Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Coco staying at the vets

Well after reading the other posts this afternoon I am convinced that when it rains it pours. Coco started acting funny last night so I took her to the vets today, her hct was down to 11. They are keeping her and setting her up with a transfusion of (correct me if I am wrong) packed red blood cells. Is this good? I read about the other transfusions using human gamma globulin (correct spelling?) Should my vet be using that? Any information would be greatly appreciated, I am very worried and think that having to leave her there was close to the hardest thing I have had to do. Please say lots of prayers for her, I would be devestated if a lost my coco mo at this point....Kelly

Kelly Redding

Kelly - You're right - it's been a difficult few days here. I'm so sorry you had to leave Coco - it is a horrible feeling - but I hope it can bring you some comfort to know that she is where she needs to be right now to fight this and you are doing all you can. Take care and know that we are thinking of you and Coco and hoping she is showing signs of improvement soon. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

A transfusion is good news indeed if she was getting worse. This'll buy Coco some more time for the meds to turn this terrible disease around. Prayers and Best wishes for you and Coco. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Nollaig had 5 blood transfusions over 6 months and all were of packed red cells so that is the right thing that Coco is receiving.I remember asking vet about human gamma globulin but he felt,in Nollaig's particular case,it wouldn't benefit her. Every dog is different though,if I were you,to find out if this should be given to Coco,I would contact Dr Jean Dodds at hemopet as she will advise you on this matter as that is her area of expertise,she's so helpful and giving of her time. Praying for Coco tonight that the transfusion goes smoothly and gets that pcv up to a high level to give you time to get her well...it can be done...stay strong...I will pray for you too Kelly because I remember exactly how you are feeling being away from your beloved dog and not knowing how they are. Take care and I pray that tomorrow brings good news for all the dogs on this forum that are going through a crucial time in their illness tonight. Take care Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Sending my prayers for Coco and you and hope she can turn things around soon. Stay strong and believe in the power of prayer. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinev

I will say my prayers for you and for Coco. It is good she is at the vets where they can keep a very close eye on her all night. Try to get yourself some rest during the evening. We are here for you.

Mardi Nothern Calif

Kelly, I am so sorry. From my whole week's worth of experience (how my life turned completely upside down I guess I will never know) the transfusions are key to buying time. The human gamma globulin does not create new red blood cells but rather stops the destruction of them. This is what I've been told and I could be mistaken. Take comfort in knowing that she is in good hands, you have done everything you can, and that you are not alone....all easier said than done. The human gg is not cheap but seemed to work for Macy so far. Thinking of you and Coco.

Darren Long Beach

Dear Kelly I am relieved you were able to get Coco a transfusion. A stay at the vets might be just what she needs to recover. Keep us posted. Samantha and Millie

Samantha Geelong Australia

Hi Kelly All the very best of wishes to you and Coco right now - Riley too also had a transfusion and had to stay in hospital for 5 days - I hope this turns Coco around. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Dear Kelly, I am sending you and Coco my prayers and best wishes right now. I dont post much, but have been on this roller coaster and know how darn hard it is. I saw your earlier post, about internal bleeding from the drugs. This happened to my Kent, and he also had a relapse. At that time, I was consulting with Dr. Dodds. Kent had not been on stomach protectants, or at least not on the sucralfate. He was given a Barium swallow before the transfusion per Dr. Dodds advice, and the transfusion given in two parts. He recovered very very nicely. The barium works as a kind of internal bandaid, plugging up any 'leaks' in the system. He did poop white poop for a few days, but that was fine, the barium does that. I also want to suggest to other members of the forum dealing with stomach protectant issues to also consider adding Slippery Elm Bark (SEB) to the mix. It cannot do any harm that i know of, and is helpful, working as a natural internal bandaid, and is also nutritious. I never used it to replace sucralfate or pepcid, but in addition, whenever there were stomach upsets or blood in the stool. Thinking of you both, Christine

Christine Florida

Kelly, Sending hugs and prayers for you and for Coco and hoping the transfusion goes well. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Kelly Just wondering how Coco is today? Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Kelly, Ruger and I are thinking about you and Coco...how is she doing? Ruger had 2 transfusions and the human immoglobin (sp). Seemed to work for him as we are holding at 30 - 31 and almost a month out.

jaime Parker

Hello, I have finally found a moment for an update. Coco was able to come home the day after the transfusion, they thought about keeping her another day but she is such a mommas girl she was worrying herself exhausted at the vets. After the initial transfusion her hct went up to 24 but by the time I took her home it was at 20. The vet said this is fairly normal for it to drop slightly and is not to worried as we are checking it everyday for now. The poor thing has not left my side since I brought her home though I think she needs a shrink for abandonment issues now lol but all and all she is doing good except for muscle weakness which I understand is from the pred. Thanks for all the support at a much needed time. I'll keep you posted..Kelly and Coco

Kelly Redding

Good to hear Coco is home now. The drop in PCV is normal after a transfusion. Tessy's crit went up to 24 also post transfusion and then dropped down to 18 within a few days before finally starting to climb. Is he eating/drinking alright? Poor little mommas girl...LOL. Prayers and best wishes, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hello Johnny & Tessy..She eats and drinks like there is no tomorrow,which surprises me because she only weighs 37 lbs now. She looks like a starve the poor thing! I am glad to hear that a slight drop is the norm I seem to be paranoid everytime she does something different. Have a great day!! Kelly & Coco

Kelly Redding

Welcome home Coco! No place like home. You sound really positive Kelly, which is fantastic - Coco will do well Im sure, its great she is eating. Keep us updated with the results. Best wishes, Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Kelly, Glad to hear Coco is home. The muscle weakness is terrible to see but that is the effect of the drugs. Paranoia is one the side effects for us. :) Hopefully she will do nothing but improve now that she is back with Mom. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

This thread was discussed between 05/01/2010 and 08/01/2010

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.