Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Dunes update 2/5/08

While Dunes is acting good and jogging into the house, her PCV remains around 31 (for about 3 weeks now). Received a call from the specialist's assistant today. He wants me to double the Atopica to 150 mg twice a day instead of once per day. Am bummed about this!!!!

Joe Ohio

same boat... sway is still holding at 20% and has been for months. i refuse to double her medication tho as in my case it has done her far more harm than good its interesting seeing how every dogs case is so different. good luck to dunes

josh california

Be careful Joe. The atopica is powerful stuff. Caused severe pancreatitis in Choe when doubled. Have you tried any homeopathic remedies...is he on Pet Tinnic? Jan

jan philly

Joe, Glad she is holding steady. Like Josh said it is amazing how each dog's case is so different. Our Holly had a setback also, and not even sure what caused it, PCV went down 10 points and retics went up to 7 from 1.1. They wanted us to start her back on cyclosporin and off Imuran, but at this time we are just waiting to see her next blood work next week before making this decision. Hang in there, Linda

Linda Sapphire

Joe, I wish I could remember where I read an article discussing in general lower blood numbers in older humans. I wonder with all our dogs are put through trying to beat this that maybe when they start on the road back that some just don't ever go back to "normal" numbers. I would be very afraid of the chance of the pancreatitis that was one of the things that led to my dog losing her battle. I would go with your gut and as long as Dunes is acting good and jogging around the house I wouldn't want to chance it. I of course am not a Vet and have no medical background so please take my words in the vein they are offered. A Mom's opinion only. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Joe...Is Dunes still on Prednisone? When I spoke to Jean Dodds, she talked to me about the "anemia of chronic disease", and gave me a dosage schedule to start the prednisone decrease once Daisy was stabilized even in the mid to high 20's. Her reasoning was that the long term use of prednisone causes so much liver damage that it is better to get the dosage level down to prevent the internal organ damage, skin and muscle problems, and continue on the Imuran or Cyclo. Look back on the "Protocol for AIHA" She just e-mailed me today and gave me suggestions on continuing care for Daisy. How long to wait for primary closure of her surgical wound, and the minimal dosage of prednisone to resume to keep her protected from a relapse of the AIHA. I will see our vet Thursday for a re-check and discuss it with her.

Ron B San Mateo

just a comment regarding prednisone--charlie has been on 5 mg every second day and we tried to cut it down by a quarter of a tablet--her red blood cells dropped almost right away so we had to go back up--you really have to watch the counts very carefully--it seems every day that is ok is a blessing!!-susan and charlie

susan and charlie sidney

Thanks guys-my gut tells me that it is wrong so I've only upped her 50 mg to 200 mg per day instead of 150 mg. She is on 10 mg of pred daily. She is acting fine so this measure has puzzled my local vet, who told me to call and ask additional questions. She seems to be holding at 30-32 for three weeks now. Since I'm VERY neurotic-I watch for the slightest notion of regression. None yet.

Joe Ohio

Previous message- I meant 200mg instead of 300 mg

joe ohio

This thread was discussed between 05/02/2008 and 07/02/2008

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