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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - 'Normal' fluid retention vs, throwing clots
| Our main concern with Reggie right now is his big, fluid-filled belly. He also has had a bit of bleeding from his nose and is laboring with his breathing (heavy panting). The vets don't seem to know why his belly is bloated, but from what I've read it's common with AIHA and Prednisone. My concern is whether he's having basic fluid retention, or could possibly be throwing clots (like in his lungs, causing the bloody nose?). Anyone out there with experience in this area? Sorry for hogging this board lately. We're at a crossroads with Reggie and the vets are recommending putting him down :-( |
| Amy Wisconsin |
| Hi Amy, Whay do the vets at the hospoital believe it is clots specifically? This is really important, as there are otehr reasons to bleed and have a full belly and have low platelets and RBC's. All of those can be a result fof AIHA and/or the drugs to treat it. Heavy breathing is also explainable without clots (although that too could be a cause). What other reasons are there for thinking clots? Evidence of clots? Or is this just circumstantial and their guess? Hugs, Richard |
| Richard Burnaby |
| Amy, I just saw your post about possible clots. I was told by 3 separate vets to put Chloe down and yet here she is 14! months later, still alive. Last July 4th her breathing became even more labored and she was already pretty frightening because she was on so much prednisone (up to 400 mg at one point and 200 mg of cyclosporine). The vet in the pet ER thought she threw clots into her lungs but said there really was no effective treatment. I ended up taking her home and just staying with her and watching her terrifying breathing. She really looked comatose for long periods of time the first 3 + months. Her belly was huge and firm, filled with fluid. Looked like classic ascites. Her belly is still huge but not firm or fluid filled, just very pendulous from crappy prednisone muscle wasting. She could barely get up to stand and her hind legs couldn't hold her. She weighed 67 pounds going into AIHA, dropped to 62, and went up to 84 from the prednisone. She looked so bad we all kept checking to make sure she was alive-forget the pink gums, we were beyond gums at that point. Chloe never bled from her nose though, that must be the clotting issue. I am praying that Reggie pulls through. Keep in touch with Dr.Dodds as she is an angel. She is the only reason other than divine override that Chloe is alive. (Chloe is a Golden retriever, ex-show dog,and has made it to age 4). Thinking of you and Reggie. Chloe I am sure would send doggie kisses to him. Every day gives Reggie's body a chance to fight this horrible disease. Cheri and Chloe |
| Cheri Maryland |
This thread was discussed on 26/06/2011
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