Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cairn Terrier with AIHA

Hi everyone, I hope you can give me some advice. My 11 year old Cairn Terrier collapsed 11 days ago and it was determined she has AIHA. We have tested for Tick-borne disease and that came back negative. She has been improving slowly until 2 days ago when her red blood count started sliding back. So we had to increase the Prednisone. Ritz also has Chronic Active Hepatitis and the Prednisone is not making her Liver very happy. Does anyone here know of a diet that I could feed to help both, because of the CAH I should stay away from red meat and organ meat, but for the AIHA I should give them to her? Any help is appreciated. Thank you

Monika South Carolina

Monika, I am so sorry to hear of your dogs diagnosis. You sure came to the right place for advice and encouragement. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on here that have given me great support. I have had a steep learning curve since my almost 3 year old Standard Poodle Kahlu was diagnosed 3 months ago. If you have not done so already, visit Joanne's website http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm The success stories are great to read and gave me so much hope! The prednisone is sure hard on their bodies, but it safes their lives. As for food Dr. Dodds recommends, Chicken, white fish and no grains. Her liver cleansing diet is on a epilepsy website and I have heard good things about it. http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liver_diet.htm My dog got extremely hungry on it so I added his regular food also. Milk Thistle and Sam-e are great supplements to support the liver. Best wishes to you and your Cairn Terrier (please let us know his name) Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Monika, I'm so sorry to hear that Ritz has AIHA. You found a remarkable discussion board and the people in here are beyond helpfull. I don't know if I would have made it without this site! The support is overwhelming at times. This disease is beatable...it's just a slow and tough process with lots of ups and downs. Hang in there and be tough for Ritz's sake. You should definately check out Joannes Meishas Hope site... http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html This is probably one of the most informative sites out there with regards to AIHA. It is well put together and helps one to make sense of this disease. You should find the time to review this site. Has your vet done tests such as an x-ray or ultrasound to check for abnormalities? I would recommend this be done. Has the doctor considered other immunosuppresive drugs such as Azathioprine (Imuran) or Cyclosporine? In alot of cases dogs need additional drugs to help fight this disease. It may also be worth while to ask you doctor how familiar they are with AIHA. Maybe they could refer you to an internal specialist. As far as a liver suopporting diet goes....I have very little experience with this but here is a site that someone mentioned the other day that you could check out.... http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/the-liver/?main_page=Mar2003.php If you have any questions just ask. I barely know anything compared to some of the people on this forum. Keep a good eye on Ritz and how he is acting. Watch his gums for signs of paleness. Also...sometimes the numbers do drop before they go up. This happened with Tessy a couple of times. The time of day could also play a factor in her numbers. It might be worthwhile to have her checked again within the next 24hrs just to see. I'll keep Ritz in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Good lucka and keep us informed. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Sorry Ritz, I skipped your name, I will remember it from now on!

Brigitte BC Canada

Monika, I am so sorry to hear that Ritz has been diagnosed with AIHA. As Brigitte and Johnny have said you have come to the right place for support. Please also look at the success stories at Joanne's site. It is really difficult to believe there is a positive side to this disease in the early goings but reading those stories will help you believe that it can indeed be beat. It is really important to have a Vet that is up to date and familiar with treating this or is at least open to a consult. Keep us posted. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Ca

Monika, I am sorry to hear that your dog, Ritz has been diagnosed with AIHA. This is a difficult disease that is not "cured" overnight. It is a long journey with many ups and downs. Seek out a Vet that has thorough knowledge about the treatment of AIHA. There are several medications that are used in treatment. Some, such as Pred are given at the onset of the disease to suppress the immune system. There are other slower acting, long term drugs such as Imuran and Cyclosporine. Because of the Pred, there will be some changes that will happen to Ritz. I'm sure your Vet will inform you about these changes; excess thirst, eating, weight gain, muscle loss, etc. These side effects are unfortunate trade offs in fighting the disease. IMO, diet is very important in combating AIHA. I used Dr. Dodds liver cleansing diet, somewhat modified. http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Liver%20cleansing%20diet.htm I added lean beef and chicken. We will pray for Ritz to completely recover. SUE & REN

Susie Delaware

Hi Monika, I am so sorry to hear about your pup. I too have a senior with AIHA and has recently just been weaned off of pred and doing great, she is 12. My vet recommended an ultrasound of the spleen and liver, because its more common AIHA is caused by a cancer in senior dogs. Just to rule that out and not to scare you. I recommend looking at the b naturals site Johnny posted for a good liver cleansing diet. I had Wylie on that for awhile. Also ask your vet if supplements can be added like milk thistle and sam E (vetinary formula is denosyl) these help protect the liver Laurie

Laurie CA

Thank you for all the information. I feel a lot better now because my Vet has done everything that was suggested here. Thank you again. Monika and Ritz

Monika South Carolina

That's good to hear Monika. The best thing for you to do is educate yourself with this disease. It may also be worthwhile to get copies of the blood results from Ritz's doctor. That way we may be able to help you a little better. Do you know what his PCV or HCT is? Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

My Ritz is a fighter like most of the Cairns. She was diagnosed with CAH over 3 years ago and we have been able to bring her ALT down to right around 150-200 where it has been until she collapsed, 2 weeks ago. Ritz has been on Sam-e, Milk thistle and Chinese herbs for her liver. When she collapsed 2 weeks ago and we had to give her prednisone her ALT jumped way over 1000. Her PVC is what’s causing us problems. Her platelets are perfect and so is everything else. Here is what her PVC has been doing 04/05/09 - 16%, 04/06/09 - 17%, 04/07/09 - 20%, 04/08/09 -24%, 04/09/09 - 27%, 04/10/09 - 30%, 04/11/09 - 34%, 04/13/09 - 30%, 04/14/09 - 27%, 04/15/09 - 29%, 04/16/09 - 27%. I am lucky; my Vet is across the street from my Job and because I am involved in Cairn Terrier Rescue and bring a lot of dogs there, they really know me and are giving me a discount. Ritz spends the day with the Vet so they can keep an eye on her and I pick her up after work and bring her home with me.

Monika South Carolina

I think we are going the right direction. Yesterday, Ritz's PVC was at 29 % today she is at 33%. Thank you for all the advice and suggestions.

Monika South Carolina

Looks like success! Ritz must be a tough doggy. You could probably start to reduce his trips to the vet now...or soon. It would be less stress on him. Keep us posted. Yippy. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 15/04/2009 and 19/04/2009

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