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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Hope for IMHA
| Hello Everyone - my 5 yr old Miniature Schnauzer, Cecil, was diagnosed with IMHA on 5/15/07. During his week in the hospital, his red cell count dropped as low as 16. Needless to say, he was so sick. The Friday night of that week, I had all but made up my mind that if he did not respond to the meds by the next morning, I would have to let him go. His weight entering the hospital was 19 lbs and he dropped to 14 lbs shortly after discharge. Fast forward almost 5 months later and we had a red-letter day on Thursday. For the first time since getting sick, Cecil had the energy to complete what was one of our regular walking routes, about 2.5 miles. Cecil was on cyclo and continues on Pred (5mg every other day) which we are hoping to reduce further in November. His cell count has climbed as high at 47 but seems to have normalized at about 44-45. On only one test did he drop to 40, which could be attributed to a number of things (thankfully, no other symptoms of a relapse were present). Cecil is playful, nearly as energetic as before, and he is very slowly regaining muscle tone. The loss of muscle tone is the most visible of the side effects. Although he ate and drank more, he never had to get up at night and had only 2 accidents in the house. So for all those of you who are living in fear, no, terror, with this horrific disease, there is hope. I am so grateful for Cecil's recovery and cherish everyday with him. This board very quickly gave me vital information and support. For that, I will always be thankful. I wish you all the same positive outcome as Cecil has had. Even in your darkest hours, remember that there is hope for recovery. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prays. Barbara & Cecil |
| Barbara K Portland |
| Hi Barbara, Well that is certainly great news about Cecil and so happy for you both! Like Cecil, Holly is also on the road to recovery at least we hope. We are on final decrease of prednisone 2.5mg every other day and she is still on Imuran, was diagnosed March 26. I agree with you totally about this board, without it, Holly might not be with us today. It is certainly a wealth of information and is amazing how much we can all learn from each other. WE will keep Cecil in our thoughts and prayers for continued health! Linda |
| Linda Sapphire |
| Barbara, Congrats to you and Cecil. It is always wondeful to see positive stories on this site. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
This thread was discussed on 08/10/2007
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