Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Kahlu, good news!

We got the blood test results back yesterday and Kahlu is holding steady, despite bladder infection. His liver values were however very high and concerned my vet. So I asked if she could phone Dr. Dodds again. Dr. Dodds called back today and felt these values could be a wrong reading. So it is being retested. She also felt that Kahlu has been stable long enough to reduce the prednisone some more. We also added Sam-e in addition to the Milk Tistle. My vet was concerned that the RBC and HTC were not in the normal yet to reduce more. Dr. Dodds said that would be ok. So we are going down to 40 per day. Remember how worried I was about taking Kahlu to the groomer? After talking to her about five times, we finally did it yesterday. He just marched in and jumped right up on the table! He clearly did not enjoy it, but let them do what ever was needed. I stayed there the whole time and took him out when he needed a little break First they wanted to give him a dry bath, but I just felt he would be ok with a cool shower. So that is what they did and he clearly enjoyed that. He was out in 1 1/2 hours. Anybody with a Standard Poodle knows, that is a real rush job. Definitely no show clip, but he looks ok. It is very short and he does not pant as much anymore. Kahlu is still a sick puppy, but things are looking up! Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, So glad to hear that Kahlu is improving and that he made it through the grooming like a trooper. I'm sure he looks handsome and feels better, too. I know that you're relieved to have that behind you.

Karen NC

I'm happy to hear that Kahlu did ok at the groomer. I was concerned about that being too stressful, but I guess he is used to it. I used to work with a groomer and 1 1/2 hours is not a long time for a poodle. Some poodles she clipped took eight or more hours!

Susie Delaware

Thats great news!!!! Madison is off to the groomers next week for the first time since getting this disease. THe vet actually has a groomer there so have decided to use them and not the normal groomer. She is due for her blood test that day so it can all be done together.

Samantha Perth Australia

Fabulous, way to go Kahlu!

melissa slc

I am glad Kahlu did so well with his grooming. I am sure you both feel better now that it is over. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Brigitte, from your neighbor to the South. How old is Kahlu? When did he become sick? Was it after yearly shots? If so how long after? What was his weight before, opposed to now? (Sorry, I'm not up on his journey.) What is the ratio of the Pred. reduction? He must be a big guy to have been on such a high dose of Pred. (if "lowering it to 40 mg." a day? Although I'm new 2 this & not that knowledgeable, but trying 2 learn all I can). The highest Layla was on was 20 mg. a day in 2 doses- Her lowest HTC count was in the high 20's- she was 40 lbs. 2 start & went up 2 55 lbs. in 6 wks!) She was weaned off Pred. by 1/2, then 1/2 again, then every other day & so on. Anyway, as w/ all these 'lil Angels, I'll keep him & U in my prayers. My Best 2 U, Terese

T. Rose & Layla Erie

Terese, I put up the link to Kahlu's picture again for you http://www.spphoto.ca/forum/kahlu2.jpg This is from last summer, when he was feeling fine. He is a 2 1/2 year old Standard poodle. He was diagnosed January 24. RBC 2,0 HCT 17 He weighed 60 lbs an was put on 75mg prednisone. He got really sick from it, awful diarrhea so he was also put on 50mg Azathioprene and pred lowered to 70mg after 3 weeks. After 3 more weeks we lowered to 60mg, 3 weeks later to 50mg. Now after only 10 days Dr. Dodds advised to lower to 40mg. I can really see a difference in his energy level since we went down to 50mg. Initially his weight went down to 52 lbs, he is now back up at his former weight of 62. I have to watch it, because his legs are pretty shaky and his weight is all in his belly. I am trying for him to keep his weight where he is now. I wish I would know what the trigger was, it is still a mystery. Best wishes to you and Layla, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Brig, Kahlu is BEAUTIFULL!!!! I'm glad U don't have him clipped like a prissy Poodle! What a gorgeous coat & color! Is 75 mg. Pred. high? (seems like it, but I'm no Vet. my only experience is w/ the 20 mg. 1st given 2 Layla) Surprised he didn't gain a lot of weight! Dr. Dobbs sounds great. Makes me wonder about my Vet. Hematologist, lowering the Pred. by 1/2s every time. Dobbs did it more gradually. What are U feeding Kahlu? Layla isn't interested in her food now & that worries me, could B due to changing it to lower cal. when she was gaining weight, plus I was spoiling her, adding a bit of canned to her dry. Anyway, what a horrible ordeal this whole trip has been! When she was sick & just laying around for weeks, I was a basket case & in an immobilized daze myself & I gained weight as a result. So now we R both walking 3 miles, 4-5 times a week in an attempt to lose it. I think tick bites caused her sickness. I found 12 on her after her 1st camping trip! (Last Oct. - diagnosed @ Christmas time-but I think she was sick a while prior). I didn't realize how great we had it before the sickness from Hell ascended upon us! Now (even though she's doing better) I'm on eggshells worrying about every little thing! Sorry to blab on so much! Just feels good to connect w/ another in the "same boat", though I wish U weren't. Keep me posted Terese & Layla

T. Rose & Layla Erie

Hi Brigitte. So good to hear that Kahlu is holding steady and that you have Dr. Dodds on board giving direction as well. I had to laugh when you said Kahlu went to the groomers and just hopped up on the table. I bath Duck at home and as soon as he sees me get the shampoo out, he goes into hiding. Funny to think being as he loves being in the lake. Anyway, take care and please keep us posted about Kahlu's progress. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Wonderful news on Kahlu, Brigitte! Kola started getting his personality back once the prednisone started reducing. He started lying on his bed again, instead of on the hard floor. He's back to his normal (crazy) self so I hope Kahlu does just as well as his prednisone comes down. As I mentioned before, I really think grooming for standard poodles that have been handled appropriately is not a big stressor. I've noticed Kola's hair grows back VERY slowly, so at least you won't have to take Kahlu in nearly as much for a while! Best wishes for Kahlu -Leslie

Leslie

Great to hear that Kahlu is doing good. Hopefully his liver numbers will get better. Keep us posted on how he does. He'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Jonathan

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2009 and 03/04/2009

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