Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - dog just diagnosed...what next?

Yesterday our 5 y o mutt Byron was diagnosed with IMHA. His initial signs were lethargy, refusal to eat, pale gums, and dark urine. Three screens revealed RBCs of 16, 29, and 26. Because the second two readings were higher, we have so far avoided a transfusion. He has started on prednisone, doxycycline, and azathioprine. He is also on a stomach protectant. We are waiting for our vet to let us know whether aspirin could be added, too. Until this morning Byron was getting around reasonably well and was eating. But now he seems much weaker and I am not sure we will be able to get him to continue eating. Our next blood test is set for Tuesday, and we hope to see a specialist at Virginia Tech on Wednesday. But I'm worried he might not make it till then. Is it typical for dogs to deteriorate somewhat in the early days, or is it a bad sign that he is getting a little worse every day? Thanks in advance for any insight you can share. e are heartbroken seeing our normally happy little guy so sick.

ashleigh baltimore

I am so sorry to hear about Byron, you came to the right place and so many people here to help. Please read if you have not already Joannes site http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ It is common to see a downward number before it goes up, that is why in the first stages, you should be testing about every 2 to three days so I would not wait until Tuesday. The first week of my Wylies diagnosis, she had her HCT done every other day. I would not wait until Tuesday but have it done tomorrow. Also the Azi can make dogs sick, many dogs tolerate it and many don't also doxy can make them sick. You will get some good advice here from the "experts" I wonder if he shouyld be on an ani-nausous med? hopefully someone can answer that. Hugs to Byron. Laurie

Laurie CA

Ashleigh, I am so sorry you and Byron are faced with this awful disease. Please always keep in mind that dogs can survive this and many have. if you have gone to Joannes webpage, make sure you also read the success stories. They will give you lots of hope that Byron can survive this too! I tend to agree with Laurie, that in the beginning you want more frequent blood tests. We also had them done every 2 days. If they say they can't fit you in, ask at least if they could do a quick RBC at the clinic. Be friendly but consistent, say you need peace of mind that your dog will be ok over the weekend. if they will do it right there at the clinic it should be fairly cheap and you should know within 20 minutes or so. Of course it won't give you the same information than a full CBC and chem screen a lab can do, but at least you know he is not going down hill. Byron is very tired from the disease, he has not enough red blood cells transporting the oxygen. he is also exhausted because he has to heal. On top of it the medications make him feel pretty sick and tired. But keep in mind, he is not in pain and once the medications kick in he will slowly start to feel better. As awful as the drugs are, they will safe his life! Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Thanks to both of you for the quick reply. It is reassuring to know there are others out there who have been through his terrible ordeal. I insisted on another blood test today and am glad I did. His count has plummeted to 12. He is getting a transfusion now. I cannot believe he got so sick, so fast. I'm devastated beyond words.

ashleigh baltimore

I am sorry to hear of the drop. YOu might want ot check with your vet on cyclosporine instead of azithyropine. the cyclo kicks in almost immediately whereas teh azi can take up to 5 weeks. Also you need to find out if he his cells are regenerating. Take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Ashleigh, the transfusion will give the medications time to kick in. Please stay positive, don't give up hope! Best wishes, thinking of you, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Do you know what your dogs blood type is? Did they match him/her to a donor dog. Our dog Bella needed one, and we were told that if you don't get a match then you have "One Shot." Meaning that if Bella needed a second blood transfusion she could only get blood from a dog that is a match.

Angelic Liverpool

Ashleigh , I'm so sorry you are going through this. I have been going through this with Gunner my Rotti since Jan 1st. This site was a God send to us. There is a TON of useful information on here. Alot of which I took to my vet and had questions about. And pretty much all of it and has been working. Ask A LOT of question and write everything down they say ... every key word. Get your buddy on a good diet. Dr. Dodds reccomends grain free food for dogs going though this. And I add alot of homemade food too. Chicken,carrots,spinach etc. Feel free to ask any questions. The people here are AMAZING I would have never got though some of the rough times with out them. We are still battling, but at least I have support and advice from lovely people who have been through this ! Best of Luck, you're in my prayers ! Jacki and Gunner

