Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Brandi - when do I quit trying?

The latest update is Brandi got up to 23 after the transfusion but is now down to 11. Her platelets have dropped from 36,000 to 4000. They said she is bleeding in her gi and still has a nose bleed. Also said she has a systemic infection of which they've started clavamox and baytril. I okayed another transfusion on packed red blood cells. They said she is becoming incompatible with several of their donor dogs so they couldn't give whole blood. They are going to give her a synthetic protein hedastarch (sp). Also WBC 31 and neutrophil 25. How long do I keep this up? I'm losing hope. They said with platelets this low Brandi could get a brain bleed. Have I tried enough? Has it been long enough? I don't want her to suffer. I emailed them Dr Dodds protocol again and asked about giving her vincristine to maybe get her platelets up high enough for a splenectomy. I don't know what to do anymore. My heart is broken in a million pieces and will take a lifetime to get over the loss of my sweet Brandiwine.

Teresa OK

Teresa, I am so sorry that Brandi is not doing well. It sounds like you have done everything that you can do so don't feel like you are letting her down. I still believe our dogs let us know when it is time. Look into her eyes and you will find your answers. Feel free to email me if you need to talk. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

My heart goes out to you. When is enough? Please talk to a close family member or friend- I am the one that was always ready to do more, my husband was and is the voice of reason. Only with him there am I able to see things more clearly

Chris Connecticut

oh teresa, i'm so sorry that brandi is struggling. i don't know when enough is enough, but everyone here says that their dogs let them know. trust your bond with her. if she looks like she has a little more fight, go forward. if she's telling you she is tired and ready to run free at the bridge with the others, let her go. i've no doubt the two of you will arrive at that decision together. my best to her, and of course to you. i hope things improve today. hugs, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Teresa, I am so sorry you are facing such difficult choices. With another beloved pet in my past I knew the answer in my heart when it was time. Although at the time I had a very difficult time accepting what I knew deep down. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved Brandi. I am praying this other transfusion will be her turning point and she will recover. Amy

amy texas

I've just been thru the archives and read a lot particularly about Casper. I had read his success story so I went back and searched for posts from Lori in CA. It seems maybe I'm not waiting long enough? I don't know. I'm just worried with the platelets being so low well, and the hematocrit too. I'm waiting on a callback from Dr Schultz at OSU. I have questions about Trough testing, adding Flagyl, possibility of Vincristine, Splenectomy and bone marrow biopsy.

Teresa OK

Hi I am sorry Brandi is not responding yet to her treatment. Have you seen Brandi today and if so how is she is she eating and happy to see you? At this point I would be more concerned with how she is acting and the numbers, give the medicine to begin to work. She will let you know when it will be time to let her go. Darcy recently began a steriod injection (see the posts from Karen). We are praying for Brandi. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

teresa- please consider starting her on the weekly durabolin/nandrolone injection praying for brandi

josh california

Oh Teresa I am so sorry to be reading this about sweet Brandiwine. You ask 'when is it time'...well, you know only too well that you will know the answer to that question. Your girl will tell you when she is too tired to fight anymore and when she is ready to go. Until that time, please love on your girl and enjoy what you have with her. My heart breaks for you and Brandi. Please know we continue to keep her in our prayers and send you lots of love and only good wishes.

Laurie NY

Teresa, Darcy is responding well to the anabolic steriod shot or something. I'm doing so much now that it's hard to tell. The Standard Process products I mentioned in another post might be helping, especially the FerroFood, which is a blood builder. I think the change in diet has helped as well. Now, her gums are still very, very pale, but she is barking and begging for food. She's wagging her tail and seems to have more life in her. I am struggling over whether to order the Hemopet transfusion blood. Her PCV is 10%. All these decisions we have to make are difficult, aren't they, especially during Christmas when so many people are off work and/or hard to contact. If Brandi still has that fight in her and her clinical signs are good, don't give up on her just yet. I hope Dr. Dodds responds soon. I trust her since she has over 30 years experience. Hugs and prayers for you and Brandi. Karen

Karen NC

I visited Brandi not long after the packed rbc transfusion. She was so happy so see me, my daughter and my sister. I was so happy to see her! She looked like she felt better thanks to the transfusion. She's still in an oxygenated cage. But I did get to open it and hold her in my arms and kiss her, hug her and tell her how much I love her. I told her I will fight as long as she is willing. She does not have the I don't want to fight anymore look. She still has blood from the nose. No red spots on the tummy though. My tech just called and said she's still doing the same as when we saw her. Her pvc is up to 24 after the transfusion. They didn't do the platelets. Please pray that pred, az and atopica kicks in to kick butt! I did also tell them I wanted them to order the anabolic steroid shot as suggested by Dr Dodds and Josh and Karen. Plus put her back on .1 soloxine twice daily. I'll confirm tomorrow that they are on top of this as I told them this is MY request. I can't tell you how good these people are that are taking care of my baby. Even if we lose this battle I know I made the right decision to move her from OKC. Keep praying! Teresa

Teresa OK

I am so glad you had a good visit with your girl. I refuse to give up hoping and praying until you tell us Brandi is ready. How are you holding up? I'm real worried about you. Hang in there...that little girl of yours needs you to be strong. Sending you our love and prayers - praying really hard for you and Brandi. Laurie

Laurie NY

Hang in there Teresa, Brandi sounds like she was thrilled to see you and that she is in great and capable hands. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

HI Teresa Im praying for Brandi and hope that she keeps improving. Sounds like your visit with her was a good one. Hang in there. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Lisa

Lisa West Aust

This thread was discussed between 21/12/2008 and 22/12/2008

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