Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Milo-Update

We spoke to the Vet a little bit ago about Milo. He is getting worse, and their is nothing they can do for him anymore. They have no more donors and Milo is now running a 103 fever. His protein level has dropped and his PCV is now at 20. We are going to get him and take him to a specialist about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Oradell animal hospital. (Paramus NJ) They have specialist on board. Please pray for Milo! I will update as soon as I can. Thank you all very much!!

Robin New Windsor NY

Robin, You, Milo, Joe - your entire family will be in my prayers. jeanne

Jeanne texas

Robin, I'm praying for you & Milo. I hope the specialist can help him. Sue

Sue Moorpark

Robin, Have a safe trip and good that you are seeing a specialist. Do not lose hope at this point yet. my best, patrice

Patrice NYS

You and Milo fight and I'll pray. Be safe and good luck. Steve

Steve Va

Robin, I am keeping you and Milo in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Robin, Thoughts and prayers to you. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

I'm praying for Milo and will also light a candle. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=aiha

Betty Dallas

We took him out of our veternarian office this afternoon and drove a hour to a specialist to see what they could do for Milo. The woman who saw him (Oradell animal hospital, paramus NJ) looked over Milo and said she think's Milo has AIHA And Evans Disease. She said that it's a very tough disease to treat, it is really 50/50. She said that their is a change we are fighting a losing battle. Nothing else was done just talked to us about him. She said we could leave Milo in their care for 3-5 days and leave a $1500.00 deposit. (Which we don't even have and we were denied Care-credit) We still have to pay $2200.00 which was DUE upon Milo's release from our veternarian office.(We made a 500.00 payment and they told us they usually dont allow payments. (It's unbelieveable how much it costs to try to keep your pet alive!!!!!) She said we could be spending 3-5,000.00 and end up losing in the end. We brought him home with us with thoughts of spending time with him and bringing him to be brought to "rainbow bridge" We had him in the yard for a little while and he was eating for us and barking, running aorund for a few minutes. After seeing him like this we just can not bring ourselves to let him go. We can't give up on him yet, We are HOPING their could be a turn for the better. I just emailed Hemopet.com and I am waiting for a response. I am going to bring milo in with me to talk to the vet again tonight. (HOPEFULLY) Please someone keep milo in your prayers and someone whith knowledge let me know your thoughts? Are we just hanging on for nothing?? We just can't let him go!!

Robin New Windsor NY

Milo is in my prayers definitely. As my dog has Evans Syndrome, she has survived 5 years so far. It has not been inexpensive, but I wouldn't change it for anything. The 1st couple of months were the worst $-wise. Once she stabilized and began to improve, the cost dropped tremendously. I estimate I spent about 6 thousand (that I didn't have either) in the first month or so - credit card people loved me. The vets also suggested I put Sierra down, both at her first vet visit and again about 2 weeks later. Her PCV had dropped to 15, despite treatment. They were pessimistic about her chances and warned me that it was a crap shoot at best if she responded to anything at all and that further treatments could be expensive with no guarantee at all. I wanted to give her the chance. We got lucky, cyclosporine works for her and with minimal side effects. As Milo's family, only you will know what the right decisions are for Milo. I believe that whatever decisions you make, made with love, they are never the wrong ones. Again, Milo is in my prayers.

Ronda So Cal

Robin, Since Matilda only has IMHA, I cant offer any personal insite into what you are facing. I do know that we have spent a small fortune the first two months of battling this - and our credit cards are "broke" for a while, but I would do it all again knowing that she is doing so well. I was so lucky that Matilda responded well after the first week, but she was placed on prednisone, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and doxcycycline all right away, and her body responded to the drugs quickly. I have read of many others on here that it took more than a week or two before the drugs started working, and perhaps they will post their experiences for you. You will know what is right. I will be saying extra prayers for you, your family and Milo.

jeanne texas

Hi Robin, I am sorry to hear you and your family are going through this. My dog Cali was diagnosed with IMHA in mid April & I'm happy to say she is doing very well for such a short amount of time. Her PCV was a 9 when we found out & I wasn't sure she was going to make it. She had 2 transfusions & was on up to 13 pills a day. It was expensive, but not as much as some of the people I've heard. (right around $4000). She is still going to the vet every other week, but her medications are starting to be tapered & her latest PCV was 40 which is great. I was ready to let her go a few day after she was diagnosed because she looked so bad, but the Vets never suggested it. I just needed to prepare myself. With any luck Cali will keep doing good & I hope you can get Milo the help he needs. If they start him pn medication make them write you prescriptons for a regular Pharmacy the charge far less then the Vet. Call your pharmacy & they'll give you prices. Good Luck & I'll keep you in my prayers, Dee & Cali

Dee WI

Robin, just wanted to add to what Dee said - my vet actually had one of his vet tech's call all the pharmacies in my area to find where to get the lowest price on the meds he prescribed. Your vet should really work with you on the costs, as it can get very expensive before you start seeing results. I feel so fortunate that I haven't had to spend nearly what some have posted. you guys are still in my prayers jeanne

jeanne texas

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2008 and 01/06/2008

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