Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Just Diagnosed with AIHA

My 17 month old Cocker Spaniel Pug x Sebastian was just diagnosed with AIHA and Im devastated. I keep asking myself why did this happen to myself and my dog and I have learnt after reading about AIHA that there isnt a specific reason but for some reason I still cant help but ask that question over and over again. He was diagnosed 4 and a 1/2 days ago and the vet started treating him for it straight away. Since then, he has had 2 blood transfutions and is being held in intensive care. His PCV to start with was 22 ad then dropped to 18 and then down to 13 and thats when they gave him his first blood transfusion. After testing his PCV again it was back up to 27 after the transfusion. The next day he dropped to 18 but stayed there for the day and when they rechecked his PCV he was still at 18. The next morning they re-checked him and he had dropped down to 12 and so they gave him another transfusion in which after his PCV had reached 21. Last night his PCV was 22 and today it had stayed at 22 so thank god for that. Im not sure what to be expecting now and because Im only a student in my early 20's I dont have endless amounts of money to be spending but I cant help but try. My vet bill to date is already over 3000 and Im just not sure how long I can keep going with this due to money. My dog is my whole world and I would do anything for him but I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts and feedback on what I can maybe anticipate. The vet says its good he isnt dropping but we need his PCV's to be increasing as well...anyways thanks for letting me vent and tell a bit of my story. Cheers, Gillian

Gillian Victoria BC

Gillian, I am so sorry that Sebastian has been diagnosed with this awful disease. A lot of times you can never find out what caused it so don't beat yourself up. It sounds like you have a Vet that is experienced in treating this which is a major plus. It is not uncommon for the drops after the transfusions. They are just buying time until the drugs can kick in. It is a roller coaster ride both emotionally and finacially in the beginning but know that there are people here that understand what you are going through and will do their best to answer any questions that you have as well as lend that shoulder to lean on. What drugs are they giving. Also if you have not read up at Joanne's site please do and be sure to read the success stories. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ Keep us posted. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Penny, Thanks so much for your reply. Sebastian has now been sitting at a PCV of 22 for the past 38 hours which I guess is good cause hes not dropping at this momment. The vet called us and said that if we wanted we could take him home now and just monitor him, give him his meds and come back in if anything changes. I said I would call him back and let him know as Im so scared to make that kind of change to his enviroment incase he starts dropping again. I guess that cost wise this is a better idea but I just dont want to see him go down again. Sebastian is currently on 25mg of prednisone and doxycycline I beleive and one more antibiotic at this time. I know that it does take 5-7 days to see regeneration of the cells and I guess thats what we are waiting for to happen. If I do take him home with me today is there any advice you can give me on how to make him comfortable here and any little extra things I can do besides giving him his meds? Thanks so much, Gillian

Gillian Victoria BC

I am glad Sebastian is holding at 22 and you may get to bring him home soon. If you bring him home make sure he has plenty of fresh water at all times and goes out for potty breaks often (yes, even in the middle of the night) as the predisone really makes them thirsty. I also went out and got a weekly pill box from my pharmacy to put all Ginger's medication in as she was on so many pills, it helped me keep her daily dosage straight. I think Sebastian will be much more comfortable being in his own home and you should really try to bring him home if at all possible. Keep us updated. We are keeping you and Sebastian in our prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

im wishing sebastian the best. ive had a rough journey with my dog as well, going on 14 months now. would love to share her story if you need some insight into another dogs path... this is the best site to be, tons of great people here. if u send me ur email address i can send you a link to a site i made

josh california

Hi everyone, So I decided to bring Sebastian home today and he is sleeping at this very moment. The vet has sent him home on ASA once a day, 25mg of Prednisone once daily and 60 mg of Doxycycline twice daily to cover him from any possible infection. He has asked me to really restrict his activity level and keep a close eye on him. Sebastian definatly doesnt have much energy and looks very tierd at all times. His colour in his mouth is ok but still not as normal as it used to look. So wish me luck! and thanks again for everyone who has replyed so far. I enjoy hearing what has worked for other and what everyone has been through, so thanks so much. I will keep everyone posted and keep up the hope that this disease wont get the best of us all. Goodluck to everyone, Cheers, Gill Oh and my e-mail is posted Josh so I would love it if you sent me that link to your site, thanks again

Gillian Victoria BC

Gillian, Sending many good thoughts for you and Sebastian. I remember the feeling you describe of wanting to have my dog home and being scared at the same time. But, know that Sebastian is much more comfortable with you and that has to be good for his healing. When you have a few minutes, be sure to check out the link Penny posted - Joanne's site has a ton of good information for you. My dog was in the low 20s for literally months before his count started to improve - sometimes it takes a while, and the waiting can be hard. Your vet may have told you, but IMHA dogs typically are not in pain - mostly, they are tired so he may not want to do much but you're smart to restrict his activity in any event. Also, with the meds he is taking, did they recommend something like Pepcid to protect his stomach? You may want to ask about that - the Pred can be hard on their systems and Doxy can also cause nausea in some dogs. Keep posting any questions you have - this board is a great source for knowledge, tips, and moral support - all needed when first dealing with this disease most of us never heard of before! Hoping you and Sebastian have a restful weekend, together. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Hi Josh Can you please send me the link to Sway's story. Thanks Cheryl

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Hi Gillian we haven't heard from you in a few days.........are you ok? Folks here are like family and we sure want to help even if it's only to offer an encouraging word. Please let us know how it is going with Sebastian. This terrible diagnosis takes over your life and is all consuming, but I have never found such compassionate and caring people as here. You too will feel part of the family no matter where you are in your crisis. God Bless sharon

sharon pa

Hi Guys, Sorry I havent checked my e-mails or been on the internet for a few days. Well lots has changed since last week. Sebastian stayed at a PCV of 22 in the hospital for almost 3 days so they really thought it was a good idea to send him home although I was a little scared of making this change! He came home over the weekend and his first day he was really really low energy. Everyone wanted to see him cause he is loved by alot of people but when people started to stop in he would just get to excited. We had 3 cases of him fainting just because he didnt have the energy to get even a bit excited. So over the weekend we watched him carfully and I found myself carrying him everywhere and checking his colour constantly. His colour was very pale pink most of the time which drove me crazy cause I got scared everytime I looked at it. Anyways, we took him for a check up yesturday and he was sitting at a PCV of 30!...yay! Im was shocked and so so happy to hear that. They say that he is sitting at about 25% regeneration. So I guess for now we will just keep hoping he contiues to improve and take one day at a time, but he is definatly doing better. I hope everyone is doing well and after a whirl wind of a weekend, I will try my best to keep you all updated. Best wishes to all! Gillian and Sebastian

Gillian Victoria BC

Thanks for you sentiments Gillian. Yes it is still hard but stay with this support group no matter what because they are your new "family". They rejoice and cry with you and reassure as well as help you pick your way through this complicated jungle. They have all been so reassuring when the regrets and doubts come as they do. I print this off regularly now and use it to hold me up. God bless to both you and Sebastian sharon

SHARON PA

Wonderful to hear that Sebastian has been responding so well. Sharon, it is wonderful that you are still here with us and contributing. I think that it is a wonderful way to honor Brandy. Your encouragement to others and your presence here is truly a gift to her and others. melissa

melissa slc

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2008 and 14/08/2008

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