Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Mikey's case

Hi everyone, Mikey was recently diagnosed with this disease, and is in the first few days of fighting for survival. As of this morning the prognosis is pretty bleak, but he seems to be in capable hands at the specialty vet. He came down with it very rapidly. He showed some subtle signs of not feeling well - he vomited once, and that night didn't eat (which we didn't discover until Saturday morning). Saturday morning the vet came, and took blood. His signs weren't too bad, although he did have pale gums and a heart murmur, and the vet didn't pick up on it. He noted possibly a heart condition. Because it was a weekend, his blood results weren't due back until the following day. Saturday Mikey didn't seem to bad but I got a bit concerned in the evening when I had to hand feed him. I kept waking up all night, and by 3am I started to panic by his increased breathing rate and he seemed a different shape. I thought I might have been wrong when we walked him to the car and he trotted by my side and wagged his tail hopping into the back seat. But as we rushed to the emergency vet I still wasn't happy with his breathing, and he was definitely not himself as we lay in the waiting room (there was a more critical patient there). The emergency vet knew exactly what it was, and he started a blood transfusion. We later learned that his crit went from 27 to 14 in those 12ish hours. After his transfusion he was better and we moved him to the specialty vet. I am KICKING myself I didn't do it immediately after his transfusion - I didn't think. I thought we needed results back and I was worried about moving him too quickly for whatever reason. His vital signs were good when he was admitted to the specialty vet Monday morning(who has treated many cases of this and does tons of research). He started immediately on prednisone and imuran, but late afternoon his crit fell down to 15 again and the vet started another transfusion. He also started on Leflunomide yesterday afternoon, and this afternoon will start on IVIG as soon as it arrives. He has a lot of nausea though, and is on multiple meds for that. He had lesions on his spleen, and those were aspirated. This morning he is severely jaudiced though. His crit was 20 after the second transfusion. And his bilirubin isn't good. The only good news is his heartrate is excellent (holding steady at 118). The vet is very guarded, he isn't feeling good about his prognosis. We're also trying acupuncture today. He is also being treated for tick borne parasites (we didn't have the results back from the testing, the vet didn't want to wait as he was concerned it could be that). I guess my questions are... what does the nausea mean. Is that really bad? Has a dog with bad nausea (throwing up water) made it through? What else can I do, research, ask about? Has anyone had experience with the IVIG? It's killing me him being there and me being at home waiting, but he was so stressed after I visited him last it wasn't a good thing either. Our next update call is due to arrive any minute. Thank you for any input and advice.

Jen San Francisco

I am so sorry to read that Mikey has been diagnoised with AIHA If you have not found the web site on Canine AIHA/IMHA, you might want to do so when you have time. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ Be sure to follow the links at the bottom of the first page to many more sites on AIHA/IMHA that will be very helpful to you and do read the SUCCESS STORIES pages. They will show you what has worked for other dogs in terms of treatment options. Have they mentioned getting Mikey on Cyclosporine? Please keep us up dated on how Mikey is doing and he will be in our thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. Don't give up hope. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl Finan Pineville

Hi Jen, I'm glad you were able to post finally. Tiggs also had severe nausea (thank DOG for Cerenia). The meds helped him somewhat keep the pills down. Also, don't beat yourself up about things, it's one of those diseases that we are all taken surprise by and try to make the best decisions we can with what we know at the time. You and I have talked quite a bit, so I'll let the others here chime in with their invaluable experience. Hang in there! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Dear Jen, I am so sorry to hear about Mikey's diagnosis. This is a very scary disease. Nausea is normal - it can be caused by the medications also. Is Mikey on stomach protectants? Ask your vet about this, as the meds are very hard on their tummys, and they can develop ulcers. I would also ask your vet about low dose aspirin to prevent blood clots which are a complication with IMHA. Another drug commonly used to suppress the immune system in IMHA is Cyclosporine. This drug is increasingly popular due to the fact it has less side effects that Imuran (Azathioprine). I have never used Leflunomide, and it is not commonly used in treatment of IMHA, though I do know of other dogs that have been treated with it. This is a rollercoaster ride, but dogs DO survive this disease. I recommend you read the success stories on the website Cheryl referenced above. These gave me so much hope when Millie was diagnosed. Now my girl is the May 2010 success story! Good luck, and stay on this website for support and advice, Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Jen: Definitely check out Joanne's website - it's invaluable. Nausea is very common because of all the medications your dog is taking. I didn't see any mention of Pred, which is one of the most common drugs for treating this disease. It can definitely cause stomach problems for most dogs. 20 is not a bad number - our own dog was sent home with a PCV between 20-24. I also suggest talking to your vet about cyclosporine - I have always felt that it was what made the difference for our dog, Sheba. Hang in there - this disease is horrible but many dogs do survive and go on to live normal, happy lives. Our own dog is a 2+ year survivor. Will be keeping you in our thoughts. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Mikey passed this morning.

