Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cooper's 8 Month Update

It has now been 8 months since we heard the news that our 2 year old Airedale Cooper had IMHA and with it came the alarming news from the vet of just how devastating this disease can be. I am extremely pleased to say that Cooper is doing exceptionally well at this point in his recovery. Medications are now at 2 1/2mg Prednizone EOD and 25mg Azathioprine EOD. It's been our attempt to reduce his Prednizone entirely then reduce the Azathioprine. The only other med he is on is Ciproafloxine for a persistent paw infection. The vets prediction that it would heel it self as we reduced the Prednizone has now proven to correct and the Cipro will be eliminated next week. So far as we have made the reductions his PCV level continues to rise ever so slowly but consistently. We still get a PCV, currently at 45%, every two weeks and run a full Chemistry Panel each month and are very happy to report that all vitals are now in the normal range except for the liver enzymes which are only slightly above normal. It is very exciting for us to watch him run and play much as he used to before IMHA. Most of the hair that he lost and the original colors of his coat are returning. He stills has an insatiable appetite and makes it hard to loose the extra belly fat but that will come in time. All in all we have come a long way and are very happy with his progress and feel most fortunate that he has made it thus far. Hopefully his road to recovery will continue. During the first 5 months of this disease I would not ever have believed that Cooper would have survived all that he was going through. How so very hard they fight for life and how lucky we are to have him back in our pack. RON & COOPER

Ron Florida

Hey Ron! That's great news, I'm so happy for you and Cooper, you two are a great team. It's amazing how much we all have to learn in such a short amount of time, and it's incredible how resilient our pups can be. So happy for your good news and happy that Cooper is back to his old self- I've heard those airedales are really fun, big goofballs- I'm sure you're happy to see that side of him again. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

So glad to hear that Cooper has beat IMHA. A PCV of 45% is amazingly wonderful!!! I know you'll be happy when he's completely off all the meds. Karen

Karen NC

Ron, What an excellent number. I am so happy for you and Cooper. Keep up the good work. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Ron, What great news about Cooper. For anyone who is interested in seeing what a handsome fellow Cooper is you can see a photo of him wearing his Meisha's Hope Bandanna on the Bandanna Photo page at the Meisha's Hope Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/bandannaphotos.htm I just added a couple of new photos to the second Bandanna photo page the other day, you can see those photos by clicking to the second page after you visit the first page and see Cooper's photo.

Joanne MN

Ron & Cooper, Always great to hear such good news and that it is!! I don't think Holly's insatiable appetite will ever go away. I think their stomachs get so stretched out from all the food they just become so used to eating. Congratulations again! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Wonderful news. I am so happy that Cooper is doing great! You should be proud of yourself Ron, for being a fighter along with Cooper. Kudos to both of you. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

What a fantastic post to read - congratulations to you Ron and also Cooper - he is a beautiful dog indeed. Ive only just commenced this road that you have been travelling so its lovely to read your news. I can dream about the PCV number that you have achieved. Melinda, is that your Tiggs on Joanne's site? Also Brigitte's dog, Kahlu - its lovely to see them - I have to go look for other familiar names.

Silka Melbourne Australia

Silka, yes, that's my Tiggs...that first bandanna got destroyed, but we just got a new one thanks again to Joanne! I too enjoy seeing everyone's furkids, it's great to put names and faces together. Cooper looks so handsome sitting on his chair. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Way to go Cooper, congrats Ron!

Wendi Ohio

Ron and Cooper what fantastic news, i still remember the first time your name popped up on this board wow what a journey! Wishing you both many, many years of good health and happiness. It's nice seeing all those beautiful puppy faces on Joanne's site. Effie.

Effie Melbourne Australia

happy for cooper! always good to see positive news from the board

josh california

I was wondering how Cooper was doing. Great to hear things are heading in the right direction Ron. Keep up the good work. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 24/10/2009 and 08/11/2009

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