Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cookie seeming anemic again

On Monday when I took her in she had a 4% drop from the previous week. I attributed this to the supplements that I added to her food so those have been removed. She seems to be weakening and is not following me around as much as she had been, and her gums aren't nearly as bright (they're still pink, but last week they were a bright reddish pink). I really don't want to get her blood tested again until Monday because 1. she just had it tested two days ago and I don't want to make her worse by taking more 2. it's about $51 for the test and I only make $10/hr, already I've been concerned about how I'm going to afford everything in the fall because I'll get less hours (I work at a dog daycare and it is usually only busy during holidays/summer), so I really want to save what extra I have in case of emergency. It is so hard for me to treat her because my family is just so not sympathetic and not willing to help with the bills. My mom told me today that Cookie is going to have to sleep outside if she doesn't stop peeing on the floors because the boards are "warping" and I just can't let that happen but I don't know what to do because she has to go out every 2 hours or so. I think I should increase back to 40mg/day (they reduced her to 30mg after she reached 38%) is it okay to do that without consulting the vet? (they are nice but somewhat clueless about her condition) And the peeing.,.. it's never in a specific spot so pee pads won't help and I can't get up every 2 hours to let her out.. I'm willing to get the urinalysis but I don't think it's an infection because she's been peeing since she went on the prednisone and back then she was on an antibiotic.

Monet Sammamish

Monet, Don't rule out a UTI just because your pup was on an antiobiotic already. Beau was on an antibiotic (name escapes me - begins with a C) that did not clear up the UTI. After culturing, they put him on Baytril(?) and that is what cleared it up. I still believe that her excessive peeing could be from an infection. That would explain the drop in PCV as well. If you're unable to get her to the vet and if you truly believe it's not an infection, my best advice would be to monitor what she drinks leading up to bedtime. But I honestly believe if you have any way to get her checked for a UTI, that's what you should do. Good luck! Sharon

Sharon PA

Monet, the peeing might quite well be a urinary tract infection. my dog had them on and off constantly when he was on prednisone. Some dogs have them constantly but they are easily treated with antibiotics. As for Cookie not doing too well, I always went with my gut feeling and did pretty good with that. except for the one time I called the vet out at night, rushing to the clinic thinking my dog is going to die. He was checked and his PCV was up! remember that the colour of the gums varies over the day. If cookie is pale for a longer time and if she is acting tired or distressed, maybe it is time to take her in. if they do a simple PCV, not sending it in to a lab, it should be fairly cheap. I feel for you, this disease is very expensive on top of everything else.... thinking of you and best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC

For her blood they don't send it in to the lab and it's still $51. Someone on this forum said that for them it was $20 so maybe my vet is overpriced.. Does anyone know what a urinalysis should cost? I can call around to find better pricing...

Monet Sammamish

Monet, Yes, that seems a bit steep. point out to the vet that you will have to do many of these and there should be some sort of a rebate. My vet gave me 20% of most tests and 50% of some. they still made money of me by giving me a break. It won't hurt to ask for a discount. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

I collected some in a pan to look at and there was no blood or cloudiness. It did seem pretty concentrated considering how much she's drinking... is it possible for a UTI without blood? I've been trying to look up symptoms but everything I've read says there'd be blood

Monet Sammamish

yes, it is possible to have a UTI without blood. If you really see her declining and seems no better tomorrow maybe you bring her in and have her PCV checked. They can go downhill rather quickly with this disease. Sending our prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Here is the link to a site with some info on urinary track infections http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_urinary_tract_infection.html Notice it says "It is especially important to realize that many animals do not show any externally visible signs of their bladder infections and, since they cannot talk, screening tests are the only route to discovering the infection. It is also important to realize that it is the inflammation associated with infection that causes these symptoms. There can be infection without much inflammation (particularly if the patient is on a cortisone-type anti-inflammatory medication) and there can be inflammation without infection" It might be very wise for you to read the whole page and speak to your vet

