Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Misty just diagnosed with imha

I just found this link and I can't believe how big this disease is. I have never heard of it before now. My 8yr old Lab was totally fine last Weds. She was running around being her crazy self during the day and at nite when she was laying in her bed,I just glanced over and noticed something just did not look right. When I woke up in the morning,she did not want to eat.You have to understand that this dog usually eats her food within seconds.There is NEVER any food left anywhere. I used to joke with the vet that the dog acts like she will never eat again...So I knew something was wrong. I brought her to the vet that day and when I got into the office,my Misty just collapsed,they gave her smelling salts and took her away on a stretcher. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Aside from hyperventilating from crying so much(I still cannot get that image out of my head) I was devastated.They told me to leave her there and they will run some tests..They did some xrays and bloodwork and told me they would call me with the results..They gave me the name of an emergency hospital in case she got worse and some antibiotics in case of infecetion. I took Misty home and laid with her all nite just praying that she would get better...The next day,the vet called and said that she had imha and needed to be put on meds immediately.They put her on azathioprine 50 mg 1x a day and 30 mg prednizone 2x a day. Her pcv was 19. I brought her back on Sat.for repeat pcv and she dropped to 14. At this point I have to carry her outside for bathroom breaks and is eating just a little bit. They said she is not in any pain but she is just so weak. I brought her back in on Monday and her pcv dropped to 12.They said if it falls to 10 she needs a transfusion. I brought her back on Tues to have an ultrasound done to check for any small cancer tumors.The xrays showed no sign of cancer but they wanted to do the ultrasound to make sure nothing was missed. The ultrasound was clear and they repeated the pcv and it went back up to 14..I was elated.She seemed to be responding. At least she wasn't decreasing. Today is a new day and she actually looks worse. She is just laying around and not eating again.I have been carrying her still and I think that in itself is destroying her.She was always so hyper and independent. I have read stories about success but I am just wondering,IF she does get through this,Will she ever be the same???I am sorry I am rambling,I have been sleeping on the floor all week and crying all the time.

cathy nj

Dear Cathy, I can sense how devastated you are about Misty's illness. I don't know if your vet is experienced with AIHA. I think that Misty could be on a higher dose of medications. Is she also on some sort of stomach protectant? Has she been tested for clotting? It is good that X-rays and an ultrasound have been done to rule out cancer. Please don't hesitate to see an other vet for a second opinion, I would recommend an internal medicine specialist. I would also not wait with this and do it asap. Most dogs with a PCV that low are hospitalized. But also know that dogs with much lower PCV's have recovered with the proper treatment and are doing fine. Please go to Meisha's Hope website for more information on the disease and check out the success stories for hope and encourgement: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/treatment.htm Please let us know how Misty is doing and if you get a chance post her weight and all the numbers from her blood tests. We will be thinking of you and send best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigette, Misty is taking pepsid 2x a day for the stomach. She is a lab but she was the runt of the litter.She used to be about 75 lbs and looked really fat. In February,I switched her to Fit and trim(diet food)and watched what she ate because she was getting older and she needed to lose weight so her legs would not be strained. She slowly lost weight and I assumed it was because of her cutting down and eating diet food. She is now down to 56lbs but the vet doesn't think the weight loss has to do with the imha. She said that the disease came on rapidly because if not at the rate she is dropping,she would be dead by now. I am such a mess. I am trying to write everything down because I get so upset that when the vet is talking I almost don't even hear her. I am glad That I found this sight because I am writing down questions to be asked. I guess I am still in shock. I just don't understand how a dog that seemed so healthy and energetic one day,looks like she is at deaths door the next...Don't get me wrong,she is still wagging her tail all the time and acts like she doesn't have a care in the world but she rarely gets up from laying down,sometimes she doesn't even lift her head up. Yesterday she was like that and than the mailman came and she jumped up and starting barking for a couple of seconds but than back on her bed for the remainder of the day. It is so strange,I just can't believe it.

