Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - frantic 'mum' of Holly, Springer

Our precious Holly, 7 year old Springer has just been diagnosed with Haemolytic anaemia.(Thursday 1st May 2008. I am so glad to have found this site and was able to talk to my own vet and discuss what I've found out - really helpful as he was able to go into further depth. I had never heard of this condition before Thursday and I am amazed at how widespread it seems to be. Holly deteriorated over just 12 hours, in fact I thought she would die. Her respiration rate was 98 breaths per minute. She has been sent hom to be with us for bank holiday. She had a blood transfusion on Friday of 40 mls from my friends dog. Her PCV went up from 11 on Friday to 16 yesterday (Saturday). She is on the drug Prednidale and antibiotics. Drinking loads of water, but can't get her to eat anything. Because of another condition she is unable to consume any form of fat. Help! what can I give her? The odour coming from her is quite fetid. Not sure if it's her breath. Is that normal? We carry her out into the garden about ever 2 - 3 hours for her to wee and then carry her back in. Absolutely no energy. Her gums, skin and eyes went yellow, though not as pronounced this morning. Vet said this was caused by the transfusion. Any suggestions/more advice I'd be grateful. Is there any research funded by charity happening. It would be great to get a complete cure from this horrible condition. Janette

Janette Disson Abergavenny Monmouthshire

sorry to hear your baby is so ill...I am sure you will be back to the vet tomorrow, if not today. I gave egg and baby food when she wouldn't eat in those early days. Many of us describe this...I don't know why they won't eat ....maybe chewing hurts?? I think she may need more blood (the PCV is still low), or IV fluids.....go back sooner rather than later I wish you were nearer - not knowing the animal health care system in your country is hard for me to comment. We have centers (not tons of them) - hospitals for dogs..mine is 45 minutes drive....but, noone nearby can care for her. Sending prayers

Chris Connecticut

Try giving her boiled rice and steamed chicken or fish. It is very bland but usually successful. Don't worry about the smell that is to be expected too. Most of the research seems to be done in the USA. Steph

Steph Wales

I am so sorry to hear of your recent news, we too are going thru this right now, it is soooo hard, I will pray for you and your little one. Our little girl Izzy is 12 years old was diagnosed a week tomorrow. Been thru alot this past week. So keep on hangin on and trust in God.

Harriet Colorado

Janette, I am sorry to hear about your Holly. IMHA is a difficult disease to understand and each case is a bit different. Please make sure you check out the web-site Meisha's Hope. I have attached the link. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson Joanne has lots of information and is a wealth of information. Know of my thoughts and prayers, Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

20.15 GMT Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. Since I wrote, my darling dog has been taken to Bristol University vetinary Hospital. Took her to the weekend callout vet this morning, because she seemed so unwell and yellow all over, like butter. The vet - very good -did a scan and tested blood. Her PCV was 8.7. He rang immediatley to find a specialist unit for treatment. 3 hours later we were on the motorway with Holly attached to a drip which I had to regulate manually and keep elevated.That worked well. The specialist in Bristol said that she agreed with diagnosis, but is very concerned as Holly's condition is compounded by severe jaundice. However, her bone marrow is making red blood cells, but these are apparently being destroyed in the blood stream. I know she is in the best place, but I'm so desperate for her to survive. lease pray. My husband and I went to church this evening nad begged for healing for her and also for all the poor little ones effected by this horrible condition. All I can picture is her yellow eyes, ears, skin - everything. JUst had phone call form vet who said her heart rate has decreased a little (VERY fast today) Given her a drip containing a fluid that will act like haemoglobin and take oxygen around her body. Thanks you again for responding to my message. Janette

Janette Abergavenny wales

Janette, It sounds like she is in good hands. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Janette -- I am sorry to hear your dear Holly has become ill with IMHA. Glad you found this place, since lots of people can help you with guidance/questions for the vet so you won't be alone. I'll keep Holly and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda VA

Hi Janette ive replied to you on Tobys thread but i wanted to make sure you got my reply,ive just been looking at your own thread for Holly and i just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you and Holly,you undoubtedly really love Holly as i did Toby so i just hope that Holly is able to get through this,my thoughts are with you,take care. mark

mark lincoln darlington

Hi Janette. I'm sorry to hear about Holly. Bristol Small Animal Hospital is a very good hospital, Holly will be well looked after. We had to take Trixie there last January, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from where we live, she spent 7 days there. The staff there are fantastic, I was kept well informed on Trixie's progress on a daily basis, most times I was called twice a day. I know it's difficult having them so far away but Holly is in the best place. My thoughts are with you. Tricia

Tricia UK

This thread was discussed between 04/05/2008 and 07/05/2008

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