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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Jale
| My 11 year old Lab is showing signs of AIHA and today I am awaiting results of the Coomb's test. The 40% neg. result on this test concerns me as the only definitive way to diagnose beyond that is marrow biopsy. Besides the pain of the disease, the depression is the hardest thing to watch. Jake and I walk in our gorgeous N. GA neighborhood 3 miles each day. From one day to the next he wasn't able to keep his usual pace. The vet's suspition was immediate with one look at his gums and then reviewing his blood work. The last few days have been emotional to say the least! |
| Vicki GA |
| Vicki, I am sorry that Jake may have this awful disease. Did you get a chance to go to Joanne's site yet? The Coombs test does not always confirm AIHA. The fact that your Vet caught the possible diagnosis right off is a good sign. What drugs do they have Jake on and what was his initial PCV? Know that you have come to a place where people will offer support and answers to any questions that you have. It is a very emotional roller coaster ride so brace yourself. Be sure to read the success stories on Joanne's site and hold on to the possibilty that Jake can be up there too someday. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Vicki, Penny is right, most dogs do test negative, and a bone marrow biopsy may not be necessary. Hopefully your vet has already started the treatment process as time is of the essence. Tiggs also tested negative, and that did not prevent my vet from treating IMHA immediately and aggressively. Please come here for information and support, and as always, go to Joanne's site where you will find valuable information as well as the all important success stories. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Viki, In addtion to checking out my Web site whose URL was posted above you might want to check out this Web page http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00152.htm which says and I quote: "A diagnosis of IMHA must demonstrate accelerated immune destruction of erythrocytes. Thus, beside documenting a hemolytic anemia, a search after antibodies or complement or both directed against erythrocytes is required, i.e., one or more of the following three hallmarks has to be present to reach a definitive diagnosis of IMHA: 1. Marked spherocytosis. 2. True autoagglutination. 3. Positive direct Coombs’ test." There is an additional explanation of each of these hallmarks presented on this site, so you might want to read the entire page. I truly do know how emotional this can be so please know that you and your dear Jake are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days. |
| Joanne MN |
This thread was discussed between 05/11/2008 and 06/11/2008
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