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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Harvey's Nose Bleed
| I've had Harvey, my two year old golden retriever for two months. Two weeks ago he was diagnosed with IMHA. After a week in the hospital he got to come home last week. He was doing fine up until this past Sunday. That's when he wouldn't eat, stumbled a little and his nose started dripping blood. It was only a small nose bleed, but it still worries me. So he's back in the hospital. Along with his IMHA the vet discovered nasal parasites. I'm hoping that his nose was just bleeding because of a combination of the nasal parasites and heparin that we were using to thin his blood and not something more serious. Has this happend to anyone else? His PCV was 34 at last check but the vet said it could be inflated a little bit due to his dehydration and be closer to 30. I just want Harvey to be ok. I feel so bad for all that he's going through. And worry that he thinks I don't love him anymore when I have to leave him in the hospital. His previous owner had abandoned him. I don't know if it would be more humane to just let him go. But I love him so much to lose him. Ashlie |
| Ashlie Georgia |
| Hi Ashlie, Poor Harvey! All of us here know that worry that you feel, and we've all been there. Just remember that so many dogs survive IMHA, even when it looks like they are having their toughest days. Try to think of each day as a little victory, and just take that one day at a time. A PCV of 30 is actually very good considering his recent diagnosis. Many dogs with IMHA take months and months, and some never climb above the 20s and they still have enjoyed a wonderful life. Dogs are very adaptable. My guess is that the meds are also making him feel very crummy- they often make the dogs feel worse than the disease itself. Hopefully you have a knowlegable and aggressive vet. If not, consider another opinion. And, hopefully you have seen Joanne's Meisha's Hope site, particularly the Success Stories. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm Take a little while to read those stories, they made such a difference to us when our Tiggs was first diagnosed (his PCV was a 10 at diagnosis!). Nearly two years later, he's sitting right here next to me being a big meathead of a happy guys. He loves his life, his friends both human and canine, and to look at him, you would never know that he nearly died. We learned so much here and we never gave up. I know you will find a lot of support and info here on your journey with Harvey. melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Ashlie, I'm sorry to hear that Harvey has this terrible disease. Like Melissa was saying...a PCV of 30% isn't all that bad. Hang in there and keep fighting. You gotta remember that usually this disease doesn't cause pain, only lethargy and tiredness. Please don't think negatively with this disease. You always have to take it one day at a time and stay positive. Most of us here who have battled this disease actually become even closer to our pets because of this terrible disease. IT IS NOT HUMANE TO LET HIM GO....IMO. Remember that you are not alone in this fight...since you found this site you have the combined knowledge, support, and the most important thing...prayers. Have you noticed any bruises on Harvey? I'd assume the platelets are OK or the vets probably would have said something to you regarding this. Was it just a one time nose bleed? Can you give us a little more info? Any other blood numbers? If you don't know any of these numbers tell the vet to supply you with copies of all blood work done so far. Most of us here get copies of blood work to share with one another. If the vet seems to have a problem with this INSIST on getting the copies. YOU are the one paying the bill remember. Once you know these you can post them for us...if you'd like. What is Harvey on all for drugs? Type and dosage and frequency? Things to do... Milk Thistle...pick some up and start giving it to Harvey daily with his food. If you can find the bagged powder that would be best but the capsuls or tincture will also work. This is a herb that helps to protect the liver from the harsh drugs he's likely taking. Pet Tinic...this is a supplement that aids in hematopoiesis (blood building). This supplies the body with the proper micronutrients...iron, B12 vitamin, folic acid. You can order this online from most pet supply sites if you can't find it anywhere. This in my opinion is an important supplement to have a dog with AIHA/ IMHA on. Stomach Protectant....is he on one? For the time being you should keep him well rested and stress free if at all possible. Keep the meals smaller and more frequent and always have lots of fresh clean water available. Be prepared for messes on the floor. The drugs are to blame for this and the dog really can't help it. I used to take Tessy out every couple hours and she still had the odd mess on the floor! This goes away once the body gets used to the drugs. I'll keep Harvey in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Ashlie, I am sorry to hear about Harvey. Perhaps this is a common nasal fungus called aspergillosis that infects dogs nasal passages. It can cause nasal discharge and bleeding. Read more here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1557&aid=233 Please read this carefully, print it and ask your vet if this is what they were referring to. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| For some reason Pet education URL's do not post well on here. That is you can not find the site when posting a pet ed URL. So I have made a tiny URL of the URL Patrice posted; http://tinyurl.com/ye5nsks Hopefully this should work Just an added thought, when my Meisha relapsed once, the relapse started with a small nose bleed. Her color was good as was her appetite and energy level. We never did find the reason for the nose bleed since she had no nasal parasites or ITP. Sometimes there just appears to be no explanation for some of the things we see with AIHA/IMHA. I know this is so hard so please hang in there. |
| Joanne MN |
| Ashlie How is Harvey doing today, please know that we are keeping him in our prayers. I am partial to Golden's as I have 3 of them. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement and prayers. Its so helpful to know that there are others rooting for us out there. Harvey came home from the hospital today. Yay! He was at a university teaching hospital. His there said to keep him confined to a small space this week and we'll check his blood levels and everything again next week. They lowered his prednisone to 1.25/mg/kg = 40 mg every 24 hours. He was taking double this. So I'm monitoring him closely to make sure this wasn't so quick and he doesn't relapse. The main thing that I'm concerned with now is his neck. The vet did a neurologic exam and Harvey experienced some pain when he bent it left and then right. The xrays showed nothing. But the vet said that we'll check it again next week to rule out meningitis or a hemorrhage in the spine. Does it happen often that IMHA is a symptom of a much larger problem. Thanks a million times to everyone's support and prayers. And Cheryl you're right, Golden's are the best :-) At least my Harvey is. Ashlie |
| Ashlie Georgia |
This thread was discussed between 05/04/2010 and 07/04/2010
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