Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Choe's numbers down

After almost two years on pred and ten months holding very well in the 40's, Choe's pcv suddenly dropped yesterday to 34. I had not seen a change in behavior/energy level until yeserday when suddenly I noticed him licking the ground for dirt as he had done in the beginning stages of the disease. I had actually stopped checking his gums, but then noticed yesterday they were pale again. This is suh a disappointment as we were down to .5 mg pred per day and it took such a long time to wean him. I thught we would finally be able to get him back to a no medication or at least an EOD regimin. The consulting vet told me to increase the pred to 3.5 mg and test him in another week. I wonder if he will ever be free of the pred. I pray he is not on a decline. Choe's problems stemmed two days after an application of FRONTLINE. Please, whatever you do, do not use this poison. Tell every pet owner that you know not to use it. The crap will never be taken off the market with big-pharma in charge. The only way it can be effected is if people refuse to use and boycott these flea control products laden with harsh pesticides that penetrate you dog's immune system. It is a multi-trillion dollar industry. There is too much big money being generated for the industry to be concerned about individual cases of animals becoming ill. It is very difficult to sue them. Choe is very insignificant to them. Not to me. I am mad as hell. Jan

Jan PA

Jan The same thing happened to Ginger recently only her PCV went all the way down to 25 and only went back up to 27 when we had it tested again a week later, it had been in the low 40's. It has been 9 months since her initial diagnosis and she was doing fine for the last 7 months and on a maintenance dose of medication. I did not use front-line on her at all. We have now increased her Imruan to 1 every day and have added Doxycycline she goes back again for a recheck in a week. Hopefully this is just a slight bump in the road and they will bounce back, but maybe will not ever be able to be medicine free. Keep us updated on Chloe's progress.

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Jan, I hope that Choe turns it around. Unfortunately some dogs do have to stay on a low dosage of meds for life. Try to see the joy of having Choe still here after 2 years. Hopefully it is just a minor setback and you can get back to the 40's soon. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

wishing chloe the best always

josh california

It's the 12th...how is Chloe? I was told in the beginning of this "journey" that 1/3 of dogs that present never hit any remission, 1/3 will resolve, and 1/3 will always be on meds. At that moment, I celebrated the hope that we had an improved PCV and Trooper was coming home...I could live with being in the other 2/3. Of course, I hoped that we would continue to improve and be off medication. Now 7 months into this, I am believing we may be in 1/3 always on meds...and although I grieve a little for that....I can do this. Hug to Chloe...and its only a bump in this bumpy road. Bumping along in Connecticut too.... We are off to the vet at 830 for blood work...routine I hope.

Chris Connecticut

Very kind of you to remember/ask, Chris and all who have commented. My boy seems OK, behavior wise/energy-wise but I am not sure of his pcv count. I will be taking him in on Tuesday. I keep asking him if I can see his gums...'geez, not the gum thing again', I can 'hear' him say. They looked pale the last few days but a little pinker today. I ordered a few additional homeopathic remedies from the homeopathic vet -immune support and continuing liver support related. Two years is a very long time on pred, but with this last drop,like you mentioned Chris, I'm not sure if we will ever NOT be on meds. I'll keep you posted. Prayers and good wishes go out to all of our wonderful pet companions. We love them so. Jan

jan philly

Jan, sending good thoughts to Chloe and a better PVC. THanks for the info on the 1/3 1/3 1/3 prognosis. Wylie was tested last night. She was up to 40 after splenectomy 2 months ago and has been off prednizone for 10 days and she was at 38 so we are hoping she will hold that and will watch for any change inc ase she needs to go back on it. Interesting Dr Dodds said for her age 11, she can be as low as 32 and still be fine if she stabilizes at that. Laurie

Laurie CA

He's back up to 42!! Yes. But, the concerning news is that the consulting vet said she doesn't think he will likely ever completely be weaned from the pred as everytime we try and 'almost' get there he takes a slide. She doesn't think it is worth the risk. But others have been successful. Im not sure if I should give up hope he will ever be 'free.' But, I am, obviously very relieved. Jan

jan phila

Jan, Yea! While it is an awful thought to be on meds forever it sure beats the alternatives. I am happy for you and Choe. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

very cool that your back in the 40ss :)

josh california

Congrats on the 40's...do they talk to you about watching the retic count in Philadelphia. My New York Internist Vet is all about the retic...I am fine with it...but that is not the focus of our posts???

Chris Connecticut

Chris, neither my regular (neighborhood) vet nor the consulting vet from UPenn Vet Hospital has encouraged me to check the retic count when the numbers dropped, only upped the pred and then check the pcv again in a week's time. Mabe they would if the count remained low?

jan philly

Chris & Jan, I find it so strange that only a few of the internists/vets seem to be so concerned about the retic count?? Chris, my Atlanta internist is all about the retic count also. Linda

Linda Sapphire

This thread was discussed between 09/07/2008 and 21/07/2008

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