Joanne MN

Monet, Don't have anything to add to what has been mentioned, just wanted you to know that you have everyone on this boards support. It is so difficult to fight this battle and you need to pat yourself on the back for being there for your little girl. Prayers and good thoughts sent your way. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Monet~ When Tori was wetting so often, I bought some small "swimmers" (padded diapers for tottlers) and cut a hole for her tail. They really helped. You can't cut back on the water because the meds (especially prednisone) make them so thirsty. It will stop being a problem as soon as the Pred is decreased. Hang in there.... My prayers and thoughts are with you and Cookie. Blessings, Cindi & Tori (IMHA, but in remission)

Cindi PCB

How is Cookie doing today? Keeping her in my prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Chery & Ginger

I brought a sample for a urinalysis to the vet and we should get the results today. Her gums really aren't getting darker and she's been having occasional diarrhea I think because I keep changing her food (she won't eat her old kibble plain anymore, so I'm trying a few new high protein kibbles)

Monet Sammamish

Monet, Instead of kibble have you considered cooking for Cookie? She is so little that it would not be that expensive. I used to think it is crazy to cook for dogs with all this high quality kibble available. but when I had to give my dog all this medications it felt so good to prepare a health nutritious meal. Just the fact that I could do something was good for me. You could get some chicken of white fish and boil it, add pumpkin a d sweet potatoes, maybe green beans, carrots or beets. It might be time consuming, but at least you can DO something. Just a thought. best wishes, Brigitte and the poodle boys

Brigitte BC

Thanks, yes, when she first was diagnosed I fed her baked chicken or fish for lunch because that was something that she would eat guaranteed. With how much she is eating (she's eating a ton: 2 cups of dry food and a 4 oz sausage of raw dog food a day, plus now I am mixing in canned food to get her to eat her kibble and she takes her pills in peanut butter. Previously, she ate only 1 1/2 cups of dry food a day.) Not to mention, she's LOSING weight instead of gaining it despite the extra food. I just can't afford to feed her only meat because she needs too much.

Monet Sammamish

Just got back from vet and finally had results from urinalysis. They said she had glucose in her urine, which is unusual, so instead of getting a regular PCV we are doing the full blood panel again to see glucose levels in that, but it may be that she is diabetic. She's still having diarrhea. I can't get her to eat rice except if I add tripe. Won't take it with broth, egg, cottage cheese, meat, etc only tripe. So they gave us a can of I/D to try, and also some Clavamox in case of bacterial growth in the intestines/also for her lip (because of her blindness, she has been taking the stairs hard and has snagged her lip/tongue a few times and the wounds aren't healing up very well) Her gums are still paler than last week and her energy is still lower but her appetite seems to be coming back up. I've housesat for my boss the past two nights and those had been her worst nights. I'm hoping that since I'm here to comfort her during the night now she'll start to improve again. It could be that we'll have to boost her pred back up to 40mg/day still, we'll find out tomorrow...

Monet Sammamish

Have you tried giving her a bit of canned pumpkin (make sure it is pure pumkin and not the pie filling) just mix a small amount with her food and most dogs love it. What type of dog is cookie and how is she? Sending prayers Cheryl

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

I gave her pumpkin when she was first diagnosed and then stopped because I saw no reason to continue. I asked my parents to get some at the store, but I guess my mom forgot that I said "I don't want it if it's got sugar in it" because I ended up with the pie filling. I'll pick some up tomorrow from the pet store. She got her first clavamox at about 3 today. It may be a little early, but I think there is definitely improvement with it.

Monet Sammamish

Monet - hi, You could try giving Cookie plain meat baby food - look for something that is a "stage 1" food and is just meat and broth - be sure it has no onions added. If Beech-Nut brand is distributed in your area, I know they make stage 1 meats (chicken, turkey, beef). That worked very well for us - it's very palatable, easy to swallow and digest. I've been following Cookie's story - I hope you get some answers for her soon. And, I think you are doing such an awesome job for her - not something many young men your age would do - you clearly stand out. Take care - Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Just an FYI many pet food stores carry the plain pumpkin now also, if you can't find it in a grocery store. Glad cookis showing some improvement. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Oh, Bonnie, I'm a girl.. lol

Monet Sammamish

Monet - so sorry! I must have misread something along the way but, regardless, the comment still stands! I hope Cookie is a little better today. Take good care- Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

This thread was discussed between 24/08/2011 and 29/08/2011

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