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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Good news for Joey.
| Hi everyone, We are now going into month eleven and Joey's PCV tested yesterday came back at 43 up 2 points from two weeks ago.His retyculytes? spelling (new blood cells)are at 117 down from 153 but still higher than normal.Unfortunately my regular vet is off sick at present so I have to contact those who dealt with him at the Hospital about his nasal discharge although it seems a little better today.Our vet nurse told me to put him on the senior kibble as although he's up to an hour a day exercise he's still gaining weight.Thanks to all who have responded to our threads, Our thoughts are with you all, Corrie & Joey. |
| corrie marney Dagenham Essex |
| Corrie, I am so happy for you that Joey's PCV came back with this great number. About the gunky nose, Kahlu has more discharge from his eyes for the last few weeks. Patrice mentioned at one point that her Chance suffered from allergies. This would make sense since our dogs immune systems are down. I have also put Kahlu on senior food although he is only 3. His weight has been pretty good. i thought the senior food is also better for his liver since it has less fat. I supplement the kibbles with veggies and lean chicken and fish. Keep it up Joey! Best wishes, Brigitte and kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Very good news. Good to hear. |
| Mardi Northern Cali |
| Corrie, That is excellent news for Joey! 42 is a fine number, right near the middle of normal. If this remains stable that would be perfect! Good work on your part! The reticulocytes are at a high number but a decrease is the correct thing to be happening. They are immature red blood cells and will mature into red blood cells over about 3-5 days. So as the number of reticulocytes decreases there should be an accompanying increase in red blood cells. Eventually the number of reticulocytes should settle out at around 60,000 and 1-1.5%. This is a normal reading for a dog or human that does not have anemia. Red blood cells are one part of the PCV packed cell volume. The tech, either in a small spinner or in an automated analyzer, spins the blood sample until it separates into the red stuff and the white stuff. The red stuff is read as a percentage of the whole and this is called the PCV. So there is more in it than just red blood cells (like platelets for instance). The white stuff is plasma and other things. From that your vet does a chemical screen which includes things like kidney and liver functions, electrolytes like calcium, potassium and sodium etc. Of the two tests, the CBC complete blood count is probably the less expensive test, the chem screen can be quite pricey. My vet helps me cost wise by doing a "mini chem screen" that includes just the liver and kidney functions. Dogs that have allergies are probably more prone to having other immune problems. I know Chance was probably the case. As you decrease meds, esp. the prednisone, the allergies can become a problem again, as prednisone is often used to treat canine allergies. This is the season for ragweed allergies and I see Chance's eyes are gooping again. I am not sure about the nasal discharge, as that is not part of Chance's allergies, but it's also possible that Joey was exposed to "kennel cough" when he was at the vet's. This is a mild doggie cold that could include nasal discharge. Hmmm, senior kibble. I am *personally* not a fan of this kind of advice. Many companies remove protein from kibble and add in things like grains to make the food less calorie dense. A senior dog in reality needs *more* protein as they age because they become less able to digest it as well. Dogs digestive systems are designed to get by without grains and breads that humans need for energy. They get their energy just fine from meat and fat. But added things like veggies in small quantities are good for them for the vitamins. Wheat and other grains is not digested well and can cause gas etc. A diet with moderate quantities of high quality protein (around 20-26%), moderate fat and low carbohydrates is very appropriate for a senior dog that needs to lose weight. In addition, Joey most likely had fat redistribution and muscle loss from his long term dose of prednisone and "looks" porky. This is also a mis-balance of body fluids from prednisone. As the dose of prednisone is decreased and his exercise is increased, he will naturally lose accumulated fat stores, add muscle tissue and look much better. Look at the first three photos in Chance's before and after pictures of when he had AIHA, you will see his body change significantly in one year from horrible to very fit. Chance gets a home made diet, with plenty of quality protein including meats, liver and eggs with a bit of lightly cooked and food processed veggies mixed in. http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricel/sets/72157602714279765/ my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Patrice, Thanks for clearing the senior food issue. Kahlu is getting a kibble with 24 % protein 10 % fat and no grains. I think after this bag I will switch him to regular with a little more fat again. I have fed no grains since getting advice from Dr. Dodds. He was actually on raw and grain free kibble before his illness, so it was not a big switch. The fish and chicken cooking just got too expensive. I hope a quality kibble will get him where he needs to be. i still have the dogfood links you posted in my favorites, i will have to go over them again. Best wishes, Brigitte |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Corrie, that's great news to hear! 42 is a strong solid number to work with. Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
This thread was discussed on 25/08/2009
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