Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Ginger's PCV drop

Ginger's PCV dropped down to 25 when she went for her recheck yesterday. She had been in the upper 30's to the low 40's for the last 10 months so we began to slowly reduce her meds, our goal was to not completely get her off but to just get her on the lowest dose possible. This is her 2nd relapse since she was initially diagnosed in Sept of 2007. So now she is back on the Pred, Aza and Cyclo everyday and we are basically starting over. Ginger is not really acting sick she is just a little slower but she does show interest in her food and playing so that's good. I am confident she will get over this bump in the road just like she did the last time but it is frustrating. We now know that she has to stay on a certain dosage of meds once we get her back in the normal range and she is in the small percentage that can never be off the meds. I did opt out of having her rabies vaccinated and had the titer done an the results were 1:1300 = 260 times higher than needed. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Don't fret Cheryl and Ginger! You are survivors and Ginger will make it through this just fine. I wish my pup was at 25 as last check last week was 21. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers but I bet everything will be up again next re-check. Good luck.

Mardi Northern Calif

Cheryl, Sorry to hear about this minor setback. This will give you a good idea about how much medication she will have to take in order to maintain remission. Ginger will get over this little bump in the road. Sue & Ren

Susie delaware

Cheryl & Ginger, So sorry to hear this news. Be assured I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Cheryl & Ginger, So sorry to hear about the setback. Obviously she is a fighter if since Sept 2007, just like our Holly since March of 2007. Holly has had bumps along the way also. And yes it is frustrating isn't it. Hugs from Holly & me to you & Ginger! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Sorry to hear of Ginger's relapse but at least you know it's due to the meds reduction and although disappointing you can do something to turn her around again. You're right she maybe just is one of the dogs who has to stay on a smaller dose for life or longer than others anyway. I'd do anything, if it would help, to get Nollaig to pcv of 25, but I can imagine it's frustrating when you've had her up in late 30's,40's but you'll get there in the end. Stay strong Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Cheryl and Ginger, Sorry to hear about Gingers set back. Give her a hug from us. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Cheryl, I am sorry that Ginger's med reduction has not worked out as well as you might hope. I am glad to read that her other signs seem good. I will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Cheryl, so sorry to hear of Gingers recent drop. I'm just curious if you had the test run again just to make sure it actually was 25. After all the stories I've heard about bad draws and counts one never knows. I had Tessy's rechecked once and the number was much larger than originally thought. I also get them to check once in a awhile for spherocytes just to ale my mind. What was Ginger down to for her meds? I can relate to your frustration. It really sucks to get this far ahead just to have to start over again. It's good that you caught it when you did though. I'm sure Ginger is in really good hands with you. Hope Ginger recovers fast. I'll keep her in my prayers and thoughts. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johnny That was the first thing I thought too, I thought there must have been some mistake. They gladly retested her and the second time it was 26:( Ginger was down to 25mg of cyclo 2x a week and .5mg of pred. 2x a week also. Now she is back on it all and I hate the side effects of the pred. she was rather restless last night and drinking up a storm. She goes back for a recheck next Wed. Thanks to everyone for all their kind words and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville Pa

Hi Cheryl, I'm really sorry to hear about Ginger's drop and having to re-up on all of her meds, that is so frustrating. At least you two have been down the road before, and you both know what you need to do to get well. I'm really glad that clinically she is acting herself. Try not to panic, you two are (sadly) getting to be old pros. She'll get through this with you by her side, no doubt about it. Perhaps she will just need to be on certain dosages to maintain her remission, a frustrating option, but one that you know works for her. We're thinking of you two, and I'm confident that you two will get through this together. Ginger is a tough cookie. Hugs, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Cheryl I'm very sorry to hear about Ginger's relapse, but on a more positive note at least the cause is known and I presume by sorting the drugs out she will again turn things around. Being drug free is really something to aim for (given the side effects) but it would seem some dogs simply can't cope without a small quantity of medication to keep their immune system under control. I'm now at the stage of slowly reducing Shaunna's drugs and I know how scary this new territory is. Best wishes, Claire

Claire Cumbria

Hi Cheryl Here we go on that roller-coaster again - but at least you are aware of ginger's condition and can see the signs of a relapse - some owners don't know anything about AIHA until it's too late - you are a great mum - just like all the others on this site and I know with the knowledge you have gained from past experience Ginger will soon be on the road to recovery! With very best wishes to you both, you are in my prayers! Gill & Phoebe

gill uk

This thread was discussed between 04/09/2009 and 05/09/2009

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