cathy nj

Hi Cathy 'THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE----AND MANY DOGS RECOVER AND HAVE A NORMAL LIFE"!!! mY Standard Poodle, Mercedes, was diagnosed 5 1/2 months ago. She got a clean bill of health, just yesterday!!! When Mercedes was diagnosed she was given a dose of dexamethazone, and put on 35 mg of azathiopine daily, and 35 mg of prednisone twice daily---she weighed 40 lbs. It takes the azathiopine a few days to kick in and that is why the administration of the dexamethazone was given at the onset. Mercedes PCV also dropped initially, but she did begin to slowly recover. Every dog is different, but in reading the reports on this site, this seems to be the "general" pattern. When your dog is on these heavy duty steroids it is VERY important that they be given a stomach protectant (such as pepcid AC) as well, so they do not develop stomach ulcers. The last thing you need to be dealing with is an infection, caused by ulcers. My dog was also given Denamarin to support the liver, and Pet Tinic(a heevy duty supplement. (available in the States). There are many very knowlegeable people on this site that know much much more about this disease than I do. Many of them have more knowlege and expertise in IMHA/AIHA, than most vets I know. Hopefully, some of them will chime in and give you some good info, and advise you about questions you need to ask of your vet. They were very helpful to me, and I am certain that the reason my girl has recovered so well, is due to there advice and knowlege, which they so willlingly shared with me, over the past 6 months. Mercedes is back to her old self. She is a very high drive, active, enthusiastic poodle again. I was training her in agility when she got sick, and we are back training again!!!! So stay positive---a full recovery IS possible. I pray that your Lab will be one of the lucky ones that beats this dreaded disease. Stay in touch! Warm wishes for a speedy recovery Maureen and Mercedes

Maureen BC Canada

Maureen, thank you so much for letting me know how well your dog is doing... I keep telling myself that Misty will get through this but sometimes when I look at her,I can't help to think that I've lost my girl already..She just looks so sad and helpless..If they told me she was in any pain at all,it wouldn't even be a decision,I would never let her suffer but the fact that she has no pain,no cancer I can't help but think she will be fine..It is all so confusing.....I pray alot and am trying to take it one day at a time...The news yesterday that she didn't drop and her pcv came up 2 points put me on cloud nine but I know the reality is,we have to wait and see. I have 2 girls 11 and 13 and they are absolutely devastated....They love this dog so much that if anything happens to her,they will be crushed....

cathy nj

Cathy, I am so sorry you and Misty have had to join this board but the bright side is you will get so much support here. We are all shocked when we receive the dreaded diagnosis as most of us had never heard of it before. I am glad you are already taking notes because it is so hard to even grasp simple things when your head is still spinning. I am surprised that she is at home with such a low PCV? It does bode well that she is wagging her tail and such. Her lack of energy is due to her low oxygen levels. Don't worry about rambling we have all been there. The most important thing is to have a Vet that is very familiar with treating this. Sending prayers and good wishes to you both. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Penny,thank you, I am so glad that I found this sight too. I have not left Misty alone once this whole week,other than to take her to the vet. When I talk to people about what is going on,sometimes I think they look at me as if I am crazy.They are understanding but I can feel that they are saying to themselves that "it is just a dog" But Misty is a part of our family. My girls are holding up ok aside from the couple of breakdowns that they have. I tell them to be strong and than I find myself falling apart and they are comforting me...It is a rollercoaster to say the least.....I just pray for her and all the dogs that get this dreadful disease..