Jen San Francisco

Jen, I am so very, very sorry. I do feel your pain. My wonderful Golden, Jack, the love of my life, my companion for life, went into the vet's on Wed and passed that Sunday. I DO so know how you feel. I still can't stop crying. I hate it that another dog owner /lover of their soul mate, true companion is feeling what I experienced. Look up the Rainbow Bridge and Forever Dog on the internet. It made me weep, day after day, but also made me stronger. I swear to you, I see Jack's face in the clouds. I look for him every day in the clouds because I believe his spirit is still with me, crazy I know, but I love him that much. Jack, look for Mikey at Rainbow Bridge and welcome him and comfort him and lead him the way................ God Bless you and I fell your pain. Mary (and Jack, RIP along with Mikey) I hate this damn syndrome and we need to do more to prevent it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mary Wright Gainesville

Jen, I am so sorry. We all feel that we should have noticed things sooner or did something sooner but this disease is so swift sometimes that you just can't win the battle. Mikey is at the bridge with a lot of new found brave friends where he will play until you meet again. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Jen I am so sorry for the loss of your Mikey. Feel comfort in knowing that you did everything possible for him and unfortunately some dogs can't be saved no matter how hard we try. You gave Mikey your love and that was the best gift any dog could ever ask for and eventually your tears will turn in smiles remembering all the great times you shared. Please accept my deepest condolences. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville

Jen, I am so sorry to hear your awful news. Please know that you gave Mikey a very good life while he was with you. He knew he was loved, he knew you cared. Take care of yourself, Ronda

Ronda Illinois

Jen, I'm so sorry to hear you lost Mikey. It's one of the hardest things to deal with. You did everything you could and don't EVER think otherwise. Mikey is in a good place now...my Sadie will show him around. Run free Mikey Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jen: We are so sorry to hear about Mikey. I am sure he knew you loved him and did everything you could for him. We hope that in the weeks and months ahead you remember the funny little things that made him so special and that it helps ease the pain some and brings a smile to your heart. Take care. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Dear Jen, I am so very sorry to hear that Mikey did not make it. Mikey will be greeted by all the other babies taken to soon by this disease at the Rainbow Bridge. With deepest sympathy, Hugs for you, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Jen~ So sorry to hear about Mikey. We are fighting IMHA...Tori goes to vet tomorrow for her blood work and liver profile. This disease is a roller coaster ride. Blessings & Prayers, Cindi

