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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Groundhog Day
| Well, after Raven took a turn for the worse this week (she seemed absolutely exhausted, is so low in weight and at one point, couldn't stand), I took her back to the vet's office. He had dropped her pred every week for the last 3 weeks, but I noticed a major difference this last week, when her dosage was half from the original. Fears confirmed -- her PCV had dropped from last week of 21 to 18. My original specialist was on vacation, so met with another who is taking her back to her *original* pred dosage of 60 mg./day. (She believes my other doctor dropped her pred dosage too quickly; Dr. Dodds agrees.) She also suggested another transfusion, but I decided to hold off on that to see if the pred kicks in. I hope I made the right decision -- she said the transfusion would make her feel better, but it seems to me that she should be lower on her PCV for that. So we're back to week 1. Same dosage, and side effects kicked in again last night, with her waking up a few times asking to go out. I'm beat, and frustrated, and hoping I'm making the right decisions for my sweet girl. Her weight has dropped from 72 lbs. 3 months ago to just 60 lbs. yesterday. But she's fighting, and I'm there with her every step of the way. Thanks for letting me vent. She does seem to have more energy...and the tail is wagging. That's all we can ask of these poor pups, I suppose. |
| Sharon CT |
| thinking of you and raven, try to stay positive! it sounds as though you are in good hands again now with your vet (s). melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Hi sharon I am sorry Raven is not doing as good as we all would love to see her do. I am just surprised that your vet would even considering lowering the Predisone (unless Raven was having really bad side effects) when her PCV was not yet in the normal range. Is that the only drug Raven is on and has you doctor ever mentioned the cyclorsprine or azathioprine? Hugs to Raven and hope she is feeling better soon. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Sharon, I'm thinking of you and Raven and praying that her PCV comes up and those nasty side effects subside. I think you made the right decision about the transfusion. Our specialist wouldn't consider a transfusion for Darcy unless her PCV dropped to 15%. I don't know if Raven has ever had a transfusion, but after the first one they have to do special testing to make sure of the match and I believe each transfusion after that first one is risky. Darcy was at 8% when she had her first transfusion. A transfusion is putting a foreign substance in their body and that's tough on them. After her first transfusion, I thought Darcy would come bouncing out of there, feeling great. In reality, it was tough on her and it was a good two to three days before she started feeling good and showing signs of improvement. I know you're loving your girl and she feels it, as evidenced by the tail wagging. Just do the best you can and enjoy your time together. Darcy and I are pulling for you and Raven. Karen |
| Karen NC |
| Sharon -- didn't see your post as venting at all. But it does sound like the pred reduction occurred too quickly. I hope Raven responds to the new dosage and gets back on track. You two hang in there. Please take care. |
| Brenda VA |
This thread was discussed between 06/11/2008 and 07/11/2008
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