant platelets. I may be confused as I've read so much but I think I remember with giant platelets your count may or may not be as high as what is considered normal. And darn it, I forgot to ask if her nose was still bleeding! We discussed the thyroxine and anabolic steroid shot. The vet feels like because Brandi is highly regenerative she really does not need it. But she is open to Dr Dodds suggestion if she can see something published about it. I have emailed Dr Dodds because I'm not sure I ever told her that Brandi is regenerative and also no autoagglination. I'm awaiting her response. Brandi ate last night and this morning. Went out to potty and they said she acted as if she had more energy. Said she's drinking too. I cautiously optimistic at this point. This stupid disease, I know it can change on a dime, and so I continue praying for my Christmas miracle. I will go see Brandi again today around 5pm. Thank you everyone for your support, prayers and everything. I'm so glad I came here. Teresa

Teresa OK

Teresa, I am so glad to hear up have some good news this morning and sounds like Brandi is getting much better care and compassion at this new hospital Prayers to you and Brandi Laurie

Laurie CA

YEAH Teresa sounds like good news for now! I will continue to keep you and sweet Brandi in my prayers! Let us know how your visit 2nite goes. :) Amy

amy texas

Teresa, I am so happy you got Brandi moved. It sounds like it has made a world of difference. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

My visit was very short as they where overwhelmed with emergency cases. In a nutsell, Brandi's pvc dropped to 15 and was currently undergoing another transfusion. My vet Dr Dugas was kind and compassionate but not hopeful, just being realistic. So I did the crying from my soul all the way home and called Dr Dodds. She said the destruction should not be happening so fast and that something is wrong with the blood or transfusion amount. I asked her to call Dr Dugas but she said she could not because she is not the treating vet. I talked to Dr Dugas and she agreed to call Dr Dodds tonight. I love these OSU people. My hopes were dashed and now are up again just a little after my talk with Dr Dodds. I'm just not ready to say good bye to the love of my life, only 4 years old, no one or no thing has ever loved me like Brandi does. I'm trying really hard to be angry with God but I don't understand if he says ask and ye shalll receive and all those other bible quotesl Why can't I, for once in my life, get a miracle? I had to take meds to calm my self down. If I have to say goodbye to Brandiwine it WILL BE the hardest thing I will ever have done. And that includes even my Mother's passing as Brandi gave me something my Mother never did. We are all terribly upset and have cancelled Christmas altogether. We're just not in the Christmas spirit.

Teresa OK

Teresa, I understand everything you are saying. Hopefully Dr. Dodds and Dr. Dugas can figure out things. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Oh Teresa I am so sorry, I was hoping and praying for some more good news for you. I wish I had the right words to offer you comfort in your toughest time. For me.... I prayed for God to just let me keep my Molly for Christmas. Of course I want MORE but I prayed that if he had to have her for some purpose greater than what I can know then to just grant me that time. So far I have gotten that, time will tell. I feel guilty I did not ask for more I don't want to lose her so soon but I have found peace in my heart that if I do then it is because she is needed for a greater purpose. That is how I found my peace anyhow. I am still praying for you and Brandi and am hopeful you may find some peace 2nite as I am sure you have not had any since this began. Hugs. Amy

amy txgoldenhorse@yaho.com

I'm so sorry you are going thru this. It's a roller coaster of emotions, I understand that for sure. I've been reading your posts and I'm wondering do they also have her on high doses of Prednisone? That might be something to ask them about because that's what will stop the immune system from attacking the red blood cells--the transfusion replaces them but doesn't stop the destruction. At least that was my understanding. At least it's worth asking about. We are hoping for the best for Brandi. Lori

Lori USA

teresa, i'm so sorry that brandi is still struggling. I did a happy dance when I started reading, and now I'm crying and worried for both of you. I'm just so happy to hear that you are in good hands and all of the experts are collaborating. please hang in there, all we can do is take this thing one minute at a time some days. stay positive and get some rest if you can. praying for a christmas miracle, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Dear Teresa -- don't have much to add, but want you to know I'm thinking of and praying for you and Brandiwine. I hope Dr. Dodds and the vets at OSU can come up with something. Please take care and keep us posted. Try to stay positive for Brandi.

Brenda VA

Teresa, For many months last year Dr. Dodds guided me through Chance's treatment. She is my guardian angel. If there is something to be done, I have great faith that she can accomplish it for you. I will be thinking about you today. patrice

Patrice NYS

This thread was discussed between 22/12/2008 and 23/12/2008

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