Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Golden Retriever Newly Diagnosed With IMT-Bailey

I am new to this site. Please help if you can. My Bailey is a 7 year old Golden Retriever who today was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT), I am so so sad and scared at the same time. They gave him a shot of steroids today and then put him on oral with an antibiotic. It stared with him not wanting to eat, becoming very lathargic and so on. then came the vomiting and his urine and stool are like sluge color. He has had anywhere from 104-105 fever also. I do not want to have to put him down, I want to find something to help him and give him back his energetic life. My 7 yr old son and him are best of friends, this would kill him and us. I have read about doing a homopathic approach and it helped and the dog was cured and the vet was astounded. Has anyone found anything to help with this or am I going to have face the fact of eventually putting him down? Noelle Jupiter, FL please email too noelle1271@yahoo.com

Noelle Florida

Noelle, I am so sorry you are faced with this horrible disease. Please go to the Meisha's Hope website, I know there are some dogs in the success stories that had IMT or a combination IMT/AIHA: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html as you can see there is hope! first and foremost you need a vet that has treated this disease successfully. At the very least your regular vet should consult with a specialist for internal medicine, a teaching hospital or Dr. Dodds in California (hemopet) She has saved many dogs and her fees are more than reasonable. At this point I would not recommend a homeopathic approach. This disease has to be treated very aggressively with immune suppressing drugs. This is a serious disease, but there is certainly hope. Is Bailey still at the vet or do you have him at home? What medication/dosage is he on? Thinking of you and Bailey, Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

Noelle, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet pup being diagnosed with IMT. I'm not too familiar with it (our pup had IMHA). But there is an IMHA group on Facebook, and one member I know there has a pup with IMT....she might be another resource, if you are on Facebook. Look for the Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in dogs group, and ask to join...One of the group will approve you. BTW, her pup is doing very well! Sally and angel Bentley

Sally Louisiana

My little Miniture poodle Tori has Evans Syndrome and is being treated using Dr Dodds protocol, with slight modification and is responding very well. Her platelets dropped to 43,000 and she bruised so easily. She was at the threshold of internal spontaneous bleeding and death in Sept. This also triggered the IMHA and she was no longer in remission from first bout in August of 2010. It is such a horrible disease, but the faster and more agressively you treat it, the better chance your furbaby will make it. Dr Dodds, an expert in this field and should be consulted by email ASAP. Please check out her website at Homopet dot com. Our vet worked with what Dr Dodds recommended. Especially helpful was adding a thyroid med. Praying for you and your Baily. Surely, others will respond that have more knowledge and experience. You are not alone in this fight! Blessings, Cindi & Tori (Evans Syndrome)

Cindi FL

Noelle, I am so sorry to hear that your dear Bailey has been diagnosed with IMT (also called ITP). Please check out this Web page: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/midnight.htm and learn about "Midnight the Miracle ITP Dog" who lived for 11+ years after her ITP diagnosis. Midnight went back to running agility and I had the great honor of meeting her and seeing her run. At then end of Midnight's story is a link to more info on IMT/ITP.

Joanne MN

Noelle, so sorry to hear that Bailey has been diagnosed with IMT. Do you know the recent and past platelets counts? That would help...as would the recent and past CBC results. The minumum tests they should have done would include: -tick tests (rocky mountain/erhlichia) -ultrasounds to check for tumors/neoplasia -thyroid panel -full blood chemistry, and -urinalysis Has he been on prior meds? Antibiotics? Pain meds? etc Flea/heartworm/tick meds? Has she gotten into something he eaten anything he shouldn't have? Don't give up hope. This immune disease is very treatable. Often times easier than AIHA/IMHA. Be sure to be using a stomach protectant to prevent uncontrolled stomach bleeding...if the platelets are really low. Keep him well rested, stress free, and give plenty of fresh clean water. I'll keep Bailey in my thoughts and prayers. HUGS Johnny and Angels Tessy & Sadie

Johnny

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concerns. We had bailey at a specialist yesterday and it was confirmed to be IHA, regenerative anemia. His PCV is 18%, TS 4.3. We have him on CERENIA FOR NAUSEA, PREDNISONE, PEPCID, 2 ANTIBIOTICS AND AZATHIOPRINE FOR THE RED CELLS. Now the vet said that he did see his body was also already making baby red cells and that was a good thing. I am filled with so many emotions. He will not eat ANYTHING. We have tried everything to gove him. He just wants to drink water. I am limited with funds so for me to even think about doing the transfusion the vet said he can run between 3k-4k. I do not have that kind of money and that kills me that I can not do more than what I am doing already. can anyone tell me what to do about the eating. Will this change? He has only been on the medicine for 1 day (late yesterday afternoon we started 12/10/11. Any suggestions will help me. My family and I have been on a roller coaster of emotions. the fact that the vet said he is in NO pain gave me relief yeterday. the other night his breathing was so stressed that I layed with a pillow on the floor and slept with him all night petting him to calm him down. Also he does not want to sleep on his bed. He just lays on the tile floor. He has 105 fever too so maybe the cool tile makes him feel better??? Sorry for the rambling and going all over the place I am just so upset and sad. I do not want to lose my Bailey but I know that maybe a possibility. I need to have faith in God. Noelle S. Jupiter, FL

