Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - New IMHA diagnosis

Our 6 yr old Rhodesian Ridgeback collapsed last week and we have since received a diagnosis of IMHA. He was shown to be severly anemic at the time of the collapse. He'd previously shown no signs or symtoms of this. His 'count' was 19 at last week and then dropped to '14' in the days afterwards. He has received one transfusion thus far and he will possibly receive a second transfusion tomorrow. His lab work today showed that his red blood cell (his HCT?) count had not dropped any further, but that his platelets had begun to drop. He is currently taking Cyclosporine, Prednisone, and a medication to increase production of RBC's in his marrow. They've also started him on two different medications to help manage the GI side effects. Any other suggestions on what we can be doing for treatment? What is a normal timeline to expect either some improvement or further deterioration? Obviously we're hopeful for improvement, but want to be prepared for the worst as well. Thank you, Kristin and our pup, Bodie

Kristin Colorado

Kristin, I am so sorry to hear about Bodie's sudden collapse. It is so difficult to learn what you need to in order to make good decisions when it happens this suddenly with such ferocity. The dropping platelets is an especially difficult problem, as your vets have most likely advised you. Will you please check with them immediately to see if they have done *any* testing for tick disease? Ask if they did an in house SNAP 4DX test. This would test for heartworm, Lyme and two other tick diseases. This test has a simple yes/no result. However, depending on where you live, there may be other tick diseases that Bodie could have contracted. One in particular will have symptoms exactly like what you describe, esp. the low platelets. Most of these tick diseases respond to immediate high dose and prolonged doxycycline therapy. If your vets seem unsure about tick disease, ask them if they will consider sending a blood sample to Protatek Labs. Dr. Holland is an expert in tick disease and can suggest a tick panel for your particular area. She will advise your vets by phone with the results and suggested treatments. While his IMHA wasn't necessarily precipitated by a tick disease, this can often be a hidden cause that is treatable. I would love to see Bodie respond to this kind of treatment quickly and successfully. You will very likely be looking at another transfusion and you should talk to your vet early tomorrow to find out if they are prepared for the special administration this *second* transfusion will require to avoid transfusion reactions. It is far better to be prepared and have a safe transfusion scheduled ahead of time in the quiet afternoon than to be trying to have it done in the middle of the night at an emergency clinic. I will be thinking about Bodie tonight. patrice

Patrice NYS

Hi Kristin, Sorry to hear your dog has this horrbile disease. Madison was diagnosed in 19th Jan 09 - and showed no signs at all the previous day (she was at the beach have a great time, the next day she could hardly walk and her gums were white. She had a PVC of 18 and its dropped to 15. Then rose after teh transfusion, then dropped then rose then gradually kept rising. Within 4 days she had 2 transfusions and all the medication possible. We got to take her home on the 5th day.. After about 10 days she started to improve very slowly - and now she is nearly drug free... It does take time for the medication to kick it... and it is very stressful up until you get some good news... But it can happen and they can recover. Thinking of you both Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

Kristin, I am so very sorry to hear that your most beloved Bodie has recently been diagnosed with IMHA. While AIHA/IMHA is a very difficult disease, dogs who have been diganosed with it CAN and DO recover and go on to live happy, healthy lives. If you have not read my Web site on AIHA/IMHA as yet, http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ you might want to do so when you can. Be sure to follow the links on the first page to many other sites on AIHA/IMHA that will be very helpful to you and do read the SUCCESS STORIES pages. They will show you what has worked for other dogs in terms of treatment options as well as give you a lot of HOPE. The main Success Story page is on vacation for the summer but there are many, many stories in the archives for you to read. As to low platelets another reason for the drop may be immune mediated thromboytopeina {ITP). AIHA/IMHA is a disease of the red blood cells while ITP is a disease of the platelets. In some dogs we see both AIHA/IMHA and ITP at the same time. When that happens, the dog is said to be suffering from a condition known as Evans Syndrome. When you read the Success Stories at my Web site, you will read about several dogs who have had Evans Syndrome. I know this is so very hard so be assured that both you and your dear Bodie are in my thoughts and prayers during these very difficult days. Please keep us posted on Bodie's progress.

Joanne MN

Kristen, I am sorry that Bodie has been diagnosed with this awful disease. You have found an excellent place for support. Feel free to toss out any questions that you may have because everyone here has been where you are at and can share with you their experiences. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Kristin, I'm sorry to hear about Bodie's diagnosis. It sounds like things are on the right track for treatment. The only thing I would add is ask the vet about adding a low dose of aspirin to prevent blood clots, which can be the number one killer of dogs with IMHA. We gave my dog Tiggs 1/4 of a baby aspirin daily until he was stabilized. Some vets haven't heard of this treatment, or will contraindicate Pred with Aspirin, but studies have shown that it can be a life saver, and many vet teaching hospitals use this as part of the protocol- we had a second opinion at Colorado State University, one of the leading vet teaching hospitals, and they also use this protocol. IMHA can be a long, slow road, little improvements can be big victories. The one piece of advice that I can offer you is to take things one day at a time. My dog Tiggs will celebrate his 1 year IMHA anniversary on July 16, and he is doing amazing. No meds anymore, and a happy, energetic boy. Bodie can do this with your love and support! Also, if he is having trouble eating or vomiting, you may want to discuss an anti nauseal. We also homecooked for Tiggs for a long time- steamed white rice, boiled/shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, etc. With supplementation with Hills A/D canned food, a high calorie soft food. Please keep us posted, we'll be thinking of you! My senior dog Winn is a Ridgeback/Pit Bull mix. They are beautiful, majestic, strong dogs. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

PS. Kristin, I just saw that you are in Colorado. I would highly suggest a consult at CSU, we spoke with Dr. Kathleen Lunn, she is doing many great studies funded by Joanne's Meisha's Hope fund through the Morris Animal foundation. We met with Dr. Christine Bradbury, she is a vet who is also doing her PhD in immunology. They were wonderful, and worked at length with my vet here in Salt Lake. Feel free to email me if you have any questions: melissalipani @ hotmail.com (take out the spaces). melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Kristin- I just wanted to say im praying for Bodie and am hoping for good days ahead...hang in there. My pit bull Sway has lived off a HCT of 18-28% for over 2 years since being diagnosed in July 07.

Josh California

Sorry to hear about Bodie's diagnosis Kristin. I hope all is well and that he is getting better. Did he recieve a second transfusion? I pray for you and your family during these tough times. Hang in there and be strong. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny Nova Scotia

My toy fox terrier mix(TIMMY) was taken to a local animal hospital after becoming very week,orange stools and pale pigement.After alot of tests were done to rule other causes it was deteremed as (AIHA) two days later recieved a transfusion because his pcv went down to 10.He had a slight reaction to the transfusion and fluid overload that went to the lungs.He recieved benadryl and lasix but he has labored breathing from the fluid.Vet was closing on a friday evening and had to transport him to a weekend critical care facility where they worked getting the fluid out over night.Upon arrival his pcv was 44 and saturday holding his own with normal respirations and fluid was gone.he looked good but now very yellow jaudance and very low appetite. After being rehydrated overnight is pcv is 36 and they don't know if its because of delution or it is droping.. and he is trowing up bile....He is on prednizone. This is where we are at today.....HELP>>>>> Terry

terry ussa

This thread was discussed between 12/07/2009 and 19/07/2009

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