Cindi & Tori PCB

Thank you everyone for your kind words. Sorry for the delay, but I just couldn't look at the site for a bit. I still, quite literally, ache. Boy extreme stress and anxiety is something else, isn't it. Evidently I never truly understood, or had, such anxiety until now even with a few bad experiences in my past! I remember at work all these people commented about how calm I had become, how nothing seemed to stress me out anymore... it was after I adopted my Mikey dude. It's amazing the gifts they give you. I woke up with a start with a feeling of dread not long before the horrible phone call came. I think he left us then, in a way. The phone call he was going downhill fast was 3 days to the hour, nearly minute, when I woke up to rush him to the emergency vet (when his faster breathing started and I knew something more was wrong). When we got to the vets 20 min later (at 4am), he knew it was me - his head moved into my hand and his eyes stared at me to the soul. We had about a half hour. It was the clots getting him (he was on asprin and heparin the entire time, but I guess it wasn't enough) - they figured lungs and brain, that he was having little strokes. We tried for awhile that morning, a few hours that seemed like days because we had to wait in the car and then in the lobby, I couldn't give up quite yet that maybe the clots would dissipate like they said they had a small chance of doing, but once other bad signs emerged and he was suffering our battle was over. I saw him once more and I had a feeling it might be over, it was too much - his eyes. I couldn't hold him, but I was there when he went and could hold his head and talk to him. He wasn't alone. They did some other tests afterwards, and it did confirm we did all we could. My mom lost the dog, Ferg, I spent my teenage and collage years with three weeks to the day before Mikey died. So I know he's running with some great dogs up there - some of yours, and Ferg my very first dog. I know he'll find his way. When I was 18 I had an intense dream when my cat died - at the time I was half way around the world, and no idea she was suddenly sick. In that dream she died, but I carried her to a beautiful field, let her go and she frolicked off with butterflies and mice. I woke up somehow calm, but knowing for 100% certain she had died (shocking my parents when I called and said I knew). Ferg's dream was different, one of intense grief although I similarly had no clue, but occurred a day before it happened. Weird, I know I might just be crazy or have a lot of coincidences. But from that first dream I have a belief in there really is a rainbow bridge, and we really can be together in some other place and way. Not much of a comfort this week, but I hope it'll be more of a comfort soon. The day Mikey died I couldn't bear to be in the house anymore, in the morning we packed bags and our cat and tried to drive north to my parents. But then we turned around an hour later when we realized how frantic and ridiculous it was (our cat is OK in the car, but we were panicked about her even - I seem to recall trying to check her gums. I know.). So we got back home, and later headed out to wander aimlessly and try to distract ourselves. On the way home I was weeping, panicked to go home. I suddenly had this intense calm and happiness wash over me (the same kind of calm after my dream about my cat so many years ago) - I had no clue what was happening, then looked out the window and discovered we were passing by his favorite park in the world (Fort Funston). I suddenly exclaimed to my husband "He's here, he's OK!" over and over. While he was dying but still aware of things, I whispered to him about sand dunes and Funston. I totally believe he's at Fort Funston of the sky and happy and I know for sure I'll see him again. And you know, since I already might seem crazy... on the Saturday even before our first vet came and indicated it wasn't probably something to worry about I felt *so* tired - abnormally so. I had to take a long nap with Mikey, and remember even thinking "I wonder if this is what he feels like?". I fully accept it could be coincidence - but what if it wasn't? Are we supposed to listen to stuff like that? Anyways. Thank goodness we had those 8 months since we adopted him - the shy black dog that learned to flourish and love life. He went from perma-tail tucked shy dog to initiating play with other dogs shortly before he died. His eyes looked into your soul, and boy did he love to stare at you. And he was SO smart, and polite. We communicated so much just by looking. Heck, he communicated with me when he was away from me and so sick, and I tend to believe from the beyond when we passed by Funston. I'd do it all over again, I know, for those 8 months. He inspired me to volunteer at all these shelters to help dogs like him - that's all him. With him dying, I know for certain I have to move closer to home in the near future; it came into my head with such a vengeance, I know it's what he was meant to teach me from this sad experience and I refuse to let it be in vain. He was such a great dog, such a great inspiration, none of this was in vain. I think it was just, so unfortunately, his time. I love you my sweet Mikey, my dude. Until we meet again.

Jen San Francisco

Jen, I am sitting here in tears reading your post. I do believe our animals let us know that they are ok there at the bridge. As they comforted us in life they try to do the same in the afterlife. I am so sorry you had such a short time with Mikey but in that time he learned what it was to be truly loved. I believe he was sent to you for that reason. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jen, I don't cry easily, but your story got me. I too believe these dogs are sent to us for a reason and when their job is done, they will leave us. You have wonderful memories and I hope they will in time heal your broken heart. Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Jen I do know how you feel as I rescued a Golden and only had her for about a year before she died from cancer, she was my heart dog. I had this inscription put on a rock in Maggie's garden "Those we have held in our arms for a little while we hold in our hearts forever" and 6 years later she is still in my heart. I too would do it all again and the pain does get eaiser to deal with over time. Shortly after Maggie died I adopted Ginger and it really did help me with some of the pain. Sending a big hug your way Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Jen~ So much love you gave Mikey! Your story shows me a picture of how "love wins". While his life with you was short, your love and joy of having him in your life encouraged him to be all he could be in this world. Run free, Mikey! Blessings & Prayers, Cindi

Cindi & Tori PBC

Dear Jen I lost my little doggie Riley in January this year, and it has been hard. I try to avoid this site as it makes me cry, but then something brings me back, as I want to see how everyone is doing, and then I read posts like yours and it brings me completely undone. I am so so sorry to hear about Mikey - sounds like he shared your love and gave it back in the time he was with you. Your post is beautiful - thank you. RIP Mikey, perhaps not too peacefully, as you are obviously having lots of fun at Funston. :) Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2010 and 07/09/2010

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