cathy nj

(((CATHY))) So sorry you are dealing with this terrible disease. It hits so fast sometimes and to many of us it can be extremely confusing to try to understand. I remember when Tessy was diagnosed the doctor was talking about doing a CBC and I was scratching my head wondering what the local news station had to do with it! LOL I (we) completely understand how overwhelming this can be. If it weren't for the wondefull folks here I don't think my sweety Tessy would be here with me right now! Hang in there, be strong and take things one day at a time. BRB.....someone's at the door. ....Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hiya again. I was just wondering what they did all for tests? I know they did xrays and ultrasounds but did they test for Tick diseases? Or any other infectious diseases? Leptosperosis? Bacterial/fungal triggers? It's soooo important to rule out all the causes you can because if you can find the trigger then that makes treating this all the more easier. Even just simple things like poisons (rat poison) or even swallowing zink pennies can cause this (the xray would have picked this one up for ya though). Another cause could be onion injestion. Yup. just a small piece of onion can cause this! Vaccines? Flea/heartworm meds? ...two other well known triggers! Was she on any recent medication prior to becoming sick? What have they done for diagnostic testing thus far? I'd assume a full CBC and chemical panel at the very minimum has already been done but do you know if they tested the thyroid yet? If not I'd recommend doing this sooner than later. If I were you and you are finacialy able to do so I would send a sample of blood off to Dr. Dodds at hemopet. Having her on board ups the chances of survival significantly! Most here can concur with this. By sending blood there you can get a full breed/age/sex specific thyroid panel done as well as CBC and Chem....oh yeah....with Dr. Dodds full analysis as well!!! Well worth every penny! You can do ALL this for under $200 likely. If you don't want to perhaps you can get the vet to consult with her. She does this also for fairly cheap! Things you can do in the meantime... -milk thistle...add this right to the food to help protect the liver and in larger doses can protect the kidneys to a degree -proper diet...if you want you can switch to a nutrient rich liver cleansing diet. I don't have the link on me here but I'm sure someone can add it for me (b-naturals site?) -Pet-tinic...someone mentioned this above and this is a GREAT product to use! Gotta supply the bone marrow with the micronutrients needed to make new blood! -soloxine...ask the doctor to add low dose thyroid supplements at 0.1 mg/12-15lbs. This is totally safe and aids in hematopoiesis (blood building). Ask for and get the copies of all bloodwork done so far. It's really good to hear all the other numbers. Can you tell us how regenerative she is? Did they say anything about this? I'm sure I'm leaving somehting out here. If I remember anything else I'll add it later. Keep Misty well rested and stress free as much as possible. Make sure there's LOTS of fresh clean water and don't use ANY chemicals around here...not even air fresheners!!! Expect pee accidents...this is blamed totally on the drugs! I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thanks Johnny for all of the info. I have to bring her back Friday for another pcv and also they are going to do a complete cbc. They did a heartworm,tick check for lymes and such and it came back negative. They said they don't think she swallowed something because the xrays didn't show it. They asked me about the rat poison but she couldnt have been exposed to that because we don't have it. It really was a blur so i don't know about the regenerative??I will find out. She did say something about her body making red blood cells because they were different sized which indicates baby or immature blood cells.I have been cooking chicken,chop meat,ham and anything else that she will possibly eat just to get her to gain wait and keep her strengh up. She has been eating but today it has been a struggle.they originally started her on 30 mg of prednizone but increased it 2 days ago to 40mg 2x a day. It is crazy how one minute she looks as if she is totally going to make it and the next minute it seems hopeless. I have a 1 yr old 3lb yorkie and they used to play so much now my little guy just lays with misty on her bed...I can't believe what is goin on...I am going to ask my vet a million questions on Friday. she seems to be very familiar with this disease as everything she has told me so far seems to be what i'm finding out researching it on my own....Thanks for the prayers,she definately needs them

cathy nj

Cathy: I understand about the food thing. Sheba, our GSD/Cocker Spaniel mix is what we like to call "food motivated", especially if it's people food. She wouldn't eat for awhile and we tried all of her favorites. Once the meds kicked in and she started feeling better her appetite returned. At this point you just have to take it one day at a time and try not to stress. (I know - easier said than done.) Sheba also had her okay days and her bad days and that's normal as they are very tired. Try not to let Misty get too excited - the best thing right now is rest. Be sure to go to Joanne's website and check out the success stories - they very often got me through the day when Sheba was so sick. I just kept thinking - if that dog, whose PCV is lower than Sheba's can make it - so can she. And please feel free to ask questions, vent, whatever here. We understand. As for a little encouragement - Sheba was diagnosed 4-08 at the age of 11. She spent 6 days in the ICU and received 1 transfusion. She has been meds free since 12-08 with no relapses. Today she is 13 1/2 and while she has other medical problems (mostly associated with old age) she is happy and mostly healthy. She is hoping for the same for Misty. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Hi Cathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your lab, I understand how you feel like you've just been plunged into a very bad dream. I found that when talking with the vet, it helped me to have an Excel sheet where I'd kept track of Eddie's meds, eating, and trips outside (every 2,5 hours to avoid accidents inside; not because we minded cleaning up, it was just that Eddie seemed so mortally embarrassed on top of all his suffering if he couldn't hold it). I also wrote short comments about his general demeanor, behavior, alertness etc. The journal is a good way for you to speak frankly with the vet and give them facts, not emotions (even if you're torn up, I know - but Misty is served best by facts). It's also cathartic to fill it in, and in some way, it made me feel I had a slightly better picture of what was going on. Just an idea. Our thoughts and hopes are with you and Misty! Peggy O

