Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Henri-Going Drug Free

Hi Folks, I haven't posted in a while. Henri is doing very well. We have successfully weaned him down to 2.5mg/EOD azathioprine. His hematocrit has held steady at 47-49%. This week, we will do the final reduction, stopping the azthioprine. We are very nervous to have him go drug-free. However, given his age at diagnosis, 5-months old, the vets feel the long term use of azthioprine has its own risks. Please keep your fingers and paws crossed for us. We will be monitoring his hematocrit very closely in the beginning. Warmly, Ella Henri, West Highland White Terrier, 19-months old, diagnosed at 5-months of age with vaccine-induced IMHA on 02/26/09, 15.8-lbs.

Ella Seattle

Congrats!!! That's awesome! I don't blame you for being nervous and wanting to monitor his crit closely afterwards. Fingers and paws are crossed for you both. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Ella, Whoo-Hoo for Henri! That is wonderful news. I know there were times that you thought you would never see this day. Fingers and paws crossed here.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Ella, Congratulations to you and your family! I still remember reading about your baby Henri being diagnosed and now he is doing so well! He will be an inspiration to many that might loose hope. Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Ella That is great news!!! Ginger has her paws crossed for Henri's continued good health. Congratulations Henri!!!!! Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Thanks Everyone! It is great to have the support. We are so nervous! His hematocrit will be checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, then monthly, and eventually 2x/year. He has grown up to be such a lovely little man. We adore him. He is truly a miracle. I wish I could post a picture for all of you. Keep praying!! Warmly, Ella

Ella Seattle

My sincere congratulations to you and Henri - how absolutely wonderful. I love Westies. :)

Silka Melbourne Australia

Thanks for posting your fabulous results. It gives all of us hope. Mercedes was only 16 months old when diagnosed----young, like Henri, for this disease. I am so happy for you and Henri, and hope that we too, will have the same positive outcome. Good Luck---(I too, would, would be very nervous about the reduction of meds!) Sending all our positive thoughts and vibes your way. Maureen and Mercedes

Maureen BC Canada

Thanks, Everyone! We feel your well wishes all around us. Our vet called last night, Henri will go drug-free starting tomorrow. We will be doing hematocrit checks every 2 weeks for the first 2 months. I think, all the specialists are in agreement about Henri's case. Dr Dodds, Henri's internist, and our vet, all feel given his age, the risks of going drug-free (risk of relapse) vs staying on azathioprine for life are close. As long as Henri is never vaccinated again, Dr Dodds feels he will do very well. I will keep you posted on our progress! Furry Hugs, Ella and Henri

Ella Seattle

Ella, and I think we all agree that you can trust Dr. Dodds! You must be exited (not giving those darn pills anymore) but nervous at the same time. Please give little Henri a big Canadian bear hug and best wishes from, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Ella Haven't seen you on-line for a while and am hoping you still check in occasionally. I was wondering how Henri has made out since you discontinued his azathiopine. Hopefully all has gone well, and there has been no setbacks!! Please update us, if you read this!! Maureen and mercedes

Maureen BC Canada

Hi Maureen, Henri has had one blood check since we discontinued the azathioprine and his hematocrit was stable at 48. He goes in again today. It has been one month since we stopped the azathioprine. I should have results from today's bloodwork later this afternoon. He seems to be his normal busy self...pestering his big sister to play and always asking to go for a walk. Thanks for asking about us. I will let you know the results later today. Furhugs, Ella

Ella Seattle

Hi Ella That is excellent news. Hope your results, today, continue to be positive!!! Maureen and Mercedes

Maureen BC Canada

Wonderful, it's been a long road for you guys! I know how scary it is, but you know what to look for, and how wonderful for Henri to be drug free! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Hi, I know how you feel. Those first few months are especially traumatic but the initial fear does lessen with time.Our Joey is now 21 months post diagnosis but each time he has a blood test I am nervous. All I can say is just enjoy each moment that you have. Love and best wishes, Corrie and Joeyxx.

Corrie Dagenham Essex UK

Great news for you both and wish you continued good health. Sue and Archie

Sue Cambs UK

This thread was discussed between 19/06/2010 and 27/07/2010

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