Noelle Jupiter

Noelle, Don't be concerned about Bailey not wanting to sleep on his bed....nearly everyone I've talked to with a pup on Prednisone has said they want to lay on the cool tile floor. My Bentley did that, and he never ran a fever. It simply feels better to them. The pred will also make them much thirstier, and they often need to pee more often. Have you tried some boiled chicken or boiled hamburger? Mix some with a bit of cooked rice, maybe. Lots of times, that was what Bentley wanted the most. The Cerenia and Pepcid should help Bailey's tummy feel better. I'd also maybe check an alternate site....that sounds incredibly high for a transfusion. Bentley had his first one, along with bone marrow aspiration and LOTS of other tests, and two days in hospital, and it wasn't nearly that much. Are you near a teaching hospital at a university maybe? You can also contact Dr. Dodds about help....I know she has sometimes done that in the past. And there is something called Care Credit (I think) that is available to help with costs. The news about his baby red cells is wonderful!! Ask for his Reticulocyte count, and post it. These immune diseases are roller coaster rides, for sure. Please know there are lots of folks here happy to help any way we can. All the best, Sally and angel Bentley

Sally Louisiana

That fever tends to suggest an underlying infection as a cause for the immune response that further leads to anemia. Did the vet test for infections, ticks, etc.? Also, you may want to look for a nearby university with a veterinary teaching hospital. They can perform procedures such as transfusions for less. Other things to consider: A simple transfusion would not cost that much. However, if Bailey develops complications and needs to stay overnight for a few nights, the costs can run up. You may want to look into Care Credit, per Sally's suggestions. It sounds like if your vet can determine the underlying cause for AIHA, and treat it, Bailey can make a full and quick recovery. Its just a matter of treating him and buying him time until that point and yes, it can be a bit expensive.

RobertN Superior

Noelle, I am so sorry to hear about Bailey. I agree with Robert about a possible tick infection with that high of a fever. Have they done a full tick panel? I think are you are in a tick area with AIHA cases in tick areas, dogs are almost always started on doxycyclene asap, an antibiotic that targets tick diseases and if the results come back negative because it is so strong, it is removed, and you would usually see a drop in in the temp almost immediately. 18% is low but mnay dogs tolerate this level without a transfusion. Also many dogs can not tolerate azithiropene, makes them very nausous and maybe why Bailey is not eating. I as suggested I would contact Dr Dodds, her email consultation is I tink $45 and she is the expert on this disease. She usuallly repsonds asap. As for laying on the tile floor, with a fever and the pred makes them feel hot too. Laurie

Laurie CA

oh my goodness i am so sorry to hear you are having to go thru this, it does unfortunately sound very familiar -- we later found out our trigger for this was lyme disease even tho the intial panal/test came back negative -- the good thing was the doxy was on a list of free antibiotics at a chain of stores in my area -- check into that and see if your vet will call in the script, it saved us tons of money because they have to be on that so long..... just an idea,,, best of luck - you will get great info and support here.....

charlie

Charlie birgs up a good point, usually tick diseases do not manifest on a panel for 3 or more weeks, if it is caused by a tick disease you should and put on the doxy, you should see almost some immediate improvement. Laurie

Laurie CA

Thank you everyone. Really quick can anyone tell me, Bailey started thsi morning peeing in the house. Can the medicine cause this to happen. He is the kind of dog that never ever made in the house. So this is new to him. I keep tellinghim he did nothing wrong and its ok because the look on his face is like of shame. I am kind of scared that this is happening. Yesterday was pretty good though he ate 2 jars of sweet potato baby food from a syringe, some chicken broth and even some oatmeal. He does not feel nearly as hot under his ears as he was, actually he feels cooler then he has felt in a few weeks. he was tested for ticks and the panel was negative and we were at the 3 week marker pretty much. He is on Doxy and Cipro along with the prednisone, anti nausea pill, thyroid pill and the red blood cell pill azathioprine. Now I called the Vet Hospital and they said the fact that he is on prednisone that is common for the frequent urination and that we should take him out even more then we are. Have any of you out there run into this same problem with your dog urinating in the house from any of the medicines or should I be scared that his organs are starting to shut down? i really hope its not that. Thank you again, I am so happy I found all of you. You have no idea how much hope you are giving me and my family thru this difficult time. Noelle Jupiter, FL