Peggy Sweden

Thank you Rita and Peggy... Rita so happy to hear Sheba is doing well. Not that it would be any better but if a dog is getting much older and slowing down,you kind of expect the inevitable eventually, The fact that Misty was so energetic(crazy)as I would call her haha and than suddenly went into this state is shocking...I just keep praying and hoping for the best. Peggy, I am definately going to do that,it is a great idea and could only help her...thanks again

cathy nj

Hi Again Cathy, I concur with Johnny! I enlisted the help of Dr. Dodds very early on, (on the recommendation of the folks on this forum), and have "never" regretted spending the very small amount (under $200, which includes about $65 to air express by fedex from Kamloops BC.) She is the one that put Mercedes on denamarin, pet tinic,pepcid and thyroxine(for her thyroid as it was so negatively impacted by the steroids!) She is the most amazing woman I have ever encountered. The first bloodwork I sent to her, arrived in her California lab on a Saturday morning. She called my home twice on Sunday.....and it was "Mothers Day" to boot!! She is truly passionate about her work, and in healing her patients. Last night I received two emails from Dr. Dodds from "ITALY" where she is currently holidaying!!!! She had rec'd, by email, the bloodwork results, I sent to her California lab this week. She emailed me to make some recommendations re: treatment, now that Mercedes' bloodwork is "normal"---and to advise that it would now be safe to spay her. How is that for "dedication". Dr. Dodds is "the expert" in auto-immune disease, and a remarkable, one of a kind, lady. You can reach her at hemopet@hotmail.com. Unbelieveably, she answers all of her emails, personally. I fully believe, her input is what saved Mercedes life!! Maureen

Maureen BC Canada

Cathy Please know that Misty is in my prayers. Keep in mind it may take a few weeks for the drugs to kick in and sometime they add a drug call cyclosporine. You have be Misty's voice so if you are not sure about it don't be afraid to question it. As far as food, you can try boiled chicken or ground meat or even steak just try to find something she really likes, it is difficult and maybe just get her to eat small meals. The only thing Ginger would eat was dog treats, so that is what she got. Let us know how her next PCV test goes. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Dear Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Misty's diagnosis. It is so very hard to see our dogs almost with no "life" in them, laying around and not responding.... It is "Normal" with this disease, at PCV 14, Misty's blood is struggling to supply oxygen to her body due to the lack of red blood cells, so it's no wonder they cannot muster any strength! I have a 20 month survivor, and I remember those early days when Millie just lay in her bed. She would not even raise her head when we came home. It broke my heart, but nearly 2 years on, she's still here with me - that's the good news! The first few weeks after diagnosis are a rollercoaster of emotions, highs with PCV increases, lows when our dogs just aren't themselves and we are constantly checking gums and scared out of our minds about losing them. From what you have said above, it does sound like Misty is regenerative - which is great news, that does increase her chances of survival quite a bit! Her bone marrow is pumping out baby red blood cells to try to compensate for the anemia. As her PCV increases, this will slow down. Was Misty recently vaccinated or did you apply some kind of topical flea or worm product? These are also common triggers for IMHA. Keep us updated, and keep Misty rested with lots of love! Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Cathy, Very sorry that you and your family are experiencing this terrible disease. However as many here have said there is much hope of her regaining her normal robust self with total commitment and very aggressive treatment. Our 3 1/2 old terrier came down with this just as fast and just as horrific and he is now 100% back to normal. This forum was VERY significant in our success. Everything that has been said so far is great advise. Make sure that you get copies of all reports and give as much of the data from them to this forum. Stay the course Cathy. This is a fight that can be won !!!! Our prayers are with you, Ron & Cooper