jacki Phila

Ashleigh, Sorry you have had to join us but you have come to the right place for help. I am so glad you got the blood tests taken sooner. The important thing is to have a vet that is very familiar with treating this awful disease. Thoughts and prayers going out for you and Byron. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Byron did well after the transfusion and was transferred to a specialist hospital. Unfortunately his PCV count fell from a high of 22 to 17, and they prepared us for another transfusion if his count fell any more. His count has held steady at 17 for approximately 24 hours, and he is eating and drinking well, so they may let him come home tonight. We have an appointment to see a specialist in the morning. I'm so glad I took him back in to get checked and won't ever delay again. Now we just hold our breath and do all we can to get him on the mend. The last few days have been horrible. Any idea on what the chances are of a relapse? I'm happy he's coming home but also worried that he will be away from 24-hour monitoring. His last decline happened so suddenly, that I'm worried any delay in getting a transfusion should he need it could be deadly. We are also hoping the drug therapy he's on is the right course; the specialist will hopefully be able to confirm or deny that tomorrow. Thanks for all the feedback and well wishes. It's been such a relief having internet resources while we drove ourselves crazy with concern.

Ashleigh Baltimore

Ashleigh, I am so glad too that you went to the vet to have him checked sooner. Who knows, it might have saved his life. I am also glad to hear he is holding his own and is coming home where he belongs. I am sure he will improve even more once he is in his familiar surroundings. How long will you have to leave him on his own? the problem might be, that he will have to go out to pee pretty well every 2 hours. The prednisone will do that to him. Some vets do daycare, maybe that would be a solution in the next few days? I am so glad you get to see a specialist. This disease is (fortunately) rare and your average vet is not very familiar with the treatment. Please let us know Byron's weight and all the medications he is taking. Ask for copies of all the blood tests, there are people here that are very good at explaining what is happening to Byron. It will be good for you to see trends. In a few weeks these tests, who are Greek to you right now will be much more understandable. Byron might not be very hungry in the beginning. This is because he feels pretty lousy. But pretty soon, the prednisone will make him ravenous. Make sure you feed him the best quality food you can afford. Home cooking chicken, fish and turkey with veggies, no grain, rice, corn or soy seems to be the best. With this disease a relapse is possible at any time, and of course you will have to be aware of it. But I want you to concentrate on Byron getting better. It will be a long an rocky road, but like many others, you and Byron can do it! Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Ashleigh, This time last year we were going through tough times as you are. Keep in there and don't give up hope. I found all I needed to know from this website and people were so helpful answering my many questions when I tried to make sense of treatment or test results. They all know how you're feeling and will be with you all the way. Best wishes from Sue and Archie

Sue and Archie Cambs UK

Brigitte, Sue, thank you!! We are doing a bit better today. Byron is home and has been stable all night; in fact, this is the most stable he's been since Wednesday. Even though we're letting him out all the time, we feel more rested just knowing that he's home, he's hanging in there, and that he might start getting better soon. Thankfully I am a freelance editor and work from home, so I am with him 24-7. We have a 4-month-old daughter, so we are pretty well schooled in round-the-clock care! Later this morning we see an internist who I hope will be able to assess his history and drug regimen and give us some more insight. The vet hospital added sucralfate to his regimen, which I understand is like Pepto-Bismol and will help protect his stomach, but it's kind of a pain to administer because it has to be an hour before/after anything else, and he's still on the Pepcid, which we are giving an hour before meals. Byron's appetite is back, thank god, and he is starting to hustle us for treats, just like his old self. We know he's not out of the woods, but we're starting to feel SO much better!

ashleigh baltimore

Ashleigh, Things are clearly heading in the right direction! Great he is on Sucralfate and obviously they gave you the right instruction how and when to give it. I don't know why I assumed that you work outside of the house. Of course it is much better that you can stay with Byron around the clock. I have no doubts that with your loving care he will be better soon! Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Ashleigh Sooo very HAPPY to read that Byron is doing better. Wanting to eat is a very good sign!!! Keeping Byron in our prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Ashleigh Very Happy to hear that Byron is going well!!!

Angelic NY

This thread was discussed between 08/04/2011 and 14/04/2011

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