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

My 9 yr. old cocker spaniel was diagnosed w/AIHA last month. The disease just hit her w/o obvious warning. The vet started her on the usual initial treatment of medications. She steadily improved after initial meds kicked in and her meds were soon reduced. Thursday, she fainted in the yard very unexpectedly and didn't fully recover. I took her to the vet on yesterday, where she was given a blood transfusion and placed back on daily meds. I'm afraid that because of her age, she'll be 10 next month, that this may end up w/her being put down soon. I hope I'm wrong and that she recovers well. I'm usually a very strong man, emotionally, and have to deal w/difficult situations all the time. But this has me shaken! Can anyone tell me some of the things to expect? I read that the prognosis w/dogs who had transfusions is poor, but that seems a general statement. Any encouragement and support will be greatly appreciated.

Al Florida

Al, We all know what you are going through. Have you read up at Joanne's site yet? http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ Be sure to read the success stories. What is your girl's name? Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I have read that site, although the yellow background bothers my eyes. My dog's name is Bailey. She reminds me of my late and still loved cocker, Nikki, who had a bad heart murmur then glaucoma. She was released from this life 2 yrs. ago. She started having health problems at age 11, give or take a month. So, I'm kind of not surprised Bailey's having health problems. American cockers, I've read, seem to be loaded w/genetic health problems just waiting to happen. I appreciate your support very much!

Al

Al: Please don't despair. My 10 1/2-year-old terrier mix has been battling AIHA since October 19 and, just this week, started showing real signs of improving. She's had three transfusions (one of oxyglobin; two of whole blood). The transfusions bought her time for her body to start responding to her medications. Bailey's meds may have been reduced too quickly. (It's my understanding that the dosages aren't typically reduced until the stricken dog holds a steady pcv that's within the normal range [unless, as in Shadow's case, a dog has a seriously adverse reaction to one of the drugs].) American cockers were seriously overbred (and inbred) in the 1950's and some lines developed genetic disorders as a result. In at least in one study, American cockers were overrepresented among the dogs who had contracted AIHA. BUT, they can recover, and have recovered - just like members of every other pure or mixed breed who has contracted this dreadful disease - and lead a long, healthy life. Shadow and I send our best to you and Bailey . . . and are looking forward to the day when you post that Bailey's fully recovered. Sandy & Shadow

Sandy Utah

Hi Al, This disease can be a very long process and very expensive, so just prepare yourself. Our Holly (dachshund) was diagnosed March 26 and is still fighting hard. She is still on 5mg of prednisone a day and Azathioprine daily also. If you reduce the meds to quickly they will relapse. We actually had Holly down to 2.5mg every third day, but her reticulocyte count start rising so we had to increase the prednisone back up. Holly's bloodcount went down to 8 and had one transfusion and that was all. The meds kicked in and we continued for months before we ever started to reduce, when we did reduce it was 25% every 4 weeks and in her case that was even to fast. Many dogs to recover and live normal lifes. If you cocker has it in her, whe will fight. Just be prepared for a long battle. But know that you have come to a good place, there are many people on here that will give you so much information. In fact I learned so much from everyone here which is good, because when I discuss with the vet it really helps. Hang in there! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Al, My Golden Retriever was diagnosed at age 10 and is now 12 years and 7 months old so please have hope!! Like others have said, I suspect the meds were reduced too soon. You need to find a Vet that is well versed with this disease. My dog was on meds for well over a year before he was slowly weaned off completely. Stay strong and I will send good thoughts to Bailey! Keep us posted. Jeanne in NJ Goldens, Angelo & Archie

Jeanne New Jersey

I hope that neither you nor Bailey nor anyone else who read my post took offense when I wrote that American cockers were "seriously overbred (and inbred)" during the 1950's. It was a "Lady and the Tramp" thing. No one could replicate "Tramp," so everyone wanted a "Lady". A more compact Tramp lives with Shadow and me now, and my "Lady" (a pure bred cocker who "forgot" to grow - she weighed only 19 pounds when she died of hyperthermia, induced by an ignorant fool who couldn't/didn't notice that Buffy was a SMALL cocker, put her in a drying box [I'd never heard of such a thing!] and set it for 30 lbs.) lived with, and was much loved by, me from 1990 - 1996. Buffy was the first pure-bred who lived with me. I'd wanted her since I was eight, and saw "Lady and the Tramp", and got her many, many, many years later. I have no prejudice against pure-breds, and especially not American cockers. I just know, from having lived with Buffy and held her as she suffocated with blood pouring into her lungs and grieved her loss for 11 years, that Am. Cockers are an over-bred (but loveable and much loved) breed. I hope you and Bailey didn't take offense at my earlier, or this, post. I'm wishing you both well, as is Shadow. Sandy & Shadow

