Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Kahlu update Nov. 03/09

Hello everybody, You have not heard from us in quite a while, because I was away. This might get long, so to take away the tention, Kahlu is doing fantastic! I was not kidding when I said I have enough air miles for a trip to Europe. I try to visit my home country of Switzerland once a year to see old friends and relatives. Obviously I did not think it would happen this year. When I found out that one of my cousins that has immigrated to Australia and I haven't seen in 30 years, would be in Switzerland, I knew that I really wanted to go. My husband is quite caring and intelligent and assured me he could handle the feeding and medicating of Kahlu. My daughter (boomerang child) moved back in with her poodle, so Kahlu always had his buddy. She was at home sporadically, having an irregular working schedule. I hired a young man to walk the dogs and spend at least 2 hours with them during the day. It was hard to just hand the responsibility over. I tend to think, that my dogs can only survive with me looking after them, at the best of times. I am sure you can imagine how hard it was to leave Kahlu in the hands of others. I was sure he would be rather depressed. But no, the traitor was quite happy! It was great to see how he greeted the dog sitter, when he came for a visit. I sometimes need a reminder that I am not irreplaceable.... I was happy to be back and see that my family took great care of Kahlu. He looks so happy and healthy! Yesterday I took him to the groomer. His coat is still rather pathetic. New fur now comes in in patches in his old dark red colour. The old fuzz still falls out and his coat is very thin. After the groomer, he had to go to the vet, who was very happy how he looked. She called me today with fantastic results! RBC 7 Hematocrit 46. The high liver values finally came down too. ALT is still high at 134, but that is down from 830 in August. So I am clearly a happy camper! We still have the UTI to battle, but I know we will win that one too. For now he is still on Antibiotics. I gave him his last dose of Azathioprene and in 3 weeks we will do the next Pred reduction. He is on 2.5 once a day now. I wondered if the Bio Preparation had anything to do with the drastic turn around of the liver values. It was probably a combination of reductions, supplements and time. I have sure learned to be patient! It is now over 9 months since Kahlu got diagnosed. I am sorry I did not follow the threads on the board for the last few weeks. Although you guys were always on my mind! I will catch up over the next few days, I promise. I know it sounds like a clishee, but I really could not have done it without you! Thank you everybody for your advice and moral support!!! Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Sounds like you had an awesome trip. It also sounds like Kahlu is doing great. This in wonderful news. There has been so much positive, inspiring news on this site lately. It warms the heart! Take care all of you and your furpets too.

Mardi Northern Calif

great news!!

Pam Illinois

Brigitte, Good to have you back home and GREAT news on Kahlu. All your hard work over 9 months is paying off. Also GREAT news on his liver enzymes. That has been a tough battle for you for several months. Kahlu is to be congratulated on staying the course while you were gone, and you should give yourself a pat on the back for allowing yourself, as primary caregiver, to make the trip and turn over the reins for Kahlu's care to your family while you away. Welcome back and may you have continued successes with Kahlu. RON & COOPER

Ron Florida

Hi Brigitte and welcome back - glad everything is well with your family and also Kahlu which is fantastic news. Im sure it was you putting all the hard work to get Kahlu to where she is, that made it easier for the caregivers while you were away, just as Ron said. Congratulations Silka PS. Another thank you for bringing me over to this website, everyone is fantastic and such a support.

Silka Melbourne Australia

Brigitte and Kahlu, Glad to hear the good news! Sounds like quite a trip! Chris & Alex (The Pa poodle)

Crhis

Sounds like Kahlu is heading in the right direction and we are very HAPPY for both of you!!! I know exactly what you mean about hesitating to leave our AIHA dogs in the care of others, in the 2 years since Ginger was diagnosis, I left her once for two days. We have taken all 3 on every vacation with us, its been challenging but fun and a lot less worrying. Thanks for sharing you good news!! Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger P

Thrilled for you guys! It's so nice when you can enjoy a little bit of normalcy again. And, I'm sure after everything you two have been through, that was a much needed trip! Congrats! I hope the UTI's get better! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

happy for kahlu, that is really great to hear

josh california

Brigitte, What terrific news about Kahlu! And good on you for handing things over to the family and allowing yourself a much deserved break. Christina

Christina Campbell River

Briggitte, So glad to hear you were able to get away and not wory so much about Kahlu and great news he is doign well. That ALT reduction is fantastic. I was resigned to Wylies ALT being in the $00 range and recently started her on maintenance dose of Bioprep. You were probably away when I posted about Wylies ALT drop, from 400 to 220 after being on Bio prep for 3 weeks, thats the only thing I can attribute sinc eshe is not on any other meds. Laurie

Laurie CA

Thanks everybody for your kind words. Kahlu and I have started regular Agility classes again1 We are both working on those lost muscles. I also have to train more on distance work, because there is now way I can keep up with Kahlu these days. Hard to believe that only a few months ago he barely made it down the driveway or had the strength to jump into the car. Best wishes to all of you, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, I bet that trip was just what the doctor ordered! EH! After all your hard work a break away from it all in the form of a trip probably did wonders for you. Glad to hear everything went well. Extremely glad to hear the test results. A strong PCV and much lower liver values must've just topped everything off! Glad to hear he's back in the agility classes. High paws and hugs from Tessy. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2009 and 08/11/2009

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