Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - CORKY - my dog was just diagnosed

Hi everyone, I stumbled across this site when researching AIHA. Sadly, my 14 y/o Cocker Spaniel (He's been in my life ever since I was a kid) was just recently diagnosed with AIHA. After reading some posts on the board along with Joanne's site, I've come here to vent, to share my experience with others and for some direction and advice. Here's a brief overview of his history and the story behind it all, it may be a bit long, and somewhat distorted, so please bear with me. Corky has been struggling with chronic arthritis for the past several years, he has been on/off Rimadyl ever since. He's been taking Veterinarians Best Hip/Joint nutrition tablets. He has been the same rambunctious dog until this past week. Several days ago he seemed very, very lethargic, he's always very excited to see me, but when he saw me, he tried his best to move, but couldn't, he was shaking so much. I just held him close until he was able to calm himself down. He was completely incapacitated and unable to even go downstairs for his walk/bathroom break. We rushed him to the vet immediately, they took a blood test and prescribed Rimadyl once again. THe following day, he wouldn't eat but was active again. He has become very picky with what he eats. The following day (yesterday) we returned to the vet to get the results. The bad news followed. PCV was 37 intially, now at 27. They took another blood test. The vet elected to send Corky home as he was very active and still in good spirits. He noted AIHA may be secondary as it could be a result of cancer (His Ultrasound is scheduled in a few days). A word of caution was sent to monitor him closely and report any excessive exhaustion/breathing/panting. None occurred this evening. We are returning to the vet again in 5 hours to get the results and discuss our options. I'm so scared right now, I can't stop shaking, I can't hold back the tears, I can't sleep. I don't know what to think. I'm completely disoriented and scatterbrained. The mere thought of its effects is downright frightening! I just love this dog so much. He's so vibrant, full of personality, he offers so much love and care. With a very heavy heart, and a feeling of complete emptiness inside, all I can do is pray for the best. Thanks everyone for the time. Peter

Peter LA

Peter - So sorry to read your story - we all know what a scary time you are going through so you have come to a good place for information and support. I recall several people on the board have mentioned "Rimadyl" linked to their dog's IMHA so you may want to search for threads on the topic and hopefully some of them will chime in as well. It's important you have a vet who is experienced in treating this disease so you may need to ask for a referral to a specialist. Did your vet prescribe Prednisone or anything to help stop the red blood cell production? It is also typical to give Pepcid or sulcrafate to help protect their stomachs from the Pred. You may want to seek out a specialist sooner if that is possible for you to do. It is typical that they rule out possible causes for the anemia (we went through abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds to look for tumors or other possible causes of bleeding, blood tests for thyroid, Addisons disease and a blood panel for tick diseases). So, while it is incredibly frightening just know that it is typical. It is a positive that Corky's PCV, while low, is hanging at 27 and his spirits are good. You may want to try some baby food (be sure it is just pure meat, no onions or garlic which can be toxic to dogs). Best of luck and keep us posted on how you and Corky are doing. I'm sure you will get a lot of help from people here who have a ton of experience dealing with this. It is scary but it can be beat! Take care.

Bonnie Chicago

Peter, I am sorry you have had to join us but you have come to the right place for information and support. Ditto with everything that Bonnie has posted. It is so inportant to have a Doctor who is well versed on treating this. I hope you have stopped the Rimadyl. Go back to Joanne's site and read the sucsess stories and give yourself some hope. It is a roller coaster ride fighting this but know we are all here to help you through it. My thoughts are with you and Corky. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Peter - Was just checking to see if anyone else had chimed in and noticed an error in my message. You probably know this already but, when treating IMHA, the meds (like prednisone) are used to stop the red blood cell destruction (not production as I said - sorry, typing too early). I hope things are going OK for you. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Hello Peter. I'm sorry to hear about Corky. You have come to the best place for support and information on AIHA. My thoughts are with you and Corky. Tricia

Peter UK

oooops, don't know what happened up there, looks like I put your name in "Your name" box Tricia

Tricia UK

Peter I feel for you as I am in the same boat as my Wylie was just diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. She is a senior too at 11. We first did extensive tests, they did a full tick panel that came back with a low end positive of rocky mtn fever which can be a cause. I also got a 2nd opinion from an internist and she said because of her age do an ultrasound because at this age its usually caused by a disease so I did that she had a growth on her spleen which just just had removed today. I would suggest an ultrasound. Bes ot luck to you and Corky Laurie

Laurie CA

Hang in there Peter...we're all here for you. This is a great place for info and support. I dont know what i would have done without it. no one in my family understood when my 2 yr old italian greyhound was diagnosed a week and a half ago. take care and both of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lisa pleasantville