Ron L'land

Cathy, There is hope with this terrible disease. My Golden retriever Chloe got sick in April, her PCV went to 9 and she ended up with 8 units of blood. I think she is alive today because of Dr. Dodds. The prednisone and other meds really wipe the dog out along with the low level of red blood cells. Seeing Misty just lying there is an awful feeling but she needs the rest and to conserve her oxygen too. I fed Chloe her favorite treats to keep her calories up and got her up to pee every two hours or so for quite a while. It has been 4 1/2 months and Chloe is now coming back to life. It is a very hard disease-hard on you and your family. My teens climbed into the large crate in the ICU where Chloe spent a week in the beginning. Write everything down and post all of the lab results here. The folks on the forum are the best and I couldn't have made it without the support. Dogs do recover and I am praying that Misty starts improving soon. This is an up and down disease though- like a wild ride. It takes a while for the drugs to kick in too. Cheri and Chloe

Cheri Maryland

Thank you all for your warm thoughts and prayers. I am trying to stay positive. Like I said I have to carry her down a flight of stairs to get her to the yard to do her business. I have a deck right off the house that she can walk to but she will not go. The vet said that because she has never done her business there that she probably won't. I feel like when I carry her,it is creating her stress. She looks at me like she is embarrased and ashamed. I know it sounds crazy but it truly makes me sad. Going to the vet is like a cath 22. I want to see her progress but I feel like it is draining all of her energy. I carry her to the car and put her in....For a dog that was already at the car before I even shut my door,its hard to watch....She is doing ok today. She did eat her food and drank alot of water so I am just praying for the best...Thank you so much for letting me vent and understanding what I am going through...I will get copies of my records on Friday when I take her in and I will post them. They are going to do a cbc so maybe when I get those results I will get in touch with Dr.Dodds. Thank you again for the Prayers

cathy nj

When my Lab Salome was hospitalized they had some wonderful slings made out of towels with handles sewn on that you could support them with around their belly so they felt like they were walking on their own. I know you can buy professional ones but this might be quicker (and cheaper) Be careful with what foods you give Misty. It is not unusual to have them develop Pancreatitis while on the steroids and that is how I lost my girl. She doubled her PCV in one month and then she was gone. I know how hard it is too see your once active dog so down but hold on to every positive sign you get. It will help you through. Dogs pick up on our feelings so it is important that you try to let her know this is just a bumpy side road that you are on and things will be good again. Penny

Penny Lytle CreekCalif

Thanks Penny, I have been giving her anything that she will eat e.g she will only take her meds in a piece of ham or chicken. I have given her chop meat. I really didn't think about avoiding certain foods.I thought I have to make sure she eats to gain her strenghth,,,Are there certain things that you know of that I should avoid??..I am really only giving her meat but when I couldn't get her to take her meds,today i tried putting peanut butter on it but that didn't work...Eventually she ate a piece of turkey with the pill in it.... How long did your Salome make it with the disease and how long after did he/she develop the pancreatitis. Sorry about the questions<I am just trying to get my head around this...

cathy nj

Cathy, I know this is hard, but try and treat Misty like she is not sick. Talk to her as if everything is normal, just matter of fact. She does not know how sick she is and if you don't treat her that way, she will feel better. She will pick up on you being stressed out, so try and be calm and relaxed. Trust me I know how hard this is. As for food to avoid, I think it is better to leave fatty foods out right now. Many people started to cook for their dogs. I always thought that cooking for your dog is crazy, but guess what??? I did it too! It felt so good to be able to do at least that. Get some good nutrition into my pup, not just medications. Misty probably still feels pretty nauseous, but that will pass and she will probably become an eating machine. I cooked mainly white fish, turkey or chicken and mixed that with steamed white potatoes and other veggies like carrots, kale, chard, beans, squash and parsley. there is a great diet that Dr. Dodds recommends: http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Liver%20cleansing%20diet.htm To give my dog pills I used pill pockets and little pieces of canned food (Wellness) That usually worked great. After the initial days I never had to force a pill down. I really liked Peggy's idea of the spread sheet. I had a daily planner that worked fine too. I know this is a rollercoaster! Try to take it one day at a time and just keep the questions coming. There will be somebody here that went through the same or at least something similar. We will be thinking of you, best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

I woke up this morning to find that Misty had thrown up 4 times in 4 different places. It looks like she has thrown up all the food that she has eaten in the last 3 days. She also had her first pee accident....I don't mind cleaning up after her at all but now I am truly a mess. I am going to get her into the vet today but I know that this cannot be good..Also,how is she going to take her meds???? Believe it or not she actually looks a little better this morning. Maybe I am just convincing myself of this but I guess I will find out when I bring her in...I will keep you updated and once again,thank you for the prayers....

