Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - kahlu relapses

i still can't believe this is happening. You guys don't realize how much i need you right now. the vet and i both hugged and cried, but now we are ready to face it again. Two weeks ago Kahlu had his blood checked by Dr. Dodds, mainly because there were spherocytes detected and for his thyroid levels. it came back very good, no fear of a relapse. Yesterday he seemed quiet and tired. Today he did not want to get up and showed absolutely no interest in food. His gums were still fairly pink. Towards the evening there was no improvement, dark urine and very pale gums. i had to call the vet and thank goodness Tuttteli was on call. We did an in-house cbc and chemistry. RBC was 2 HTC 14. this is lower than he was initially, almost a year ago. i am so glad I did not wait until tomorrow. His chemistry was ok, for now anyway. Tutteli (she is Finnish, thats why she has an unusual name) recommended to go with Cyclosporin this time. So he got his first dose while we were there. I came back home with the usual bag of drugs, a prescription for more, pill pockets and a calendar to write it all down again. What a way to start the year..... I know we can fight this again, I really have no choice. He did so well the last few months, and he has to get there again. i guess I have to read the AIHA survival tips, that I posted recently! the big question is of course WHY??? We will probably never know. Keep my lovely boy in your thoughts. Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, You poor thing, what a shock after Kahlu has been doing so well. We're saying lots of prayers and all digits are crossed. Please keep us posted!

Jane MN

Dear Brigitte, I am so very sorry to hear about Kahlu. I will be saying some powerful prayers for you both tonight. Keep the faith and remember that this is just one more test of your strength. From all of your insight we receive I have no doubt that you and Mr. Kahlu are more than strong enough for this. Give him big healing hugs from Coco and I and keep us posted..Kelly

Kelly Redding

To say this sucks is an understatement. I'm so very sorry Brigitte! Poor Kahlu. You caught it very early and I think that is very good. Be strong, be brave and fight tooth and nail. I'm thinking of you both. Kahlu will make it through again. And when I say I will say a prayer for you and Kahlu, I mean it!!!!! Tonight it is on! Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

Brigitte, I agree with Mardi completely. This beyond sucks. As for the WHY question, I have asked myself that over and over for the last week. But, as you mentioned above, you have no choice. I am not a very religious person but I went to church today and prayed for Macy as well as many other dogs on this site. As you were so kind to write to me a few days ago, be positive and know that your Kahlu has beaten this before so he is a fighter. What a way to start the year.......couldn't agree more. Please let us know how it is going and let's beat this together.

Darren Long Beach

Brigitte -- sending best wishes to you and Kahlu. You reacted quickly and got help. Take a deep breath and take it one day at a time.

Brenda VA

Oh Brigitte, I am devastated by this news, it is not fair to come this far and have this happen again.... My only comfort I take if our remission dogs should relapse is that we are all so much better prepared to fight this disease. We are informed, experienced and savvy on what this disease might throw at us. This has got to count for a lot. Most importantly, we have each other for support here. You will get Kahlu through this. Please keep us posted. I will check in each day for any news. All the very best, I am thinking about you and Kahlu. Samantha.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Brigette, I am so dreadfully sorry to hear this. I am overly puzzled by this and am wracking my brain as to why this is happening. Have your vets perhaps discussed the possibility of doing a Von Willebrand test to see if there is any chance he has some form of clotting disorder? This is an inherited disease found in certain breeds, Poodles are among this group. Here is a paper on this: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/anderson/index.php There are certain clotting factors that are deficient in the blood, leading to a bleeding disorder of various degrees. Poodles tend to inherit Type I, the most common form, and it can vary from mild to severe bleeding. There are recommended treatments in this paper. But it is important to first test for this disorder. I know a few Giant Schnauzers who have inherited this Type I. They live normal lives for the most part but surgeries are especially tricky for them and can be very dangerous. I have a whole email of treatments for this scenario one owner shared with me if you ever find this to be a positive diagnosis. I guess I don't want to face that this might be a resurgence of autoimmune disease again. I will be thinking of Kahlu tonight, patrice

Patrice NYS

im so sorry to here this news!! you and kahlu are in my thoughts and prayers. doodle hugs carol and charlie

Carol

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers everybody! Patrice, i don't think it is Willebrands, he is not bleeding at all? but i will bring it up at the vet tomorrow. thanks so much for all the research you have done for us and everybody else! you really should writhe "the book"! Brigitte & kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Brigitte I too am devastated to read this news - it certainly is not fair - you have come so far and you are such an inspiration to others, like myself, providing hope and the way forward. Who knows why this happens, one day they will know I guess. I am thinking of you and Kahlu - you will be in my prayers along with all the rest of our dogs. I cant believe it! Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Brigitte, I understand how upsetting this relapse must be to you since my Meisha had more then one relapse. However it is important to remember that dogs that have AIHA/IMHA relapses CAN and DO recover from those relaspes. Hang on to that thought and know that there are so many who are keeping you and your dear Kahlu in their thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you both from Canine Maggie and me.

