Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Mitch Update - 1st Sept

After Mitch's WBC crash last week he was given a stimulating hormone which seems to have done the trick. His WBC improved to 9.1 from 2.3.(I think this is why he was ill and had to go back to the hospital after being home only a day).His RBC has seen a slight increase to 30. His platelets however remain low. They had been around 48 and the last count showed 24 but with clumping so who knows. In himself he has been very bright so he has been allowed home after nearly 5 weeks in total hospitalised (but for a day!)He appears much brighter than when we had him home last time. He has put on a little weight and is eating well,we have been a little better organised ands are feeding him the exact diet he has been on in the hospital. They 'think' it is immune mediated but could also be hypoplasia of unknown cause. Just a congenital type thing I guess they mean. My one cncern is that he had a small lump appear on the inside of his hindleg whch I noticed last time he was home which it is felt is just a callous type thing but tonight I noiced another on top of his left paw. Just a small hard bald lump.slightly red. Anyone have any ideas - my gut feeling is that it is related in some way . I have been scaring myself reading the internet this evening! Glad to have him home and whilst he is well at the moment the feeling is that his platelets should have responded better before now if they were going to. It looks like they might not improve and with such a low count he is a ticking time bomb. If his WBC count is ok on Friday he is going to be given vincristine to see if that helps any. At the moment I am focusing on the positive and on coming i from work (my husband collected him today) i crouched on the floor and Mitch pressed his head against my cheek and stayed there for a good few minutes and then curled up on the sofa with his head on my lap. He is as pleased to see me as I am him. Thanks for your kind thoughts and asking after him. Kath & Mitchy Moomin-troll!

Kath Scotland

This is fantastic. Your Mitch is home again. I am very happy for you, Mitch and your family. Keep us abreast of all news....

Mardi Northern Calif

Kath, i am so happy you have your boy home! I would not be surprised if he would get better pretty soon, now that he is under your loving care. I know he was well looked after at the vet hospital, but there is nothing like being at home with mom! Kahlu had some skin lesions too. They were really weird. some popped and bled a bit, some were just like scabs. the vet was not too concerned. We came to the conclusion that they were a side effect of the drugs. they seemed to get better when ever he was on antibiotics. So it could well have been some sort of skin infection. Take care of yourself and best wishes. Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Welcome home Mitch!!! As they say there is no place like home and I bet you and Mitch will agree to that. We continue to pray for Mitch. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Kath Did you ask vets about danazol as I know it's on Dr Dodds protocol for treatment of ITP, because when I asked Dr Dodds what she thought of it when Nollaig was going on it, she said we tend to find that danazol is more successful for treating platelet issues? Anyway glad you've got Mitch home and maybe you can give thought to the bioprep for him. Enjoy him being home and I hope it stays that way. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Its the middle of the night I know but Mitch was hungry and the other! Brigitte - that is interesting about the skin lumps, the lumps do both have like a small scab bit in the middle I will try and do some research. Kathleen - no I didn't. Thanks for the reminder. As I said my husband collected Mitch and I gave him a list of questions of which he promises he asked them all. However he has now lost the list and although I remember the questions he can't remember all the answers! I will email the vets directly. I am definately considering the bioprep but just holding off at the moment to make sure his stomach remains settled. Thanks all - its nice to share some good news with.

Kath Scotland

Kath, I am so pleased that your boy is home again. You are right to try to focus on the positives. It is so easy to get lost in the worries and ups and downs of this awful disease. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Kath Just to let you know Nollaig had few scabs on her body and on her muzzle but the vet wasn't concerned by them.I personally think it's the cyclosporine that causes them, but mention them to vet anyway just to relieve your mind. You will see from a previous thread made by Gill re.Phoebe on 9th August entitled skin problem- phoebe -any advice? that she also had crusty type lesion on her skin. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Thanks Kathleen, I will read that post. I have since found he has another two between the pads of his paws so four in total. I have been reading about vasculitis which is related to immune issues particularly Systemic Lupus in dogs - possibility with all Mitch has going on or it can be as a direct effect on meds. Also more common in Jack Russells (vasculitis that is) I have emailed the vet so she can think on it before we see her on Friday. Kath

Kath Scotland

Hi Kath and Mitch Can't tell you how happy I am to know that Mitch is now home with his family - almost as pleased as when Phoebe came home!! Just to wake in the morning and know that they are there next to you (that is if you haven't been up during the night for toilet visits) is fantastic. As Kathleen mentioned, Phoebe has very hard lumps (not infected) one on her head, one on her ear lobe and still has the little crusty growth on her nose. Also days before Phoebe was discharged she developed a large abscess on her tummy. I think that all of these lumps are Cyclosporine related as if you read the instructions in the it says that skin related disorders are a possible side effect. Still, I would mention the lumps to Marg/vet when you are next in touch. Don't forget that if you are buying Atopica regularly and for a prolonged period in the UK that www.petmeds.co.uk sells it at half the price and if you go through www.topcashback (register first) you can also get 5% back on any purchase at petmeds. I know how expensive this can be and even though Phoebe is insured it is only a 'per illness' insurance and not 'life insurance'. It's great to see you feeling more positive and that the news is encouraging!! So glad you have your boy home!! Hugs and kisses sent from Gill & Phoebe xx

gill uk

So happy Mitch is home! That makes such a huge difference, hoping things continue to improve. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

This thread was discussed between 01/09/2009 and 02/09/2009

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