Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - For Robert, dog newly diagnosed

Robert, I am creating a new thread for everyone to see and do not give up hope, I am very sorry to hear your vet telling she will most likely not make it. Many do and survive many years, read the success Below is Joannes site, please read it. Its a wealth if AIHA information http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ PLease tell us what your vet is doing for treatment right now, tests that have been done, meds she is on how much and what she weighs. What are her bloodwork numbers Robert, Mississippi, USA, rsweetin1@mediacombb.net I am so sorry for your loss. I just discovered that my dog has Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Like your dog, mine was fine one minute and when I called her for dinner, she could barely lift her head, and she had pee blood on the floor. My vet prescribed the common drugs that they use for this but I was told she will most likely not make it. My heart to is broken, but I keep the faith that she might make it thru this. She is a mix of colly and spaniel. I started her on the drugs yesterday and this morning she was hungry, her pee did not have blood in it, and she was barking at passerbys outside the window...of course I know this could not last but I will keeping hoping for it too....I never even heard of this. I often wonder if preventive drugs like Frontline, Revolution, etc are the cause to alot of diseases our animals get. My thought and prayers are with you, having lost two wonderful friends before I know what you are going thru. Laurie

Laurie CA

I'm glad you re posted this Laurie. Hi Robert!! As Laurie has said, please let us know her medications and bloodwork results. Two specialists gave Lola a poor prognosis and just didn't seem to know what was going on nor wanted to listen to anything I had to say...yet Lola is improving..so please don't give up!! Each case is different, but there are definitely many things that you can try. Not only did Lola have aiha like most of the dogs on this forum, but she also had low platelets, low white blood cells, and was said to be non-regenerative. Her counts are all going up and there is regeneration. We still have a long long LONG way to go, but Lola is still here with me, (in my lap as we speak) ..and If I had listened to the first, or second, or third doctor, she most likely wouldn't be. Our thoughts are with you, please let us know if you need anything, Christina and Lola

christina new jersey

Hello all. I am amazed by all of us with the same problem. Perhaps the flea and tick meds are to blame. My dear 11 year old mixed breed dog, Kobe, was just diagnosed with this ailment. My regular vet delayed treatment by 6 days, but I doubt that will be the difference. My dog's urine was dark, so we took him to the vet, who said it must be a urinary tract infection, gave us antibiotics. Dog got weaker all week. By Monday (yesterday) he was not doing well. Then the idiot vet diagnosed him, but did not start meds immediately, gave them to me to start at home, hours later. Two doses later, no impact of course, that would be unrealistic, but he was weakening fast. Took him in this morning. He has had blood transfusion, all the exam stuff (this all at a more sophisticated vet), and now will be on meds. I have no idea if he will be getting better. He is the smartest, strongest dog we have ever had, and now he's a shadow of himself. Because he is smart, he knows he is sick. I am beyond sad, and scared. I have two sons who are upset, and my husband is also so upset he's crying himself to sleep. I can only hope for the best, and pray there is no 'worst'.

Beclu Los Angeles

Let me also thank Laurie for reposting this.... To Robert and to Beclu....Hello, and I am glad you have found this group. I'm sorry you had the need for it, but it will make the road a bit easier to walk. If you are on Facebook, there is also an IMHA group there. Like Laurie and Christina have said, please don't give up hope...every dog is different, and many do live full lives, in spite of IMHA. Right now, our Bentley is five weeks into his journey, and we are trying to stabilize him. Still looking for the right mix of meds. He's had two transfusions that have helped alot. Research the condition, and learn all you can about the lab reports, and things to look for. The folks here recommended the supplements Milk Thistle and SamE and Pet Tinic, which I've been using on Mr. B. Also, most docs will use stomach protectants like Pepcid A/C or Sucralfate so the meds don't tear up the pup's tummy. More experienced folks that me will comment more, I know....Like Christina said, if you post lab results, they can really help you understand more. They did for me, and it was a HUGE help. Sending both your pups a big hug, Sally and Bentley

Sally Louisiana

Hi Robert How is your dog? I did not see this thread, but saw your post on Karen's. Hope you are out there fighting. We are thinking of you and your dog still. Beclu, How is Kobe? I really hope somthing positive has begun to occur. Praying for both of you and your dogs. If my vet had misdiagnosed the dark red pee I saw; my Dog Dylan would certainly have been dead. She pretty much diagnosed it over the phone and squeezed me in. Dylan almost died 3 days later, but finally turned the corner and started improving. Today, she has been off prednisone for over a month and still doing well (fingers always crossed). I work very hard now with all my new dogs to avoid toxic treatments (for at least 7 years now). Healthy diet and no flea and tick meds (none ever in my newest 3). Very limited vaccinations, no boosters (titer/measure antibodies instead). Dylan was a rescue and had many toxic things and revaccinations when young and early on in life. Argghh! Never again is how I feel now. Anyways, I am sure we would all like to hear how things are going. Richard and Dog Dylan.

