VetNet®
VetNet® AIHA discussion forum
VetNet® Forum
Lifelong Learning Network
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk
Veterinary Recruitment
Premier Partner Program
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Nibs
| Nibs saw the vet today. Her PCV is 30--down from last week's 40 after a transfusion of packed cells. She doesn't eat even with being on pred 20 2X a day. (Also on cyclo and pepcid) She's swollen, listless. She's short of breath. The vet added Lasix. Said it was time to start thinking about putting her down. But this is something I always am aware of--that the time may come. But not yet. Sending good thoughts and prayers for all of our dogs. |
| Shirley |
| Dear Shirley, I am so sorry to hear your discouraging news about Nibs. While this is a lower number, it is still a relatively high pcv and one that isn't dangerous right now. It would be considered moderate to mild anemia. It might be helpful to see another vet or a specialist for a second opinion? The prednisone is responsible for making her swollen, listless and short of breath. I know how hard it is to watch that. It does go away when the dose of prednisone is lowered, I promise. When Chance was at his lowest pcv, a friend told me it was time to think about having him put down. I called my pet sitter and asked her to come over and look at Chance. She is a vet tech and sees sick dogs all day long. While she was there, Chance managed to get down the deck stairs and run over to the bird feeder to bark at a squirrel. She told me not to listen to anyone about having him put down, that she thought he was going to make it and that she sees dogs that are much sicker all day long. I am glad I listened to her. The decision you are being asked to make is yours alone. I don't think anyone can tell you what you should do. You can ask for advice, but even then, sometimes the advice of a health professional needs to be weighed carefully. My vets are stunned and amazed at our success. And they have told me how much they have learned from this. My thoughts are with you, Patrice |
| Patrice New York State |
| ^^^i 2nd what patrice says, high doses of pred and cyclo really could cause problems with side effects, listless, weight loss, skeletal etc... feel your way through it, these meds that fight this disease really shake some dogs to the core...mine was one of them. we had to scale way back and found the right medium for us. every dog is different. but 30 is a good #. my dog hasnt been in the 30's since may and she has stabalized around a count of 20-25. so take some good out of that count and just keep plugging away, your dog will hopefully respond and get better to some degree, it definately is baby steps. my dog needed 8 transfusions and a 3 week stint of not even being able to stand up before her count stabilized into the low 20's. and she has gained 12 pounds, her ability to walk/run, appetite, playfulness all back again rather well. |
| Josh california |
| Thanks for the encouragement. Nibs ate tonight and seemed to enjoy her food. She's sleeping now and her breathing seems a little better. Thanks again. I am glad I found this board. |
| Shirley |
| Eating is good. The Lockhart family moves on their stomachs. Patrice |
| Patrice New York State |
| Don't give up. When my Hunter was ICU for 8 days between diagnosis and his death, one thing he ate til the very last day was the fresh boiled chicken I took him to him 3 times a day. If your dog refused to eat, try boiling some chicken and offer it to him. |
| sandra Texas |
| The boiled chicken is working well. Thanks for the suggestion and the comments. Nibs even came into the kitchen this morning and watched me as I prepared it. However, she doesn't like leftovers. I have to prepare her chicken each time. She is doing better today. |
| Shirley |
This thread was discussed between 26/12/2007 and 29/12/2007
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index
This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.
