Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Darcy Update

Hello everyone. I haven't posted in a while, but I do pray for everyone on this board. I just wanted to let you know that my little beagle Darcy had her PCV tested yesterday and it came back at 37!!! Some of you will remember what Darcy has been through. She was diagnosed with nonregenerative anemia the end of last July and she went through several transfusions and tried several different medications and nothing was working. By January of this year, her PCV had dropped to 8%. I stopped getting that tested because I knew it was getting lower and I did not want to put her through yet another transfusion. I found a wonderful holistic vet who makes house calls and she has helped Darcy so much. We took her off the meds that weren't helping at all and she stayed on Soloxine and low dose Prednisone. At a friend's insistence, I asked the vet to put Darcy on Doxycycline. Before that, we went the round of anabolic steroid injections. It has taken a long time, but Darcy's PCV has gradually increased. This last time it actually went up seven points. I am rejoicing over my little wonder beagle's improved health and praising Jesus for this healing. There were those vets who gave me discouraging news and even those who told me I should make a decision (you know what I'm talking about and I can't bring myself to type it). In the end, I decided to ignore them and to do everything I could to help Darcy. This included giving her Doxycycline, supplements, and an all organic diet. I hope that Darcy's story will encourage all of you not to give up. I realize that things can change, but right now Darcy is feeling fine and I am so thankful. Thank all of you for your prayers. Karen and Darcy

Karen NC

Karen, I am so glad you posted. Whoo-hoo! 37! Way to go Darcy. I have followed your struggles since you first came on the board and I am absolutly thrilled to read your post. You both have been so strong when everyone was telling you to give up the fight. What a great Mom you are. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

This is wonderful news Karen and Darcy! I'm so happy for you.....Keep up the good work.

Mardi Northern Calif

Karen & Darcy, I am clapping my hands and Kahlu is doing a poodle dance! Beagles are such fighters. It shows again, that every dog is different and needs a different regiment. Keep it up Karen and Darcy! Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Congratulations to you Karen & to your little wonder dog Darcy!!! That is fantastic news!! It is amazing what our normal vets will tell us, I remember mine telling me, well just keep Holly on the same drugs because she is doing okay, and that was not an acceptable answer for me, just like what they told you was not acceptable, good for you for not listening to them. Hugs and paws up from Holly! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Karen & Darcy We share in your joy and wish Darcy continued good health. You and Darcy are an inspiration to all of us. Is Darcy on BioPrep and do you think helped in her recovery? Thanks for sharing this wonderful news. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile pa

Hi Karen, Im pretty new around here, but your post gives me hope - congratulations to you both.

Silka Melbourne Australia

Cheryl, Darcy is on Standard Process supplements plus Si Wu Tang, a Chinese blood and energy herb prescribed by our holistic vet. Kathleen wanted to put Nollaig on Standard Process, but was unable to get it in Scotland, but Tom Cameron, the vet at Standard Process, okayed the BioPreparation which she was able to get for Nollaig. I think it's a whole food supplement, as is the Standard Process. I am considering changing over to the BioPrep once Darcy is stabilized. I don't want to make any drastic changes right now. She's still on 100 mg. of Doxycycline once a day and .2 mg. of Soloxine once a day. In addition to the SP supplements, she gets 1/2 tsp. of omega 3 marine fish oil. I think that the BioPrep is more convenvient, as you don't have to give as many different things. For instance, Darcy is on these Standard Process supplements: Ferrofood; Canine Immune Support; Calcifood; Zypan (enzymes), and Chlorophyll Complex. The vet also recommended giving her freeze dried liver treats, which she really likes. Hope this helps. Karen

Karen NC

One more important thing. I meant to say that I really appreciate all of the wonderful comments. I know that there are many who have suffered great losses and I am truly sorry that their precious pets, no matter how hard they fought, could not beat this monster disease. It shows such unselfishness and compassion when those who are grieving can rejoice over the victories of others. I might add that I think the Doxycycline really turned Darcy around. So I would encourage everyone to make their vets consider prescribing it, even if the tests for tick/flea/parasite disease come back negative. Those tests often produce false negative results. It's just something to consider. Karen

Karen NC

Hi, What great news.Keep us posted. Love and best wishes to you. Corrie & Joey.

corrie Dagenham EssexUK.

WOW! that is fantastic news, thanks for sharing Laurie

Laurie CA

Karen, how wonderful for Darcy. You are an inspiration for others with non regenerative anemia to prove it can be beaten. Regards Julie.

Julie Australia

Karen, This is simply AMAZING, our little wonder beagle has done it! Congrats to you both. Love is the most powerful drug! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Karen -- your post brought tears of joy to my eyes. You and Darcy are such an inspiration, and you have been through so much together. You refused to give in, because you loved your girl and believed in her, and she was telling you that she could fight. As others here have said, we remember how difficult it was for you and how you just wouldn't give up. I am so happy for you and for Darcy. Please give that little beagle a good tummy rub, ear scratch and bunch of kisses from me! Take care and please keep us posted.

Brenda VA

Karen: Excellent news! Darcy truly is a wonder beagle! We are glad to hear she's making great strides. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Good to hear that Darcy is winning the battle. She must have you to thank for that. Great work on your behalf Karen. 37 is a solid PCV. You and Darcy are proof that sometimes all it takes is time and dedication. I'll keep you and Darcy in my thoughts and prayers. Bravo again, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

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

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.