Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Ethel at one year

I can barely post this with all Josh has gone through these last few days. Josh, you helped and inspired us so much during Ethel's illness, along with everyone else here, we can't thank you enough. People with newly-diagnosed dogs need to know that this disease can go into remission and your dog can enjoy a happy and healthy life afterwards. Last Saturday (July 25th) marked one year post-diagnosis for Ethel, one of our two Lhasa Apsos. After spending the rest of 2008 on azathioprine and prednisone, she finally went off all of her meds on January 1st, 2009. Since then she has returned to a normal weight, re-grown missing fur, and received a lot of love and follow-up visits. Ethel continues to have recurring yeast infections in her ears. Clotrimazole 1% solution seems to wipe it out in a couple days. We still suspect an ear infection as the cause of her IMHA episode. We continue to give her OptImmune (cyclosporine) in her eyes once a day -- originally the vet prescribed it thinking she had immune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), but antibiotic eye drops cleared up that issue. Lhasas seem prone to blindness, so we give the OptImmune as a preventive measure. Ethel and her sister Lucy get California Naturals "Dog and Cat Skin and Coat Supplement" liquid added to their food to provide EFAs to help deal with their allergies. We no longer feel the need to add enzyme supplements to their food. Ethel seems like she feels good. She plays with her sister and her toys again, and in most ways appears fully recovered, though not as rambunctious as before. She seems chastened by the whole experience, better behaved, and even more content to just sit next to us on the couch. She really enjoyed her one-year anniversary ice cream dessert, almost as much as we enjoyed just having her around for it. It never ends; we still check her gums frequently and worry anytime she acts more tired than usual. At age 11, that happens more often than before, but a day of rest brings her back with full energy the next morning, sometimes more energy than we can handle.

Brian Vermont

Brian, Never be hesitant about posting good news. I lost my dog to this awful disease but each time I read of another dog making it I am very happy for them. It is always good to have hope. I am glad that Ethel is still with you and got her anniversary ice cream! Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Brian- absolutely no need to apologize about any good news. trust me, im genuinely thrilled for you and Ethel and i know Sway is too, congratulations :)

Josh California

Brian -- we love good news! I am sure that both your family and Ethel now enjoy each day together a bit more, knowing what she has been through.

Brenda VA

Great news Brian! Passing that first year is indeed a milestone. I did not realize that Ethel was a senior citizen. All the more that she serves as an example of victory over this disease. I pray for her continued remission and good health. Sue & Ren

Susan delaware

Brian thats great news - well done to you and Ethel. I look forward to Madisons one year mark.. She is now medication free which is a great start. Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

Bravo Ethel, Happy New Birthday to you and your Dad! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

What wonderful news, you just made my day!! Congratulations on Ethel's 1 year anniversary. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

You and your pup are survivors! Thank goodness. Congratulations. Here's to many more years of love and companionship....

Mardi Northern Cali

Congrats Ethel on reaching the one year anniversary. I can't wait to get there. You must be doing all the right things Brian. Keep up the good work. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 28/07/2009 and 15/08/2009

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