Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Good news for Kahlu!

We got some good news this morning,Kahlu's RBC rose to 5.2, his Hematocrit to 0.42! The not so good news is, that his liver enzymes also rose again. I was really hoping with the reduction of prednison, lots of milk thistle and Sam-e, that they would go down too. ALP from 500 to 822 ALT from 448 to 636 GGT from 506 to 745 This happened in 2 weeks while we were lowering the prednisone from 30 to 20 mg per day. Next step is we are lowering the Azathioprine from 50mg every day to 25mg every day. Right away I wonder if we should have gone 50mg every other day. I also had them do a Thyroid test. I was thinking he would get too much. But his Thyroid is actually low, so we will increase that. Over all things are looking better. Kahlu has more energy and is eating well. We just got back from a nice walk and he was pretty happy to cool his paws in the creek. I guess it is still one day at a time and keeping positive. Best wishes to all of you! Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC. Canada

Hi Brigitte....good to hear that Kahlu's RBC and HCT is rising. Hopefully with these numbers and the continued reductions of the meds her liver enzyme #'s will start to fall to within normal limits. It could take some time for the liver to begin to repair the damage that's done. All in all it sounds like you're doing everything right so far so keep up the good work. If you are not comfy with the azathioprine reduction....50% is quite high....then maybe you should reconsider and explain your concerns with her doctor. Maybe you could drop to 40 or 35 / day. Perhaps maybe since the liver enzyme numbers are so high you may want to consider sticking to the pred reductions. I'm just thinking out load again. Hope all is well out West. Give Kahlu hugs from Tessy and I. I'll keep praying for the both of you. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Awesome news! That's great! When my vet reduced charlies azathiaprine we went to 50mg every other day. I would try your vets suggestions and see how it goes. We go in for our next 4 week check next Friday.

carol Vancouver wa

Thats wonderful news and tell Kahlu to keep up the good work! Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Brigitte, was Kahlu's HCT lower when you started reducing the meds? I'm just curious cause I think we'll be doing this with Tessy this week. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hi Johnny, thanks for your good wishes and thoughts. From what I hve learned, reducing Azathioprene is different than prednisone. A 50% reduction seems to be the rule. Apparently it can also affect the liver, that is why my vet wants to reduce it. Kahlus HCT was at 32-36 for at least 6 weeks until it finally rose this week to 42. This weekend my vet will go to Victoria, to hear a talk of Dr. Dodds. I am sure she will bring back tons of new knowledge! I hope the fires were not in your area. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Glad Kahlu enjoyed his walk. It must be great to be able to do "normal" things with your boy. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Congratulations to you and Kahlu! So nice to hear things are going in the right direction. Back in October Alex had really high liver values, a very swollen liver, and actually had yellowish ear flaps. With the reduction of the prednisone and the other drugs it went down into normal limits. Hoping things will do the sme for Kahlu. Happy trails.... Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

So fabulous, yaayy Kahlu! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

THats great news - well done to you both :o) Sam & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

THat is great to hear the progress Kahlu is making, 42 is awesome, her HCT is probably much higher than that since I think you do the blood one and not the spin one which is more accurate shows higher values. YOu should start to slowly see those other # go down as you wean her off her meds. Wylies first go round, her numbers went down fast, but with her relapse they wer very slow so dont panic. Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Great news on Kahlu! I hope you continue to see his old energy begin to return!

Leslie

This thread was discussed between 01/05/2009 and 06/05/2009

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