Sandy Utah

Al, Jasper is 11 1/2 spaniel/ collie cross and is still fighting this disease. He was diagnosed on August 30th. He collapsed on the Thursday evening and we weren't sure if he had fainted or had a stroke. He was out for the count for at least a minute. He was taken to the vets where he was kept in on a drip with various medications until his diagnosis came through on Saturday Ist September.He was lethargic, panting, weak and miserable. He didn't move from his bed for 5 days, refusing all food, only drinking water. As the meds kicked in he showed a gradual daily improvement. There are no quick fixes.It takes time, patience and lots of tears with self doubt, worry and downright fear. I was constantly wondering if I was doing the best and the right thing for my dog. But we are still here and still fighting nearly 3 months on. We have had ups and downs but he has more energy, we go for short walks. He constantly thinks of food above all else and is at this very moment guarding the oven where the chicken is being cooked for Sunday lunch. He can even hear cupboard doors being opened next door!!!!!! You have to do what is right for yourself and Bailey. But don't make any rash decisions. One vet on the Friday was pushing to have Jasper put to sleep, but we waited on the advice of a different vet and thank God we did as we are still here and still fighting. Good luck, Jackie and Jasper

Jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

Thanks to everyone! I feel better knowing there's support and encouragement. And Sandy, no, I take no offense what so ever with your statement. Cockers are probably over bred. At least from a genetic standpoint. Seems like in the US, when a dog becomes a fad, they become overbred, like pitbulls currently. I remember when it was chow-chows, rotties, dobermans, shepards and poodles.

Al

And dalmations. Every time Disney releases one of its 101 Dalmation movies, I cringe, knowing that 18 months later shelters across America will be filled with spotted dogs.

Sandy Utah

I have a Dalmatian, 12 yrs. old, female, spayed and lots of fun when she wants to be. And truth be told, I got my first cocker because of L&T and my dal because of 101 Dals. My family have always had dogs in our lives. My parents had a dog before I was even born, tho' I don't remember him much. I agree, many people simply get an animal based upon a cartoon movie or show, then when they find out the obligations and responsibilities, off to the shelters they go. Wish it wasn't so, but that's part of Western culture, IMO.

Al

Al... Don't give up on your dog. I have an eight year old lab we almost lost to AIHA. We are lucky to have some specialists a mile from my office that see lots of these cases.( one a week) They were very aggressive initially treating Daisy and are very careful not to make any reductions in her meds until they verify clinical remission. Then the reductions are made very slowly with each reduction only if things are good. We have been fighting this since July, 07. We did have to change her from Cyclosporin to Immuran cold turkey, because she was having problems with the cyclo. Some dogs won't eat initially, then they become ravenous for food from the Pednisone. We found it is best to portion out all the food your dog will eat in a day and then split that amount into three or four meals so the dogs feels like it is getting fed more. They need constant fresh water and threfore many trips outside to pee. If you read through the past threads, you will see people giving Milk Thistle for help with high liver enzyme test results. (70% of human adult dose based on weight) also Pepsid AC for the stomach problems that can arise from the Cyclosporin and the Prednisone. It is best to start the Pepcid, or something like it, before your dogs develops problems. Hopefully you have found a vet that is familiar with treating AIHA or doesn't mind your input. Everyone on this site has been forced to become pretty knowlegable about how it should be treated, and most things that may happen to your dog, has probably happened earlier to someone else's dog so don't hesitate to ask someone. Good Luck....Ron

Ron B San Mateo

Al, We too live in Florida, and are currently fighting our second go round with IMHA. April (an 8 y/o Shih Tzu) was first diagnosed in November 2002, and after a synthetic transfusion went into remission for the next 5 years. She relapsed on Nov. 12th (two weeks ago) and has since undergone two transfusions, the first on the 12th was a whole blood transfusion from a greyhound owned by the vet tech, and the second a type specific packed red cell transfusion on the 21st. Just yesterday, she ate her first meal in more than two weeks, and today her PCV was 33. (it was 8 on the 12th, 20 after the first transfusion and 30 after the second) So finally we are seeing that she her body is not attacking the red cells so quickly and she is starting a feel a little better. Anyway, I think every situation is different but you do have to have patience, and keep reading posts on this site as that will give you the strength you need to get through this. I am in the New Port Richey area and would be happy to share my vet's name with you or any other info you might be interested in. Let me know if I can help... Lisa

Lisa Florida

you came to the right place! good luck with your baby :)

josh cali

Well, Bailey is starting to crash, after her transfusion last Saturday. She's not near the danger point where another transfusion is needed, and the vet just prescribed Azathioprine 50mg, 1/2 2X daily. The vet said that if she doesn't improve, there's one more med and then there's nothing more she can do, except refer to a specialist too far for me to go, and too expensive. We go back to the vet on Saturday for a recheck. As harsh as it seems, if she doesn't improve, I'm afraid I'll have to let her go on from this life. Something I definitely wouldn't look forward to, but I can't afford the time or money it'll take to battle this disease. I hope that this med works...this isn't easy...

