Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Darcy/Anabolic Steroid Shots

Today Darcy received her third anabolic steroid shot. Last week, when she received her second shot, her PCV had gone from 40% after her fourth transfusion on Dec. 23rd down to 29%. Today her PCV was 23%. It seems her bone marrow is just not producing those much needed RBCs. I am devastated, but will continue with the next three weeks of shots, as Dr. Dodds suggested. The holistic vet did not give Darcy her second steroid shot the week she had the transfusion and I think that was a mistake, but the vet was on Christmas holiday and I didn't have any control over that situation. I will continue with her meds, but if the situation doesn't improve by the end of the round of steroid shots, I will wean her off all the meds but still continue with the supplementations and special diet. I pray there will be a miracle for Darcy and that her bone marrow will start regenerating. I am doing all that I can do for her, but I am leaving it in God's hands. Karen

Karen NC

Karen, I can read the worry in your post. I'm sorry for this for you and Darcy. From what I've read about Darcy it seems her PCV stays in the twenties? It sounds like the destruction is not happening fast so there is still hope that she'll start regenerating rbcs. I'm by no means an expert! Maybe someone else can offer better advice than me. Brandi was regenerating rbcs but the destruction was just happening too fast. This is such a weird disease and I HATE it! I'm keeping you and Darcy in my prayers and praying for regeneration of those red blood cells. Teresa

Teresa Oklahoma

Karen -- I was wondering how Darcy was doing. I am sorry that the PCV is declining, and I hope that the next shot helps and that her marrow starts doing what it's supposed to do. You didn't say anything about her appetite and behavior -- is she still eating? Does she still wag her sweet beagle tail? Is she still interested? Thoe behavioral signs are important too! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You both have worked so hard.

Brenda VA

Karen- thinking of you and darcy... just here to give you some positive thoughts, just keep in mind sway has survived for over a year and a half and never had her PCV rise above 29%, for the most part it stays in the low 20's. she has many secondary issues going on with her and tough roads ahead on numerous fronts but she is still relatively happy and very content... just had her out for a bike ride tonight actually

Josh California

So sorry to hear Darcy's PCV is dropping. Do you know what Darcy's reticulite count is? It will give you an idea if anything is happening at all with her regeneration in the bone marrow.

Julie Australia

Hi Karen, Thanks for the update on Darcy, I had been wondering how she was doing. I wish her numbers were bigger, but is she still her cute little self? Like Josh said, perhaps this is her new numbers, and hopefully though low, she can maintain and still have a good quality of life. I'm hoping the best for you two, you girls always inspire with your determination. Keep us posted, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and encouragement. Darcy is still barking, wagging her tail, and eating up a storm. I asked the vet about running a full blood panel and she wants to wait. She told me we were too close to the last transfusion date and she thought I'd be wasting my money. She did give (really -- give -- not sell!!!) me some Chinese herbal tablets that she had used with success on an anemic cat. So Darcy is on lots of supplements and a splendid diet (one that I could actually eat myself, provided I ate red meat and freeze dried liver treats). For the past two weeks, I have met the holistic vet at a local animal hospital instead of her coming out to my home because she wanted to run a PCV test before adminstering the steroid shot. Yesterday I told her that I want her to come to my house next week and give Darcy the shot. I don't see any sense in taking her PCV every week. If the numbers continue to decline, we're still going to do the series of shots and I don't plan to have her go through another transfusion. Someone asked in an earlier post if I would question the holistic vet about BioPreparation. She wasn't familiar with it, so I took all of the info to her yesterday. She said that she didn't see anything in the ingredients that were different than those that are in the Standard Process, Amino Acids, Pet Tinic, etc. combined. Today Darcy's gums are pale, but she is still her exuberant little beagle self and I am thanking God for every day I have with her. My best to all of you and your dear fur babies. Karen

Karen NC

Karen: We're sorry to read that Darcy's PCV is dropping. We've been keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and hope this is only a temporary situation. Hang in there - we're all rooting for you and Darcy. Fingers and paws crossed - Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Karen, I am sorry to hear the news of Darcy's drop. I will keep you and Darcy in my thoughts and pray for good news to happen to you. Amy

amy texas

Karen, It is still a good sign that Darcy is barking, wagging and eating. Hopefully when you finish the shots you will see her numbers rising. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Creek

Karen, Nonregenerative anemia is a more difficult diagnosis to recover from. But I want you to know that is it not a lost cause. Chance not only had nonregenerative anemia, he also had neutropenia, or he wasn't making white blood cells either. With Dr. Dodds help he did recover. Right now he is intent on annoying me for attention. Follow any advice that Dr. Dodds gives you and take cheer from Darcy's will to live. That was my barometer with Chance, was he still feisty and interacting with us? my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Karen, You and Darcy are in our thoughts. You are putting up a good fight and doing everything you possibly can. It sounds like Darcy is still enjoying life and even with low numbers she's still her wiggly beagle self. Perhaps the 20's will just be her new norm for a little while. We are wishing Darcy good luck and good health here from PA Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Hope everything goes well for Darcy.

dorri

This thread was discussed between 10/01/2009 and 12/01/2009

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