Noelle Jupiter

Noelle, yes it is correct that the prednisone will cause the frequent urination and the accidents. Bailey really can't help it poor guy. I know that some people have used diapers, maybe someone can give advice to that. We just went out as much as possible and were lucky never to have accidents. Don't restrict the drinking, he needs the water. I think a part of the accidents is that from the prednisone the muscles get weak and he just can't hold it very long. What I can say for certain is IT WILL GET BETTER! It might take a couple of weeks, some dogs even months, but once you can reduce the medication, sometimes even before that, he will be able to hold it longer and longer again. There should be no lasting effect of these drugs. I know it is hard to give them all these drugs that make them so sick, but they will safe his life! Hang in there, best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

Our 11 year old Golden Retriever, Chloe has been diagnosed with AIHA. We are 2 months into treatment and she is going down hill dialy. We started treatment with prednisone, antibiotics a slurry mixture for keeping her tummy stable and pepcid along with her thyroid meds. We saw little improvement so the vet added azathyoprine. The worst part is her hind legs have become so week that I sometimes have to support her to go potty. Climbing stairs is such an effort for her. Last week her number jumped up to a 38 but within 24 hours went down to 30. The vet added Atopica and changed her antibiotic. Her number was down to 25 yesterday. It is killing us emotionally to watch. She has lost her appetite and at this stage can barely walk. She loves to eat snow and lay in the snow but we have to carry her up stairs and to get her into the car. The vet has told us he doesn't believe she will survive given the extreme weakness in her hind quarters. He has suggested we consider putting her to sleep in the next 48 to 72 hours. I would rather she pass at home than to make the decision. She will get a burst of energy and walk between my legs and she still wags her tail at me and has a sparkle in her eye. That just makes the decision worse. I am trying every option. The vet has good success with this diagnosis even with his own retriever but admits he has not seen a dog begin to rally and then plummet. Has anyone noticed extreme weakness specific to the hind quarters during treatment for AIHA?

Pat Anchorage

Cookie would urinate 3 times on the floor during the night if she didn't get let out. abut that is just while they're on high dose pred. I forget when she stopped. I think it was around 50% of the starting dose

Monet Sammamish

Pat, Absolutely do not put your dog down yet. I suspect from what you describe that Chloe has non-regenerative anemia. It's a tougher version of AIHA, but it can be beat. My dog Chance beat it and lived another 3 years until he passed from a heart condition at 12 years. Please contact Dr. Jean Dodds at hemopet @ hotmail. com (remove spaces to send) and send her a concise email, similar to what you have written here. Do you have any blood tests you can attach to this email? Do so. She will advise you what steps to take at this point. Yes, prednisone can cause many side effects including rear leg weakness. It is destroying muscle tissue. You are using the correct medicines but we don't know the dosages you are using nor the diagnostics that have been done to rule out other causes for the anemia. Is your vet a specialist or your regular vet? A visit to a specialist would be appropriate at this point also, but do contact Dr. Dodds today. She will help you for no charge if you wish or you can pay a $45. consultation fee/donation. Your choice. Hemopet.org is not for profit. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Pat, I was just about to write to you when I saw that Patrice already answered. PLEASE listen to her, contact Dr. Dodds! She has helped so many dogs. many survived years after the initial diagnosis. When I was helpless at one point, Dr. Dodds told me, Where there is life there is Hope! It is hard to watch our dogs in this weak state, but remember she is not in pain, just very weak. Who knows, maybe this disease will take your dogs life, but you have to give him a fair chance and fight. You will know when he has had enough. As long as he is willing to fight, you should fight with him. Don't give up and write to Dr. Dodds. Thinking of you, best wishes, Brigitte PS: maybe you want to start your own thread as not to confuse your Golden with Noelle's Bailey.

