Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Nancy's Update - Tuesday

We saw the specialist this afternoon. The GOOD NEWS is that Nancy PCV went from 13 (pre-transfusion yesterday) to 32.5 today! The vet said she has NO HEMOLYSIS today. When I asked what that meant, he said it meant that her red cells were not being destroyed... hmmmm, I didn't pursue that conversation.. they can tell that all the cells are good?? I know she isn't cured, he did say that this news buys us time, which is what all of you have already said. The BAD NEWS is that she has pancreatitis! DRAT!!!! Same as my first dearly departed AIHA dog... She is off all meds till at least tomorrow night and no food for now... he discontinued the doxycyline and started baytril and amphoral for the dia-poo. He said she actually looks much better! Her gums are so pink I couldn't believe it! Of course, now what on earth do I feed this finicky dog tomorrow.. she turns her nose up at everything even when she is well.. he said I could give her some sherbert tonight.. she wouldn't touch it... OK, what next... I am beyond exhaustion, emotionally and physically. Thanks AnnaMarie

AnnaMarie Illinois

Ask for the A/D from Hills- feed it to her with a tongue depressor, and yes, you will need to force feed her a little bit. Ask the vet for some nausea meds if she is gurgly or pukey at all. Why did they stop the meds? My understanding was they needed the transfusion to bridge the gap from transfusion to meds kicking in. Great news for you guys, so happy to hear! Keep the faith! melissa

melissa

wow.......go Nancy. Maybe mom can catch a few minutes of sleep tonight! The exhaustion is endless since you always seem to sleep with one eye open and both ears tuned to a whisper. Great news. God Bless you and Nancy and may you have a peaceful respite from the anguish of it all. Hugs and Best Wishes sharon

sharon pa

Oh Sorry, I wasn't clear, they only stopped the oral meds for tonight! She was given steroids and other meds IV till they can fix the pancreatitis, and the vets are confident she will improve in 24 hours and they will re-start the meds and spread them out over the day. Will add carafate too, will discontinue the doxycline. Yes, they agree that while the PCV is up, they can work on getting those immune-supressing drugs a chance to work for her. I am to call back tomorrow to discuss the drug dosages/frequency. AnnaMarie

AnnaMarie Illinois

Anne Marie - That's fabulous you got a better report on the IMHA front today. Sorry to hear about the pancreatitis - my first dog had a long battle with that - another tough disease. But, hopefully, this will be a short blip and, if she's off Imuran, it will abate. In terms of food, you might try a small amount of soft white rice and all-meat baby food. In the Chicago area, Jewel carries Beech-Nut all chicken, beef and turkey varieties (I'm sure you know but just be sure it doesn't have onion or onion powder). It's a nice alternative to boiling hamburger (especially when you are exhausted) and is a good bland diet. I hope you both have a restful night. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

AnneMarie, Hang in there for Nancy, you know how much of a rollercoaster this disease can be, but she is doing great! One step at a time! Linda

Linda Sapphire

That is really good news about the red cells. I am sorry Nancy has developed pancreatitis. I know it is hard to get any rest while treating this but try to relax a little while she is at the ER. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

AnnaMarie - great news on the PCV front! So positive. Sorry to hear about the pancreatitis. Duck had it as well although only a very mild case. This is something the vets should be able to get under control in short order. When Duck was being re-introduced to food, our vet recommended white rice. We have never had the problem of Duck turning up his nose at food though - in fact just the opposite. Good luck and so glad to hear about the rise in PCV. Just a warning - post transfusion the numbers will go up and then a few days later they may drop. I remember after Duck's second transfuion he went from 11 to 25 and a few days later had dropped to 19. After that though, his PCV started to climb steadily on its own because the immunosuppressants had kicked in. Just wanted to warn you of the likelihood of a small PCV drop so that you aren't alarmed if it happens. This is definitely a roller coaster ride - but if Nancy pulls through this and goes on to live a good life, I'm sure you'll feel it was worth it! Take care. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Sorry to read about the pancreatitis, but good news on the PCV. Best thoughts to Nancy as she goes through this. Yeah! on the pink gums.

Ronda So Cal

AnnaMarie, Yay on PCV 32.5! Hold on to every bit of prayer answered. One step at a time. You're in our prayers.

Chrissie Washington D.C.

thats a heck of a bounce for nancy, great job to her

josh california

AnnaMarie, My dog loves the Frosty Paws peanut butter flavor. She eats this when nothing else appeals to her. It's made by Purina and in the freezer section with human ice cream. The ingredient list seems to be okay. It's good for an occasional treat. Karen

Karen North Carolina

If Nancy continues to scoff at food you can get a medium size syringe and gently place and squirt on the side of her mouth. She will probably lick it down. Can purchase at the local pharmacy and blend up plain yogurt,and honey. Good as a stomach coating and also nutricious. Order some Pet Tinnic an iron/vitamin supplement, Most vets can order. It is a liquid and goes down easy or blended in food. Pancreatitis not uncommon. Her immune system is rocky. Hard to fight infection/inflammation. Choe had it too but recovered quickly. Thinking of you. Jan

jan philly

This thread was discussed on 20/08/2008

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