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

We just brought our Sasha home today;she was diagnosed with AIHA on Thursday. Sasha is an 8 year old Pomeranian. She has been healthy up until last week. She was transfused as her PCV was 17, and is on Prednisone, Doxycycline, and baby asprin. Her PCV is 21, down from 27 after the transfusion. My question is in regards to the baby asprin; Sasha is suppose to have 5mg/twice a day. Any suggestions on cutting the baby asprin for accurate dosage? Thanks! Christy and Sasha

Christy Oregon

Christy, so so sorry you have to deal with AIHA! It's such a rollercoaster of a disease to fight but dogs can and do survive and go on to live long healthy lives! If you haven't already check out Joannes site for lots of valuable info... http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/treatment.htm The success stories there will give you lots of hope and faith! I'm not sure the weight of Sasha but the recommended ultra low dosage of aspirin is o.5mg/kg given only ONCE daily. For the low dosage that you have to give it would probably be best to have it specially compounded by a local pharmacy/drugstore. Others here have done this as well as myself and it isn't all that expensive to have done. You might have to call around to somewhere that offers it though. I'm not sure what sizes of aspirin are available so don't know if splitting them with a pill splitter would even be an option let alone advisable due to inaccurate doses. Do you know the dosages of the other drugs she's taking? Her weight?Do they suspect a tick disease...hence the reason for the doxycycline?? Lots of thoughts and prayers for Sasha. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hi Christy How is Sasha doing? Please know that she is in my prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

My 10 year old Pit Bull Buddy was diagnosed in December with IMHA. This breed is extremely high energy so it was very obvious something was wrong. Trying to wean him off of the Prednisone, (30 mg twice a day) apparently was not a good idea. (67.5 lbs) Just had emergency blood transfusion on Friday. His count was 12. He's doing better now and back on the prednisone. The one emergency vet said some dogs can never be weaned off of it. Follow up appointment with regular vet is next Friday. Also, Buddy had a splenectomy (spleen removed) last June due to small bleeding episode. He has had every blood test, tick test, liver and kidney test, ect ect known to man. I must emphasize PLEASE GET PET INSURANCE. It has been a Godsend. Also, it is probably lucky for him he is spleenless. Any comments would be appreciated. Prayers for all Dog is God spelled backwards! Martha & Buddy

Martha California

First, thank you to all of you who responded to my question. We lost the fight with AIHA last night; Sasha died in her sleep. At least she was home and I know we did all that we could to help her. I send my hope and prayers to those of you who are still keeping up the fight! BE WELL.

Christy Oregon

Hi Christy, my deepest condolences to the loss of you pet. I lost my spaniel Crosby to this illness last week. Please know that Sasha is in a place where, illness, sufferring and pain do not exist. I have questioned myself many times since Crosby got ill about why, what-if I had noticed a symptom sooner, or did I do soemthing wrong. DON"T DO THIS. Since Crosby passed away, I have talked with several people at veterinary medicine universites, veterinarians, and one of the veterinarians spoke with a geneticist. There is really no known reason why this illness occurs and the overall survival rate is VERY low. I had made these calls because I want to get another dog because I loved Crosby so much, he was the sweetest of dogs. I want to get another dog from the same breeder, but I had to put my mind at ease that a new dog had a low probability of this recurring. This illness is so rare, getting it is similar to the chances of getting hit by lightening.

elaine Ottawa

(((CHRISTY))) I'm so sorry for your loss. It's the worse feeling in the world losing a beloved furkid to this disease!!! I last Sadie last August and it still hurts when I think about it! Take comfort in knowing that you did all you could for her and she knew the love you had for her. There's a special place where all these VERY special pups go to wait for us. She's not alone in her wait! My condolences and deepest sympathies to you and yours. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Christy, I am so sorry for your loss. If you feel like it, go to the Meisha's Hope website: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html There is a link Loss & Grief. People that have been in the same situation have written some things that might be helpful. Sasha will always have a special place in your heart and in time all the bad memories will be replaced by the good ones you have of her. With heart felt condolences, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Elaine, We lost our 3 1/2 year old Standard Poodle Kahlu a little over a year ago after a year of fighting AIHA. I was devastated and not sure if I would be brave enough to ever get a Standard poodle again. I wrote to Dr. Jean Dodds and she assured me that I had no bigger chance of this happening again then if I would go to the pound and get a dog there. (Don't get this wrong, I had many rescues, wonderful dogs) The reality was, that Kahlu's breeder offered me a pup from his sister. To agree to take him was the best thing I ever did. This guy, Enzo makes me laugh out loud more than once every day. We got him three months after loosing Kahlu and he never came to replace him. He is different in every way, even if he looks similar. So far he has been very healthy, he is a year old now. But then of course we did a few things a bit different too. (Immunization, later neutering, and no chemical flea control) And then there is Johnny who had two dogs (siblings) getting hit. How brutal is that. And yet he dealt with it. There are NO guarantees, we can do everything right and it can still happen. My vet told me to relax.... I am trying! If you love Cockers, go and get one, that is just my advice. Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Please accpet my deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved Sasha. I pray for strength and courage for you and your family to help you get through this difficult time. May Shasha's spirit be with you until you meet again. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Christy I am so so sorry for your loss - our dog Mo was diagnosed a few days before Sasha and I have been devastated even though she is still fighting, so I can only imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you - Sasha will always be in your heart and the memories precious. Take care Diane

Diane Milton Keynes

Christy, I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad that Sasha was home surrounded by love. She is at the bridge with some mighty fine dogs now but she will remain in your heart forever. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

This thread was discussed between 12/03/2011 and 21/03/2011

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