Al Florida

Al, you're right - this isn't easy. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Al -- good luck with your baby! You're in the right place for support. This is a very long disease to fight, my Monster has been battling now since June. You're in our thoughts. Jenelle & Monster

Jenelle Pueblo

I appreciate everyone's support. Bailey seems to be stabilizing so far. She doesn't look like she's gotten any worse at this point. But it's only been a few hours since we returned from drug store and she was given her first dose of Imuran and her scheduled dose of pred. Even my vet seems to be pulling for her, which shows compassion for her patients. My vet's name is Dr. L Hall, DMV. I'm very satisfied with her knowledge of animal medical care and the compassion she shows to Bailey. We'll see on Saturday how effective Bailey's body has been able to slow the progression of this disease. BTW, she's still eating normally, is alert but seems tired. Damned disease!!! (Sorry, I'm pissed at this disease).

Al Florida

Al - It's a good sign that Bailey appears to have stabilized - clinical signs are important. I'm sure your vet told you but Imuran can take a while to kick in and do its job - some doctors say up to 6 weeks. So, if Bailey is acting well but her labs don't show improvement on Saturday, try to not give up hope - it just may take a while. Take care and best wishes to you and Bailey. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Thanks for your encouragement, Bonnie and everyone. I'm in absolutely no rush to have Bailey put down. If she can wait, I can most certainly wait it out. Like everyone here, I love my dog and want what's best for her. I survived cancer, so eventhough it sometimes seems hopeless for Bailey, I will wait it out for the meds to kick in fully.

Al Florida

Al, If she is eating well and is alert that is always a good sign.Both the anaemia and the meds will make Bailey lethargic. The meds do take time to work and its really difficult because we all look for quick fixes as we don't like to think our pets are suffering.There is no pain as such with AIHA. I am sure you will do what's right for both you and Bailey. Good Luck, Jackie and Jaz

Jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

Al, It's really great to hear that Bailey has stabilized. As Bonnie said, it can take a long while for the Imuran to start working its magic. Sshadow's vet put her on cyclosporine while we waited for Imuran to take effect. It's very expensive - and did a number on her belly (she developed GI bleeding and had to be taken off it). If the other drug that your vet was referring to is cyclo, I have some spare 100 mg. capsules that I can send. That'll help with your costs and get some clutter off Shadow's pharmacy table. (I'm not "pushing" cyclo: Shad had a BAD reaction to it, but it does seem to help some dogs.) Continued progress to you and Bailey. Sandyl & Shadow (Also, Shadow had three transfusions in the first three weeks of the disease. She's been holding her own [and the costs have gone WAY down] since her last one [Nov. 1}. I swore I wasn't going to get her the third one, but am thankful that I relented.)

Sandy Utah

Ever since Bailey relapsed, her heart seems to be beating much faster I than I think. The vet said yesterday that it was because she had depleted her blood cells that were transfused. Has anyone else noticed this in their dogs?

Al Florida

Al-- the rapid heart beat is a side effect of the disease. Once Bailey's levels begin to rise the heart won't have to beat so hard. When my baby was so skinny due to the affects of the disease, you could actually see her whole frame move when her heart beat...it was scary. But she is a recovering little sausage and seems to be doing fine. Good luck. Jenelle & Monster

Jenelle Pueblo

Al - Sometimes Shadow's heart beats so fast that neither the drs. nor I can count the beats. Other times, it is so shallow and infrequent that neither the drs. nor I can hear it. That seems to be the nature of amorphous AIHA - a disease that sucks the life out of everyone associated with it - from dogs to folks and back to the suffering dogs. So, not a one of us with an AIHA-afflicted dog, hasn't asked ourselfe, "What the F*#$ am I doing to/putting my beloved friend through?" That's the freakin' reality of AIHA. And, I'm so sorry that you and Bailey ever had to learn that. Best wishes to you both. It's not a "fun" roller coaster ride - but then, I've always hated roller coasters. It's just now - after Shadow was diagnosed - that I know why I've always truly, truly hated them! Again, best wishes to you and Bailey. And, you might want to think about starting a new thread to update everyone who is concerned about Bailey's (and your) condition. Life does go on, and we can address the banal and inconsequential. But, we can never forget those who loved us most and best! Sandy & Shadow Sand & Shadow

Sandy Utah

This thread was discussed between 24/11/2007 and 01/12/2007

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