Richard Burnaby

I want to thank all of you for your support for my beloved Gracie. She put up a strong fight but sadly, she passed away Friday Afternoon. She was doing great. She went to the vet on Weds. and the vet said she was doing much better. Her numbers were improving. I did read online about possible blood clots and I ask my vet but she said that was not needed. Well, Friday afternoon my girl started breathing heavy and I worried so I called my vet who was about to close. She said that was a normal reaction to the predisome. So I felt confident all was ok, within 20 minutes my sweetheart was dead. I often wonder if I had given her asprin, if she would be here now. I am perplexed as to why my vet said that it was not needed. Well, I know there is nothing I can do, but think of the good times. I have certainly learned one lesson, always step back when your furry friends do smething wrong, like chew a shoe, or grab food off your plate and remember they are here for such a short time.

Robert Mississippi

Dear Robert, I am so sorry to read this about Gracie. This happened so suddenly for you. It is very difficult for a dog owner when they are suddenly faced with this disease. There are many decisions to make and very little time to learn all the things that they need to know to make those decisions. This is what happened to you. Please know that everyone here understands this. To us, you are a hero who did whatever you could to save Gracie. For the rest of your life, people will notice something wonderfully different about you. They won't be able to quite put their finger on it. Your love for Gracie has changed you and it will show in how you live your life. Please accept my deepest condolences for your great loss. patrice

Patrice NYS

Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your Gracie, and although sometimes it will seem like your grief will last forever and you will never smile again, keep this thought close to your heart. One day, each of us will be reunited with our loving companions at the bridge. RIP Gracie Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Robert, I am so sorry to hear of loss of your most beloved Gracie. When you feel up to it, I urge you to read the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most very difficult days. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joanne MN

Thank you all for your kind words of comfort. Yes, it is such a difficult time. People who you know that do not have pets just don't understand. I am fortunate to have a lovely boss that knows and understands the pain involved in loosing a fury friend. She told me to take off work as long as I need too. Many humans tend to think that animals don't count, they are under us in the chain and thus they can't possible matter as much as humans. That's why I became a vegetarian years ago and stopped supporting organizations that treat animals like sub creatures, like circuses. The only comfort I have in the loss of my dear soul is that I believe animals go to heaven. Many religions do not, but my God loves all the creatures that he endowed with life and I know one day I will meet my friend again. I have three other dogs that I saved from a cruel life they had before, one was burnt by cigs, the other was left to die in the cold and the last one was left to starve when her owners moved away...My sweet Gracie was given up to the humane society years ago when I found her...at the time I was broke and lost my job. I did not know where my next paycheck would come from but when I saw her precious sweet face, I had to adopt her and leave it up to God to provide. He gave me many years of joy with Gracie and now I hope and I feel she is with her maker making him smile a bit...RIP my friend...

Robert Mississippi

Robert, I too am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Gracie. Please remember that she knew how very much you loved and cared for her, and let your wonderful memories help you smile a bit during this difficult time. God bless you for caring for His creatures. Sally and Bentley

Sally Louisiana

Robert, I am so sorry for your loss. I think Gracie was sent to you because she would get to be loved for the rest of her life. Our last 7 dogs have all been abused or dumped dogs so I know how you feel about taking them in. Gracie was so fortunate to have a wonderful Dad. She has left you too soon but she has left you some great memories until you meet again Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Robert, I would like to send you my deepest sympathy for you after losing your beloved dog Gracie to this dreadful disease, like you my cocker spaniel Molly was ok one minute and then like a bolt of lightening she was diagnosed with AIHA, which I had never heard of, Molly was taken with 3 days of being treated with it, and its been nearly 4 weeks now and I,m still in shock so I understand exactly want your going through, its heartbreaking, but a lot of these websites that I have been reading a lot of dogs do survive this dreadful disease but unfortunately some of them don’t, I think with my Molly it was very aggressive and no time for treatment, even through she had a blood transfusion, I feel I did everything in my power to save her but it was impossible and I didn’t want her to suffer anymore, I know in time the pain will heal and I,m remembering all the happy times we shared and I hope you will do the same but my heart goes out to you and a lot of people on this site do understand the pain. Take Care, Karen & (Molly RIP)

Karen UK Manchester

Robert, I can not stop the tears. Thank God you were in her life. Prayers, Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

Robert, I am so sorry to hear about Gracie, you gave her a great life and thank you for sharing your other dogs story. They are blessed to have you. Take Care Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Sorry Robert to hear of your loss. I have a 4 year old female Shih Tzu. Nala did not want to eat or drink water. I took her to the vet. this morning and she has been disgnosed with AIHA. I told the vet with what???? Nala will be in the hospital for 48 hours but the vet does not appear to be hopeful. I had never heard of AIHA so I had to search the internet to learn more of the disease which may take my Nala. Just as Karen of UK Manchester said one minute she was fine and then like a bolt of lightening she was diagnosed with AIHA. I am praying Nala will fight with all she has to beat this disease which I never heard of or knew that it existed. Janie

Janie Illinois

This thread was discussed between 09/08/2011 and 24/08/2011

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