Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Brandie: diagnosed over the weekend

I am starting a new thread for Carrie's post so more people can see it. Joanne Carrie, Logan, OH, logevans@aol.com My Brandie had two transfusions just over the weekend. The prognosis is very bleek. They give her a 50/50 chance of servival. She COULD survive, but at the cost of taking at least 9 pills a day, going to the vet for far too frequent blood drawls and spending a lot of time there getting periodic transfusions. Please go to http://www.labbies.com/aiha.htm and read the very last sentence. I just can't keep doing this to her, she is also at high risk for stroke and servere infections and illnesses. When it is enough is up to you, but we have taken her home with two weeks worth of medication. We are giving her whatever she wants and enjoy the time we have left with her. I was tempted to be selfish and keep her around for me, but I just can't do it to her anymore.

Carrie OH

Carrie, I am so sorry to hear that your most beloved Brandie has been dignosed with AIHA. While AIHA is a very difficult disease, dogs who have diagnosed with it CAN and DO recover and go on to live happy healthy lives. My own Meisha was proof of that as are all the dogs on the SUCCESS STORIES pages at the Meisha's Hope Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm If you have not read these stories as yet, you might want to do so. They will show you what has worked for other dogs in terms of treatment options and give you a lot of HOPE. No one can or should tell you what decision to make for Brandie, but it is important to know that other dogs who have been give a slim survival chance have over come those odds and are now are not only surviving but thriving. Pleaase be assured that you and your dear Brandie are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days.

Joanne MN

Hi Carrie. I'm sorry to hear about Brandie's diagnosis. I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone. I agree with Joanne, that no one can or should tell you what to do for Brandie - that must be your decision. I'd just like to share this with you in case it helps you. When our dog, Duck, was first diagnosed with AIHA I distinctly remember some advice our vet gave us. She said that she didn't expect that Duck was going to survive but that she knew how much we loved him and because of that she thought it would be best for us and for Duck to give him the best chance we could. I was so grateful for her advice and we decided to persevere. That was 9 months ago. He has held normal blood levels for the last 7 months and is happy and energetic and loving life. I'm not trying to pressure you either way. When I was in your situation, I was leaning towards letting him go and feeling much the same as you; that it would be selfish to put him through months of treatment so I didn't have to let him go. But had we let him go, I wonder if we would have always wondered if we gave up too soon and regretted not trying to help him. I suspect I would have. Take care. Big hugs to you, your family and beautiful doggy, Brandie. Please keep us posted and if you have questions, this is a good place to come to for answers. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Hi, While I can't tell you what to do-if it were me, I would want to see if the dog had fight. My Dunes, a lab mix, wants to live and be by my side. She had 3 transfusions and little other blood problems. The vet specialist told me that she really wanted to live and that she was a fighter. Thank God!! She's sliding a bit-but there is real hope! I've spent a lot of money but I didn't take her on to not take care of her (got her at the pound). My wife said that I rescued her and that is why she is so devoted to me. I really think and believe that she's going to pull through. The vet specialist told me that it's usually touch and go at the beginning. The first week she was at a count of 15 and within 5 days down to 6. They couldn't believe that she was walking and jumping into my jeep. The vet said that they , many times, don't survive the transfusions. However, she not only survived 3 but she regained strength-so good luck!

joe ohio

Carrie, my boy also survived four transfusions last year and at one time his pcv was down to 9. (He is a seveteen month survior). Last week his pcv was 45. He is pulling me down the street and jumping up and down with fervor and energy. With some dogs it takes a number of months for their system to manufacture its own red blood cells. It is a scary time. You do not want to see your pet sad and weak. But you do want to hear other's experience to understand all is not lost even when your pet is not doing well at this moment. Do not take every word that is recommended to you by a vet as gospel regarding your Brandie needing 'periodic transfusions'. She should not need transfusions after her rbc count rises and remains stable. You might want to get a homeopathic vet consult. Some dogs do well on prescribed vitamins and immune support tonics. thinking of you.....Jan

jan philly

Carrie, I am so sorry that Brandie has been diagnosed. This is a very long and hard and yes expensive fight. It can be beat but sometimes even if you do everything you don't always win. It is a heck of a choice to have to make when you are still trying to grasp what has happened to your poor baby. Read up at Joanne's site and read the board here. I think it will help you a lot with whatever decision you make. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Carrie, Our Holly is also still fighting after 10 months of this horrible disease. It is very expensive and very involved. Her PCV was down to 8 and only had to have 1 blood transfusion. She is still fighting hard, has had a few ups and downs, but as long as she has the will we will be there with her to keep on fighting. We also had adopted her and within just 3 months she started having seizures and we didn't think once she went into the hospital that we would ever see her again, as our bosses took her down to an Atlanta hospital for a week. But she did come home to us back in NC and we love her so and would do anything for her. Hopefully the meds will kick in for Brandie and she can begin her fight. So many people on this board that can and will help you in any way they can. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Hi Carrie, It is awful when I read another dog has been diagnosed with AIHI. We fought for 6 months to save oue dog Georgie. It was an expensive, upsetting, devastating time and yet I would not have swapped those extra 6 months for all the money in the world. We had to take the decision to put Georgie to sleep which was awful. You know what is right for you, your dog and your family. Listen to your vet, get a second opinion if you need to and read all the advice on this forum, it is the best you will get. Steph

Steph Wales

carrie, im where you are right now we have been batteling this horrible dsease for 1 month now and its so discurging to not see any progress. My bella wont take her pills i have to push them down her throt. I hate it. she started out at 18 lbs and now she only weighs 11.She has lost most of her muscle mass in 1 month.I want to give up,but i also want to give her a chance im so torn too,just know your not alone Kathy.

Kathy Pacifica

hello, my cocker became ill this week: she wouldn't eat, was depressed and had a fever. we are still waiting for the rest of the results of the bloodtest, but the vet has diagnosed her as having anemia. would this mean automaticly that she has aiha? it's weekend now and i am searching the internet for more info. could someone please help, because i am very woried. thank you

Myriam belgium-europe

Myriam, I am sorry that you may be having to join us. If your dog is diagnosed as having AIHA this is the site for you. If you haven't checked out Joanne's site yet please do. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson It will give you all the information you need as well as prepare you for the bumpy road ahead. Any questions you might still have can probably be answered by someone here on the board. What is your dog's name? You might want to start a new thread so more people will see your story. Keep us posted. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Carrie, I am so sorry to hear of Brandie's diagnosis. I just wanted to share that I have a soon to be 3yr survivor(in March) of this horrible disease, and he was given a 50/50 chance as well. He had to have 2 transfusions in the process. He is still on neoral, aziothiaprine, and priolsec, and probably will always be as long as no side effects happen. His attitude is back to 100 percent and then some.. This disease is not painful, so don't give up hope--it can and has been beaten.. There is chance. Give the meds a chance to work... I wish you the best of luck.. Kim and Spencer

Carrie NY

This thread was discussed between 11/02/2008 and 23/02/2008

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