Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - I would like a little info if possible

I have heard of suppliments that can help with this disease and I am wondering if anyone here has heard of Zell Immunocomplex and also Liquorice capsules? I have found this link also: http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=93 I suppose what I am looking for is some kind of suppliment to give Trixie to help her. Tricia

Tricia UK

Jean Dodds advises Pet-Tinic to help with the replacementof RBCs. Others give their dogs SAM-e and or Milk Thistle to help their liver functions.

RonB San Mateo

our vet has prescribed both samE and milk thistle for Fitzi.

Linda Asheville NC

please tell me more about these supplements...I am concerned that my Border Collie may have been "set up" for this disease with a nutritional issue- as well as the other issues of vaccines etc... Sam-e Milk thistle, pet-tinic----dosages???

Chris Connecticut

Sofie, my GSD puppy was getting Lixitinic, which is the "horse" name for Pettinic. She weighs 57 pounds and was getting 10ml per day. I still give it to her occasionally now that she is off the meds totally. She would take it right from a syringe.

Joanne Wyoming

Tricia, Liquorice has been used as a kind of "home" remedy for thyroid support. The form of it must be a real form, not the flavored types that sell now. However, that said, in the case of a dog that has AIHA, it would be very wise to have a full thyroid panel done to see if the thyroid is behaving normally. There is a type of immune problem that can also destroy the thyroid. In that case, the answer is an easy two pill a day treatment. The thyroid is very involved in the blood making process. Chance has been on thyroid meds for about 4 years. We just got back the blood work results for his thyroid test for this year from Dr. Dodds. She says that the addition of his .6 tabs two times a day is good and his thyroid function is fine. Patrice

Patrice NYS

Once again Patrice, thanks for your reply. I'll have a word about a Thyroid check. Tricia

Tricia UK

The Zell Immunocomplex contains beta glucans which are purportedly either immune stimulants or immune modulators. Depending upon your point of view this can be good or bad. I don't think anyone has the final answer (if one even could exists) in relation to immune system modulation and AIHA/IMHA. Most efforts are towards dampening/slowing down a hyper response, so anything that could bring that response back up, should be given careful consideration. http://www.betaglucan.org/ In talking to three well respected vets who practice holistic medicine (Scanlan, Limehouse, Palmquist), none would recommend even any homeopathics (usually believed to 'do no harm' in most circumstances) for my dog Sierra (for both her AIHA or other health issues). On the chance that working the body back toward a more normal "balance" would be detrimental to the "balance" she has acheived on medication. I will say, I believe her case to be genetic, not brought on by outside inciting factors and that she still takes cyclosporine and this has bearing on my following these vets recommendation against introducing stimulants to her system - homeopathic, herbal or otherwise. That doesn't mean she doesn't take some supplements, she does, but only when her vet has given approval. But I'm lucky in this regard as her primary vet has a predominantly holistic practice (and she's well acquainted with Dr. Dodds, too)

Ronda So Cal

I agree with Ronda. All supplements have to be very carefully considered for a dog with AIHA and in recovery. Having said that, Denamarin has been recommended for many dogs to support the liver - it is a combo of milk thistle and sAme. Kent, at 34 lbs, gets 1 tab a day, plus 175mg milk thistle. He takes 3ml x 2 a day of pet-tinic (for blood). Also: 1200mg omega 3 fish oil with 50mg vitamin E (liver and kidney support). 1 multivitamin - pet-tab CoQ10 - 30mg - one a day Vit B complex - 1/2 ml a day I dont think there is anything in the above that would not be appropriate for any AIHA dog but always always ask your vet first and do your research. I have seen alot of interesting supplements and tinctures but have been hesitant to try them as i dont know whats in them and might interfere with his progress - i dont want to stimulate his immune system. So what Kent does NOT get: dandylion garlic gingko alfalfa I am adding a glandular soon for kent. Also adding: B12; slippery elm; fidodent from animal apawthecary; and oxyfresh (for his teeth). All of is this is based specifically on Kent and his particular situation and so is not recommended in general for any other dog. I very much endorse seeing a holistic vet for a nutritional workup, who knows herbs, and this disease. The consult is worth it. Anything else, i check with a holistic vet i found who knows and respects dr. dodds. This vet is certified in chinese medicine and herbology, and I find it very very helpful to have someone i can say - what about this, that etc. She is fully knowledgable of AIHA and understands the secondary effects that kent is now having from long-term drug use. Hope this helps, Christine

Christine Florida

This thread was discussed between 07/04/2008 and 11/04/2008

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