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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Mac update
| Hi everyone, I haven't posted for a while, but please know that I'm with you all in both your struggles and your elations. What a wonderfully supportive group of people you are. I have some good news to share regarding Mac, who was diagnosed with IMHA in May, 2008. His PCV is now 42, and all of his bloodwork is in the normal range except for a kidney number that is related to the prednisone course he's been on for the last seven months. The vet said this should resolve within a month after he's off prednisone totally and if not we'll be able to handle it with special food. Mac has been slowly weaning off prednisone since September. Originally on 50mg a day ( he's a 50 lb. Springer Spaniel) he's now down to 10 mg every other day and azathioprine (25mg) every other day. Interestingly, as we started to lower the dosages his numbers improved. I would say that Mac is back to his pre-IMHA behaviors in every way except one, and we've titled that one "If I'm out in the yard chasing squirrels I don't have to listen". Ha! It's a small price to pay, and when the weather gets a little warmer I'll be out in the yard practicing the word "COME!" with him again. Really, I never thought that we'd get to where we are now. He was so pathetic all summer with the panting, constantly drinking water, constantly peeing. The muscle wasting, big belly,and lethargy. Every time I'd go to the vet I'd have a knot in my stomach dreading the lab results. It seemed we were always two steps forward, one step back. And now here we are--I can look at him and see a healthy, active dog again. I know that this disease is a hideous one and can strike again without warning, but I feel good about him NOW, and will try to take a lesson from him about living more in the moment and not borrowing trouble from the future. (it'll be hard to give up something I was so good at) I'll continue to pray for all of you and your precious dogs, and will continue to take much comfort in your wise words and advice as always. Take care everyone, Jane |
| Jane MN |
| Jane, That is really great news congrats to you and Mac! Watch out squirrels. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Jane, such great news for you and Mac. Thanks for sharing your story - it helps to give others who are struggling some hope. deb and Duck |
| Debbie BC Canada |
| That is great news for Mac, we all like to hear the positives too. Laurie |
| Laurie CA |
| Jane -- thanks for sharing the update about Mac's progress. It sounds as if you two are enjoying each other and enjoying life again. It is wonderful that he has responded to treatment and is back to his old self. We need to hear good news such as yours, because it offsets the sadness of other bleaker stories of IMHA's impact. Please give your sweet boy a big hug. And please keep us posted about how Mac's doing. Successful outcomes give us those smiles we need! |
| Brenda VA |
This thread was discussed between 02/02/2009 and 06/02/2009
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