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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cooper's 6 month update
It has been over a month since I last posted. Others have said that it is just as difficult to post good news as it is to post sad news and with that I completely agree. Cooper, a robust 2 year old 65 lb. Airedale terrier, was first diagnosed with IMHA on Feb. 28th. We finally stablized at about 4 months and for the last 2 months have been on med reductions. Currently he is on 20mg Prednizone EOD, and 25mg Azathioprine EOD. His appetite is still unreal and makes it difficult for him to loose the extra weight, but his eyes are bright and his energy level continues to get better every day. This weeks CBC results were PCV 41%,HCT 38.1%,WBC 12.7%,RBC 4.93%, Liver enzymes were slightly high at ALT 163 and ALP 279. We will continue to reduce slowly over the next several months to determine what his maintenence level will have to be for the future. At this point we have a great deal to be thankful for. The discovery of this discussion forum 6 months ago has played an very integral part helping our family weave our way through all the various aspects of this terrible disease and for that we are exceedingly grateful. To those that are still in the early stages of the fight carry on and stay the course. Educate yourself and don't take NO for any answer and convince yourself that the impossible only takes a little longer. Ron & Cooper |
| Ron Florida |
| Ron, This is incredibly good news! You are one of the most dedicated owners that visits this forum. Your hard work and striving to learn more about how to treat this condition is the major reason that Cooper has survived and is doing so well. You are also a positive influence to all the new owners to this forum. The alt and alk phs are directly related to the prednisone no doubt and will decrease over time as you further reduce the pred. My Dad got an Airedale puppy about 20 years ago. He had always loved Airedales, almost as much as Schnauzers. He named her Thistle (Of The Lake). She was a beautiful girl and they got along swell. She certainly was as high energy as my Giants are and as sweet as they come. I do miss both Dad and Thistle very much. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Ron, Congrats to you and Cooper! Hopefully as you continue to reduce the meds rest of his numbers will sort themselves out. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Ron & Cooper, I am so happy things are going well! You have both done a great job. I ran into a vet friend of mine (not the one that treats Kahlu) the other day and I raved about our vet. My friend told me, with this disease the vet is just a part of the picture, the home care is the other big and very important part. So Ron, give yourself a pat on the back, congratulations!! Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Ron, Don't ever apoligize for posting good news! It is important for others to see that this disease can be fought. Paws up to Cooper for being such a hard fighter and to you for being such a great Dad! Linda |
| Linda Sapphire |
| Way to go Ron and Cooper! Well done! melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Ron, I often think of Cooper. So happy to hear that he is doing so well. Sue & Ren |
| Susie delaware |
| Wonderful news. It give us the strength and determination to keep fighting even though sometimes we, me, can succumb to doubts, etc. Good luck and thanks for posting. Keep it up! |
| Mardi Northern Cali |
This thread was discussed between 05/09/2009 and 06/09/2009
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