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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Neuter or Not to Neuter is the Question
| Hi Everyone, My husband and I are trying to decide if we should neuter Henri or not. Henri has been doing very well. Since his diagnosis in February 2009, at the age of 5-months old, he has sailed through every drug reduction. His original medication cocktail included cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine. He is currently taking 7mg/every other day azathrioprine. Any thoughts on what we should do? Of course before the IMHA, there was no question, we planned to have him neutered. I have emailed Dr Dodds regarding this issue and am waiting for her response. Thank you, Ella Selfridge-Neumann Henri, West Highland White Terrier, 1-yo, 14.5lbs, diagnosed with vaccine-induced IMHA on 02/26/09. |
| Ella Seattle |
| Ella, I am so happy that Henri is doing well! When I read your subject line, right away my thoughts were; contact Dr. Dodds. So i am very interested what she says. It is not an issue for us since Kahlu has been neutered long before his ordeal. But i think there is a strong connection between hormones and auto immune disease. I know Dr. Dodds will advise you wisely. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| i'm so happy that little Henri continues to do so well! This is a tough one for me, I too am anxiously awaiting an expert opinion, because spay/neuter is a very important issue close to my heart as an animal rescuer with 5 million companion animals euthanized annually due to the pet over population issue. But, I also understand the concern of introducing anything different with an IMHA dog, anesthesia risk, etc. I would think if a dog can go under anesthesia for other types of quick procedures, this would be similar- the surgery itself takes about 5 minutes. I would think reducing the hormone situation would be a positive. But, again, I'd love to hear what the expert says. Good luck in your search, melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Well....Dr Dodds responded. She feels if we have to neuter him, meaning if he is at risk for siring a litter than we should proceed. However,at a minimum, we should wait until he has been off the azathioprine for a few months. We plan to stop the azathrioprine in January. He is not at risk for siring a litter. Our female Westie, Bella, is spay. Behaviorally, it is not really an issue as he is a very submissive male. And so far, he only humps his big, white, stuffed bunny. Maybe we will wait until there come a time that we need to do something else that is medically necessary. It would be dreadful to do what is technically an elective procedure and then have him relapse----we would never forgive ourselves. Thank you for your thoughts, Ella |
| Ella Seattle |
| Ella -- this has been an interesting issue, and I am glad you contacted Dr. Dodds. Your response shows what a caring dog family you are. Best wishes with your little guy. I remember when Henri was diagnosed, and it was so awful to hear of IMHA striking such a young pup. Take care and please keep us posted. |
| Brenda VA |
This thread was discussed between 06/10/2009 and 07/10/2009
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