Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Duck PCV Drop - HELP

Hi everyone. I just got back from the vet's. Duck's PCV is 32.8 today down from 39.5 on September 25. I'm assuming that this lower number has to do with his most recent prednisone reduction - he went from 10 mg. every day to 10 mg. every other day starting on Sept. 25. My vet is recommending that we put him back up to 10 mg. every day and recheck on Thursday to make sure that he isn't losing any more ground. If that increase stabilizes him, we will stay at that until he comes back to normal. I have e-mailed the specialist and am waiting to hear back from him as well. Has anyone had a drop like this when they were almost off the prednisone? And how did you handle it? Trying not to panic but the fear is ever present. deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

sending good thoughts Duck's way!!!

josh cali

Hi Debbie I feel awkward emailing with help as we lost Georgie in July. However, Duck has already got further than my girl did. We couldn't get Georgie lower than 15 mg twice a day. Perhaps the reduction, of what is really 50%, is too much. Don't see an increase of pred as a step back. If it helps Duck, it is worth it. How is Duck in himself? Whenever Georgie's PCV dropped there was never anything specific just a feeling something wasn't right. Duck is so close to being med free so enjoy him and keep battling on. Steph

Steph Wales

Deb, I like Steph never got as far either, but having been on the board for over a year and a half I know a lot of dogs need to stay on a low lifetime dose and some show a drop and have to be put back on/up during reductions. I wouldn't panic yet (easy for me to say) Wait until you hear from all the specialists. How is Duck acting compared to what you see on paper? Good thoughts to you and Duck. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

We had this problem with Cody. Our vet was very conservative in reducing his prednisone slowly, but even so there were 3 or 4 times that his hct dropped and we had to up it and begin again. However, after about 8 months ( from diagnosis ) he was able to be tapered off and has now been med free since April. I,too, had the near constant panic. I would have just as soon lived at the vet's. lol I still check his gums a couple times a day and his belly for little hemorrhages ( which is NOT his favorite thing ). Cody and I wish you all the best for a successful and speedy recovery.

betty Dallas

Deb, It sounds like Duck had his pred reduced too much too quickly. A drop from 10 mg per day to 10 mg every other day (eod) is a 50% drop. Putting Duck back to 10 mg a day sounds like a good option. Once Duck gets back in remission and you are going to drop the pred to eod you might consider going from 10mg every day to 15mg eod. This way you are doing only a 25% reduction instead of the 50% reduction you previously did. Doing a redcution That way you are giving 15mg every two days instead of 20 mg every two days as you previously had. This method of reduction has worked well for many dogs. But of course be sure to ask your vet about this type of redcution Hang in there, these setbacks are par for the course when dealing with AIHA/IMHA. But these setbacks can be overcome. Hugs to dear Duck from me and my little canine red-headed gal, Maddie.

Joanne MN

Josh, thanks for your good thoughts - you have so much to contend with right now ... so thank you. Steph and Penny, thanks for your input. I'm so sorry you lost your doggies - this is such a heart breaking disease. You both asked how Duck seems. He has better energy than he has since this started, he is stronger in that he runs rather than plods in the yard and is alert and seemingly happy. I have been saying that his quality of life has returned. As for his gums, they look as pink as they ever have (my vet thought so too) - goes to show you that checking gum colour isn't an accurate way of monitoring PCV levels. The depressing thing is that the prednisone is only one of the meds Duck is on - he is also taking cyclosporine and azathioprine. The long term plan has been to wean him totally off the prednisone and cyclosporine and then maybe leave him on the azathioprine long term. We are a long way from that. Will let you know what the specialist says when I hear from him. Thanks again you guys. deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

read my post...'cyclosporin to imuran' Same situation. Trying to balance the dosages. My experience is that there is no way to really tell just when they are going to drop so rapidly. The vets can only guestimate. Don't panic. In anther few days week with upping the pred, he can go up again. Sounds like the reduction was just too much at 50%. I'm going through the same 'attempting to balance' scenerio, Thinking of you and Duck. Jan

jan philly

Thanks Joanne. I will definitely ask the vet and specialist about a more gradual reduction once we get to the eod phase again. deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

Hi Jan. I will read your thread "Cyclosporine to Imuran". It's helpful just to know that I'm not alone in this and that there are people who understand because they are facing similar situations. Thanks again to everyone! deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

One thing I forgot is that very few dog owners knew what their dogs' PCVs were before the onset on AIHI. If Duck is full of energy what is to say his current PCV level is not his average. Just a thought. Steph

Steph Wales

Deb and Duck, I am no expert but it does sound as if maybe it maybe too quick a reduction. My vet did warn me that whilst it would be ideal to wean off all medication, some dogs may actually stay on a low dose for the rest of their lives. If Duck seems more alert and happy in himself could it be that it was a poor blood draw. I am sure I read somewhere that some blood draws are better than others, even those taken a small timescale apart could have varying results. You have already come so far, try not to worry.

Jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

This thread was discussed between 09/10/2007 and 10/10/2007

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