Joanne MN

Brigitte, I just want to let you know that I am thinking and praying for both Kahlu and you,as Kahlu needs you to be strong again for him and to gain strength from your positivity. I know that you will be in there fighting with him all the way, but I know no matter how hard you try to remain positive the doubt and worry can overcome you sometimes, so I will pray that the negative thoughts and the unhelpful questioning that we all do 'Why is it happening again?' etc etc are unable to take root in your mind (as they just sap your energy and you don't get any answers anyway) so that all your strength is on positivity and getting Kahlu well again. Take care Brigitte and Kahlu and we're here for you as you have been for us on many occasions. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Brigitte, I am so sorry to hear that Kahlu has relapses. I felt the same way when this happened to Ren. It is a devastating thing to have to go through this again. However, now you know the protocol and all that goes along with AIHA. So the odds are actually better that Kahlu will recover quickly and fully. Was Kahlu medication free for these past few months? The reason I am asking is; Ren was weaned off all AIHA meds after about six months. She relapsed exactly one year later. I am very cautious when AIHA dogs are totally med free. Unfortunately, this disease seems to plague some our pets for their lifetime. The immune system is suppressed enough to throw the disease in remission, but it's always there, lurking and waiting for the opportunity to reappear. Ren will have to take immune suppressant drugs the rest of her life. You and Kahlu are in our prayers. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

OH NO....I can't believe this is happening also. Poor Kahlu. Yup you are right...we're here for you in any way we can help. This really sucks reading this....wasn't expecting this. Now's a really good time to rack your brain as much as you can....try really hard ot think of everything Kahlu was in within the last few weeks. It would be awesome to figure out a trigger. What time of the year was it last year that Kahlu got sick? It's coming up on Tessy's 1 year mark in Feb and now I'm all nervous. I'll be saying some extra strong prayers for Kahlu today and tonight. You get better for mums sake Kahlu. Sending some healing vibes to ya Kahlu. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Brigitte, I almost forgot to mention this. Did you talk with the vet about transfusions just in case Kahlu might need one in the future? I'm not sure how hte matching process goes so maybe it might be worthwhile to be on top of the game. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Brigitte, Shocked to say the least this morning to hear that Kahlu is not doing well. You are a fighter and so is he and will beat this again. All our prayers are with both of you. I only wish that I could do more for you right now, as you have helped us for so many months get through our own ordeal. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Brigitte, Von W disease affects clotting. There can be many small "wounds" inside the body every day that are repaired. If there is a fault with one of the clotting factors, these little repairs would be poorly clotted or, in the worst case scenario, would go un-repaired. It's only a thought and something your vet can probably check unscientifically in the office by checking to see how long it would take for a small break in the skin to stop bleeding, say when you insert a syringe to do a blood test. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Dear Brigitte, I am so sorry to hear of Kahlu's relapse. You have been my inspiration because my Tootsie is a standard poodle also and was diagnosed a few months after Kahlu. You and Kahlu will be in our prayers.

Barb Ohio

Oh no! I am so so sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

jaime Parker

Hi Brigitte, thinking of you and know that if anyone can beat this, it is you and Kahlu.

Silka Melbourne Australia

I'm praying for you both, Brigitte and Kahlu. Please post as soon as you know something.

Lisa TX

Brigitte, Please know that our prayers are with you and Kahlu. And always know that we are your friends and family, so we all feel your pain! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Sending our prayers your way and hope Kahlu makes a speedy recovery. Ginger has made it through two relapses now and is doing just fine, so hang in there. According to Gingers vet there is a small percentage of dogs that can never be med free and must be on a maintenance dosage for the rest of their lives and sometimes it is difficult getting that dosage correct. Keep us posted on how Kahlu is doing. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Brigitte, I know how devasting this can be and my heart goes out to you. My dog, also a standard poodle, suffered a relapse and is doing fine now too. It really stinks that this terrible disease always seems to be lurking in the background. You and Kahlu are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Hi Brigitte, just sitting here thinking of Kahlu and wondering how he's doing today. Sending him some more strong healing vibes and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thank you everybody for thinking of us. it was heart warming to see how the posts came in, literally from around the world. Kahlu is not doing good. he is weak, pale and does not eat or drink this morning. i am waiting for the vet to call with results from yesterday and how we should proceed. I will get you an update as soon as i know more. thanks again for all your posts, they meant so much to me! Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, I am so sad to hear of Kahlus relapse. Sending my prayers and hope you get the answers you need today to help Kahlu thru this. Wylie also had a relaspe and recovered. Take care Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Brigitte, I am so sorry that Kahlu has had a relapse. I will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Brigitte, My heart sank when I saw your post. I am so sorry to hear about Kahlu's relapse. Our fingers & paws are crossed for encouraging news from Tutteli this morning. Christina

Christina BC

Brigitte, I will keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Please just keep it strong, all the very best. Evi & Buddy.

Evi Glenview

I'm thinking of you both. Everything is crossed! I hope with all my heart that Kahlu pulls out of this.

Mardi Norhtern Calif

This thread was discussed between 04/01/2010 and 05/01/2010

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