cathy nj

Sending my prayers for Misty today. Let us know how she does at the vet. Also your vet maybe able to give her something for the vomiting. If she is looking better that is good news. If Misty refuses food you can always try to give her the pills in a little peanut butter. Take care of yourself too and if possible try not to be to upset, I know easier said then done, but I think our dogs can sense when we are upset. Sending a big golden hug and lots of prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Thanks Cheryl, actually Misty looks as if she is hungry now. I gave her one pill this morning in a tiny piece of turkey and she definately is looking for more.. She was standing by her bowl waiting to eat. I don't know if I should feed her,I don't want the pill to come back up if she can't hold down her food. I am waiting for the vet to call me back.

misty nj

Cathy, have them run a chemistry panel (a full one). INSIST they do this. Make sure it includes electrolytes and also both pancreatic values (lipase and amylase). Don't forget to get copies of everything. How did the vomit look? Just food? MAKE SURE SHE GETS HER MEDS ON TIME! You really don't want any setbacks. A little sucralfate/carafate would probably make the tummy feel a little better but make sure to give it at least 3+ hrs BEFORE the meds or an hr after. Lots of hugs and prayers from us here. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johnny, I will tell the vet what you said about the tests. 2 of the vomits looked like it was digested food(couldn't make out what it was but it almost looked like can dog food.She only gets dry food and the other 2 looked like it was undigested. You could see the chicken pieces and dry food clearly. It's wierd because she definately wants to eat. When I was feeding my little dog,she went over to eat his food....She does look alot better this morning than she did all day yesterday but I know within an hour that can change so I am confused...

cathy nj

Just wanted to let everyone know that when the vet called me this morning,I told her what was going on and told her that Misty looks better than yesterday and is actually very hungry,she said that I should add another pepsid and try and give her a few very small portions of food instead of her usual meals...I still have to come in tomorrow unless Misty throws up again today than I would have to come back today..So far,Misty has taken her meds and has not thrown up at all, She actually is showing a little more energy today so I guess I will be going in tomorrow in the am unless something changes..

cathy nj

Thanks for the update Cathy, we have our fingers and paws crossed for Misty. As many had said this disease is a roller coaster ride with so many ups and downs. Just take it one day at a time. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville Pa

Hi Cathy, What a scare! It really is so important that Misty gets her meds and they are absorbed by her body. I guess the worry with vomiting is that she may bring the pill back up. Just be vigilent and make sure they are staying down. Pee accidents are normal - Millie wet the bed in her sleep numerous times..... Hugs to Misty, Sam & Milie.

Samantha Geelong

This has been a crazy day, Misty has looked and acted better today than she has since this started. It is exactly one week today that our journey began.. She is being her old self again,don't get me wrong she is still exhausted and laying around but when my kids came home from school she was right there to greet them,she was wagging her tail like crazy and hanging out by them the whole time they were doing homework. It was if she came back to us but she's just a little tired. I don't know if this is good or bad because my girls(11 and 13) are almost convinced that she is back and nothing is going to happen..They have been watching her all week and made me promise that if anything happened that they would be there with her. Now they are acting like it has been a miracle... I do not want to break their spirit as they love Misty so much but I know that Misty has her moments. There were times last nite and even today when they were at school that I thought "this is the end" I am praying that when I go to the vet tomorrow,they tell me that she made a miraculous recovery and her numbers all went up...The realist in me is keeps coming out but I can still hope and pray.....

cathy nj

Cathy, keep the course and keep her calm, rested and stress free. You're doing a great job with her. HUGS & PRAYERS Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

hi all, Misty still looks better this morning,which is a good thing. We will be heading off to the vet today at 10:00 today for a recheck of pcv and I will be asking for a chemistry panel...Please say a prayer that it is good news,,thanks so much

cathy nj

Cathy, Prayers and thoughts sent your way. Penny

Penny Lytle CreekCalif

What a way to start the weekend..Misty gained 4 1/2lbs and her pcv went up to 20 from Tuesday...6 Points yay,,,the vet said her color is coming back in her gums which is a good sign..He said the fact that she seems to be responding well and that she hasn't had to be hospitalized with IV makes him very optimistic. I like both vets in the office and so glad they are taking care of her..He did a cbc and will have results tomorrow. I asked about the chem panel and said that they did one a few days ago and everything looked good aside from the bilirubin(I think) which would bebecause of the rbc being so low. I have all of the bloodwork as of now and there are so many numbers. I don't know which numbers to post....Thank You sooo much for your prayers,,I know that we are not out of the woods but we are going in the right direction so I am going to enjoy this feeling for now.....