Brigitte BC

Pat, Some dogs with extreme sensitivity to prednisone will actually benefit by decreasing it. Robert here on this board with his dog Maggie was one (they went from 80mg to 20mg) Even my Cookie was another (not quite such a drastic change but we did decrease weekly.. at one point she went blind and the week after we decreased she wasn't anymore)

Monet Sammamish

Bailey did seemed so much better on Sunday he was more alert and ate the baby food the thru the syringe but now it looks like he took 10 steps back. Now he does not seem to be drinking as much as he was. We took the advice and have been taking him out more. especially right after the prednisone. But after he goes out then all he does is drop to the ground. same problem with the hind legs. Like he has no energy. all he wants to do is lay in the garage and we keep the fan on him and a towel down just in case he goes in there again. I am getting scared, I am now sick myself just from being so run down I guess and alot of crying. I called the vet and he is a specialist in this area, and he said it is very possible that bailey's body may not be producing anymore red cells like we had hoped. I am doing the best I can and especially the financial situation I am in. I do not have the money to even think about a transfusion and I can not approved for the Care Credit. I have been sober for a long time and I have alot of faith and i keep praying to God while I lay there with Bailey asking him for help because I do not know what to do or i should say what the right thing is to do. I love him but I also do not want to be selfish and have him suffer with no dignity. when he goes in the house you can see he looks shameful like he did something wrong. My 7 yr old says to him, dont worry bailey you didnt do anything wrong, its ok boy. It kills me and brings tears to my eyes to see this. My emotions are EVERYWHERE. Sorry for the rambling but I just got home from a meeting and see he is still in the garage and very very weak. please advise. Thank you again all that have been there. noelle noelle1271@yahoo.com

Noelle Jupiter

Noelle, It sure is a rocky road and it is so hard to watch and not being able to do much. his disease is not a sprint, it is a marathon. you have to be patient. Bailey is very weak for a lot of reasons. he is probably still deprived of oxygen and all that healing of his I'll body takes a lot out of him. Make sure you give him the best food you can afford and a supplement called petinic. Your son is so awesome to tell Bailey that it is ok! try and do the same, just treat him as everything is ok. if you are worried and he picks up on it, he will be worried and stressed. Please go to the Meisha's Hope website and read the success stories, they will give you lots of hope. best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

@Pat - Usually if there is an improvement followed by a setback, its because of an underlying condition such as an infection. You may want to see if your vet can prescribe Chloe a non-reactive antibiotic that won't affect the treatment, but might go after an infection. @Noelle - Sounds like what happened with my yellow lab Maggie, who as it turned out also threw clots. It turns out the prednisone was making her prone to clotting. My Maggie had been on Cyclosporine for over a week and that has sufficed for the immune suppression as Maggie not only survived the clots but continues to recover from the anemia and produce red blood cells. Maggie also started with the Azathioprine. To both, I echo the recommendation of contacting Dr. Dodds.

RobertN Superior

Bailey passed away at 2:45am here at home. I am very sad. Thank you for all your help and hope. Noelle

Noelle Jupiter

Noelle, Words can't express what I am feeling about your Loss. All that I can say is that I am so Sorry. We lost our Fur Baby too and it hurts beyond words. RIP Bailey. Thoughts and Prayers to you Noelle. :(

Kathy Calif.

Noelle, I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Hugs to you and your 7 year old son. Bailey knows that you did your best for him and during his life with you, he felt your love and care. Sometimes dogs make it past the crisis and recover, sometimes not. Regardless, Bailey is no longer suffering and is in a better place. I pray for you and your family, that you are able to embrace one another and find peace in your hearts.

RobertN Superior

Dear Noelle, please accept my sincere condolences. In time you will forget about these last difficult days but nobody and no disease can take away the wonderful memories you and your family have of Bailey. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

Noelle, My heart goes out to you. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.

Kelly Ma

Oh, Noelle our heart goes out to you and your family. You are in our prayers and we know the good memories will be a comfort, but for now...the pain of loss is so real. Run free, little Bailey, run free! Blessings, Cindi & Tori

Cindi FL

Noelle, I am so so very sorry to read of Bailey's passing. I know the hurt you are suffering. Please remember that Bailey knew just how very much you loved and cared for him. I hope in time your memories of your sweet Bailey will help you smile a bit through the tears....I am beginning to do this now with thoughts of my Bentley. Again, my very deepest condolences, and biggest of HUGS to you and your little boy. Sally and Angel Bentley

Sally Louisiana

i too am so very sorry for your loss, i have children myself and know how hard it is to be strong for them during this time even though you are feeling such a great loss. may bailey bring you all closer with his passing as he did while he was with you. please continue reading the post as everyone's words are sure to offer comfort -- my prayers are with you,,,

charlie

Noelle, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Bailey. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I urge you to visit 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 a great deal of information that will be helpful to you during these most very difficlut days. Even though Bailey had IMT and not AIHA/IMHA the information will still be helpful to you. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joanne MN

This thread was discussed between 07/12/2011 and 15/12/2011

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