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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Heavy/labored breathing - when to be concerned?
| Reggie was diagnosed about a week ago with AIHA - this forum has been very helpful as we wade through the symptoms and educated ourselves on this horrible illness. Since coming home from the hospital we've noticed Reggie always seems to be breathing heavily - like each breath takes more effort than it should. The vet said it's a normal side-effect of the drugs and low red blood cell count, but everything I've read describes that as panting. Reggie isn't panting, he's just working more than he should for each breath. He's still bloated from the meds, and I'm sure that plays a role. Just wondering if the labored breathing is normal, or if I should be worried? Poor guy is having a really hard time getting up off the floor today. Those back legs just aren't strong enough right now. I can tell it's killing him to lay on the floor in the house when he'd normally spend all day outside with his kids :-( |
| Amy Wisconsin |
| Aw, poor Reggie. When Tessy was sick I'd often call her the big bad wolf cause of the way she huffed and puffed at times. I'd be more concerned with what you described as *working hard* for each breath compared to just heavy labored breathing. It may be possible there's liquid in the lungs but it would really be up to the vet to determine this. It's really a judgement call on your behalf. You're the only one that knows Reggie really well. If it were me I'd keep a very close eye on him. If it progressively gets worse then it may be time for a vet visit. In the meantime I'd keep him well rested and getting lots of water. You should also add some CoQ10. This'll help the body get what little oxygen it has tothe tissues and organs easier. At 50 pounds start out with 30mg daily. I'd also add fish oil and a gluco/condro supplement. Ostea BiFlex Knox nutrijoint would also be a good idea. This will help with the joints but the effects aren't noticeable for a month ore even more. Do you have recent CBC results? Lots of thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Amy, Like Johnny has already said keep a very close eye on Reggie because you know him the best. If you think his breathing is labored then get him in and get him checked. In answer to your previous question about transfusions My Salome was diagnosed with a PCV of 14 and had 3 transfusions in the first 4 days to get her stablized. We lost her 5 years ago today a month into treatment. It was not from the AIHA but from other complications. I know how helpless you must feel but know that whatever you do or don't do is because of your love for Reggie. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Amy, As Johnny said, you know your dog best. Sometimes it is worth taking them in, just for peace of mind. I remember one time thinking, my dog is not going to make it through the night. He seemed pale and very tired. This was about 2 weeks into treatment. I made an emergency call and met the vet at the clinic 10 minutes later. The vet did a quick spin of the blood and to both of our surprise the count was up! I can't remember what my panic cost me, but at the time it was worth every penny:) At least I could sleep that night. I can't remember when Reggie saw the vet last. What did the vet say about his belly? It can be bloated, but earlier I think you mentioned it is sloshing around. That would certainly be a concern. Also remember, even the vet does not know Reggie as well as you do. Keep asking questions and if you are concerned, don't let the vet brush you off. thinking of you, best wishes, Brigitte |
| Brigitte BC |
| Reggie was sent home from the vet hospital this past Wednesday and was back in on Friday for a blood draw (his count dropped from 26% to 21%). He actually seems to have more energy today than yesterday - he was outside with us a lot today (he loves being outside with his kids on such nice weather days!), licked the dishes as I loaded them into the dishwasher and even managed to sneak a waffle off the table this morning. I worry about how weak and wobbly his legs have become (from what I've read it's due to the high levels of Prednisone he's on - 100mg/day) and how heavy he's breathing. I just pray putting him through all of these drug side-effects is worth it in the end and we aren't just making his final days miserable :-( |
| Amy Wisconsin |
| Amy, You are right that this is a side effect of the treatment. You are also a perceptive owner to notice that Reggie feels better! Be confident and follow the medicine schedule carefully. You know him and your vets don't. If he was miserable I don't think he would be outside with you enjoying the day, he would be inside hiding in a quiet place. My dog panted so much it scared me. It was his liver, swollen from high dose prednisone use. I put up fans all around the house and laid a folded thin blanket near each one so he could lay in front of them. You will notice that Reggie is reluctant to get on the couch or bed with you because it just hurts. He abdomen is swollen and the liver is enlarged. If you notice he changes and stops interacting with you, let your vet know right away. Dogs are pretty easy to read when they don't feel good. I can say for sure that the drug regimen is worth the effort. We can't control everything in life and there are no guarantees. However it is a powerful feeling when you are able to help your dog live and survive to old age. Many folks here have been successful. Please pat yourself on the back for taking such good care of Reggie! He will notice how happy you are and will relax around you. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Hi Amy, I can certainly say that it was worth it to fight for Dylan (and I still am fighting for her) and now that she is feeling better, it is wonderful to have my old girl back. She's not completely herself, but she loves her hugs and attention from me as she did before and maybe even more now. It was worth the fight! Despite the crap she went through, she hardly ever showed any negative emotion at all and just kept fighting and dealing with whatever happened. Dogs are very tough and they do want to be with you. They can take discomfort and deal with it. The early part of this fight is a rollercoaster of emotions, but try to stay positive, as least around Reggie if you can. It will help him to know you are fighting strong too. Every dog is different, but they all have the potential to recover. How much, how fast and how many issues they have along the was varies a lot. The people here will be with you all the way to help. Some dogs don't make it, but the longer you can stick with it the better chance he will have. Keep a close eye on Reggie and if things get worse, get in to your vet when you can. If she has treated "thousands" she will know to expect good days and bad and for you to come in regularly. My vet was good at comforting me on the phone and never hesitated to take my call. Many times she was just my psychologist, calming me and helping me make it though, so I could help my dog. I am grateful for her help, I am grateful for the help of everyone here and most of all, I am grateful for having fought it through and that I have my dog Dylan! Thinking of you both, Richard |
| Richard Burnaby |
This thread was discussed between 18/06/2011 and 19/06/2011
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