cathy nj

Way to go Misty!!!! I know how happy you must be as I had been there and know the joy you feel. Just to have an increaase in the PCV is wonderful news and it looks like the meds are kicking in. Keep us updated on how she is doing and we will continue to keep Misty in our prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Yahooooo Misty!!! This sounds great! You still have a long and rocky road ahead, but the first step towards total recovery is done. Keep us posted, good luck and best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Cathy, I am praying that Misty is one of the lucky ones. So far it looks very good for you. I remember the constant fear and needing to share that fear with people who could understand and calm me down like only people who have had this experience can. Post numbers, ask questions. So many people have so much knowledge and concern to share. We need to share our thoughts and concerns. Somehow it makes it easier to understand this awful disease. Good luck to you and Misty Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

Thank you for the prayers..I don't even know how to feel today because I have to say today my girl came back to us..It was the first sign of the MISTY that we knew prior to the last week... Everytime someone opened the fridge,there she was...when we pet her,she couldn't get enough and when you stopped,she would take her paw and swat you until you continued,this is the dog that we know..Her tail was going like crazy all day..She would not allow me to carry her,when I tried,she just laid down,when I backed away she went up and down the steps by herself...I truly don't know what to make of this.Just days ago,I thought she was gone forever...even my little dog notices,he is going by her and trying to play,which he hasn't done since she got sick..He is only 3 lbs and she just takes her nose and swats him away haha...She is still tired but I truly feel like its a miracle...I can't imagine how a disease could be this evil that one day she is fine and the next it is fatal...Like I said I am just enjoying the improvement because I don't know what tomorrow will bring...I am going to post the results of her cbc tomorrow because I have to assume that it is much better than last weeks,just because of the way she is acting...Thank you so much for all of your prayers and for understanding.....

cathy nj

Oh Cathy, it's so good that Misty is responding and beginning to be more active! Our poodle girl, Tori's PCV went down 4 points this week, but you can not tell it. Others on this site have lovingly shared that the PCV may go up a down some until the meds and her body gets this under control. So, I am not too concerned. I am taking one day at a time... enjoy our little buddies and pray for continued healing and recovery. Blessings, Cindi

Cindi & Tori PBC

Cindi, I know that I am new to this disease and new to this site and I understand exactly how you feel but don't give up especially if she is acting ok. Just a few days ago if someone told me that Misty would come around and be herself again,I really would have thought they were crazy.. I still can't believe the difference in such a short time. I know we have a long road ahead of us but thats ok because I thought she wouldn't even make it till today. She has returned to her normal pesty(haha)ways,trying to take your food off your plate haha....The vet called today and said that her cbc counts all came up and that she is definately reproducing red blood cells...I am so happy but still almost in shock..She could not walk,lift her head,eat,wag her tail or anything just days ago so please stay strong and know that miracles do happen..I am praying for your little girl as well as all the others that are dealing with this dreadful disease..

cathy nj

Cathy, I am so happy for you and Misty I can only imagine how great that must feel to see her responding and showing a glimpse of the dog you know and love. Hope every day you see more and more of that. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

That is great news Cathy! One day at a time! Just remember not to let your guard down. She still has a low crit and expending too much energy isn't a good thing. Little bits at a time is alright but it's still really important for her to be getting lots of rest and proper diet. Diet is something people overlook when they see their dogs improving. The figure that since she's getting stronger they can give more treats without harm. Just be carefull. You don't want other issues on top of the anemia. Pancreatitis is very easy for them to get while on these drugs so diet is one of the most important things right now! Proper diet and fresh clean water, lots of rest, and a stress free/chemical free environment. I bet your daughters are very happy! Hugs to all and continued thougts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 15/09/2010 and 19/09/2010

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