Hi Peter, I am sorry to hear about Corky. My dog Cali was diagnosed almost a month ago, and I must say she is doing pretty good so hang in there. While doing my own research I did notice that Cocker Spaniels are prone to this disease. Why? Who knows. My dog is a Cattahoula mixed breed, but she was also on Rimadyl & daily pills to help her joints. I threw the Rimadyl away & no longer give her the joint pills either. She was having syptoms of Arthritis last October & wasn't herself. I do beleive they missed something at that point & the Rimadyl made it worse. Just my opinion. She is only 5 years old. As of yesterday (only 3 weeks after being in the hospital & having 2 blood transfusions) her PCV was at 35. Which was very encouraging since her low point was a 9. Every dog is different, but I wish you the best of luck. Dee

Dee Wi

I'm so sorry to hear abouy Corky. my dog Silky was diagnosed last Friday and died the day before yesterday. It had attaked her kidneys and her liver and per the vet because of her age approx 12ys old her did not thibk she would make it. She stopped eating, drinking , walking, it was horrible. hopefully you found out in time but based on the research i have done it seems to be an acute desease and very common in cocker spaniels. I wish you the best. markeysha

markeysha ca

Peter, I am so sorry to hear about Corky. I came to this site in March of this year because my 11 yr old min dacsh was diagnosed with IMHA - I think everyone here understands the mix of emotions you are going through. I will keep you and Corky in our thoughts and prayers. This is a terrible disease that seems to strike so quickly and vehemently - but I am learning that it can, in some cases, be controlled. I am amazed at the progress that Matilda has made. I will never be able to thank her regular vet who sent us without hesitation to a critical care unit so that the specialists could take over. Having someone that understands this disease and has dealt with it before is so important. So take heart in that - and read and re-read the Misha's hope site - it is full of wonderful information and encouragement. jeanne, matilda, sadie & bentley

jeanne texas

Peter, I am sorry to hear about Corky. This disease does, indeed, put you on an emotional roller coaster. I discovered it several weeks ago after Toby had a relapse. The folks here are very understanding and can direct you to many places that can answer your questions. One thing I do know: It seems no one seems to know what causes it. Toby was hospitalized for 4 days and that helped initially. But I think the vet reduced his pred too soon. So watch out for that. Don't hesitate to write and ask questions. These people have been my emotional life saver. Mary

Mary Indiana

Peter, I'm very sorry to hear the news about your dog, Corky. As others have already stated you have come to the right place. Whether it is to vent or look for advise we are here to help. It is a very difficult disease in that there can be highs and lows. Have patience and fight as hard as you can. Just remember to place your dog first in all of your decisions. Steve

Steve Va

you might want to check out the side effects of Rimadly, AIHA/IMHA is one. http://www.rimadyl.com/display.asp?country=US&lang=EN&drug=RC&species=CN&sec=660 http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html

RB FL

Peter, I am sorry to hear about Corky. Hang in there. A difficult disease to understand, but many people on this forum have lots and lots of experience. Just make sure you have a vet that understands the disease. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

I'm so sorry to read about your Corky. It can be a roller coaster ride. Like everyone else, Corky is in my thoughts & prayers. Do get a second opinion if you can with a vet experienced with this disease. Best to Corky.

Ronda So Cal

Peter: I wanted to let you know that our family is thinking of you and Corky and praying for the best. This disease is a horrible one and your life will be far from normal for the next few months. But hang in there - there are lots of people pulling for Corky. When our Sheba was diagnosed on April 3rd this year I, too, went searching for information. I found this site and the Meisha's Hope website to be very helpful. While I have only posted once before to this site, I used it to research IMHA and to find encouragement. Reading other stories of dogs who had survived and are now thriving gave me hope and helped me make it through the day sometimes. My best advice - cry when you feel like it, pray when you feel low/lonely/scared, be positive - especially when visiting Corky, learn all you can and then trust your instincts. I found that all of these things helped me get through everything. And I want to leave you with a positive thought. Dogs can and do survive and go on to live happy, normal lives again. Sheba is home and doing very well. After a 7 day stay in the hospital, a low PCV count of 17 at one point, one blood transfusion and enough medication to fill a small suitcase, she is back to being her old self. At her check up yesterday her PCV count was 49. Not bad for an 11 year old GSD mix (with a bit of Cocker Spaniel in there somewhere) who has also had a fibrosarcoma removed in the last 7 months! So hang in there and know we're thinking positive thoughts and praying for Corky's speedy recovery.

Rita Iowa

This thread was discussed between 07/05/2008 and 07/06/2008

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