Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Our baby Chloe

My Chloe was diagnosed with AIHA last night. It all started last Saturday. She was doing fine and when my daughter came home Chloe jumped off the couch and barked at the door as she usually does. Then all of a sudden Chloe's hind legs give way and falls to the floor and rolled over on to her back. The next morning she urinated on herself. She acted so ashamed for doing that. I took her to the vet and they saw her like just for 2 seconds and said she needed a CBC she hadn't eaten and the vet said wait until the blood results come in tomorrow. The reason I'm saying all this is because I want to know if any one knows where we can make a complaint on the vet. The results came in and they said that Chloe had a thyroid, liver and anemia problem and that she was bleeding internally. They told me to take her to a specialist asap. but they told me it would cost thousands of dollars. He told us to just euthanize her because she could die at any moment. That was so devastating for us. because she did not look like she was dieing. We asked for financial assistance threw P.A.W.S. and they helped with $75 towards the office visit at the pet emergency hospital. They diagnosed her with AIHA and confirmed that she was not bleeding internally. they told us it would be best to give her a blood transfusion, catheter and to stay the night so she could regain some blood cells. They told us that it would cost $1000 to start and they want it up front. they left us alone for awhile and then came back for our answer. we told them we didn't have that kind of money. The vet said she could not release my dog because she was suffering and that it was best if we just euthanized her. My kids and I just openly cried and the vet left again. when she returned she told us that all the other doctors agreed to let us take Chloe home. They gave her a steroid shot and gave us Prednisone 10 mg to be taken 2 times a day. Chloe has had much more energy she has been walking around barking as normal and even going outside to pee all by herself. Before I would take her out and hold her up so she didn't wet herself. She still does not want to eat but as the Vet instructed was to make sure she eats even force feed her if I have to. So I am force feeding her wet dog food liver mixed with chicken and rice. I want to replenish the Iron and I am wondering if raw spinach is good for her to eat? Also Does anyone know if there is a home made or herbal treatment that I can try to help control her red blood cells. I am also trying to get Actor's and Animals involved to help get a blood transfusion and blood test. I don't want to give up on my sweet Chloe just because I don't have money. I am disabled and get very little money per month. Thank God for this website I have learned so much from all of you.

Cindy California

Hi Cindy, I am so sorry your Chloe has been diagnosed with AIHA (also referred to as IMHA)....we have been fighting in with our Pomeranian Bentley as well. Chloe's initial episode sounds alot like Bentley's first symptoms, kind of falling down/fainting sort of thing called syncope (he also urinated). We also went to the vet, and he required a transfusion, and was put on meds to begin his treatment. Prednisone is the typical drug of choice to treat this illness....some dogs respond to that med alone, and others need more immuno-suppressants. Blood tests are done to see if the destruction of the red blood cells by the immune system has stopped, and if the pup's body is making new baby red blood cells to replace the destroyed ones. Its all about getting the immune system under control. For some dogs, this happens quickly. For others, like Bentley, it can take much longer. It took two months, and three major drugs with countless trips to the vet, to get his IMHA into remission. The vets are right....unfortunately, the costs of treating this illness are very high. There is an option care Care Credit (I think that's correct) that I've heard others talk about that can help with making payments. I would also suggest you contact Dr. Jean Dodds....she is very knowledgeable about this illness, and can give more advice on some of the other issues you mentioned, especially the thyroid. She has done extensive research on that topic. Her email is hemopet @ hotmail.com (remove the spaces before sending) Let her know of your situation, and be sure to include the numbers from the lab reports from the vets. I don't know about the raw spinach....I've never heard that recommended....some others may chime in on that. I do know you can get some PetTinic from the vet. It is a supplement that helps the pups with making RBC. I have given it to Bentley since he was diagnosed. You can also give Milk Thistle to help the liver cope with the effects of the Prednisone. This can be a long process....I hope this has helped a bit, and we are sending you and Chloe big HUGS!! Please keep us posted, and we're here to answer any questions. When you get lab numbers, please post them....lots of us can help you know just what is going on with her. Sally and Bentley

Sally Louisiana

I am very sorry to read about Chole's diagnosis and I think you should try contact Dr Jean Dodds via email hemopet@hotmail.com, try to get a copy of Chole's blood work and email Dr Dodds her numbers. You need to find a vet who is willing to work with you and prescribe the meds Chole should be on. You can apply for a loan from CARE CREDIT http://www.carecredit.com/ that is what I did and just paid it off over time. The vet is correct try to get her to eat, but I don't think spinach would be too good, get some pet tinic it is a vitamin with iron and not too expensive http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Tinic-4-oz-120-ml/dp/B00076HUAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317297935&sr=8-1 try to order it today if possible. You need to take her to the vets to have her blood work often, if she is on pred that is not expensive and they may want to azathioprine too. Try to find a vet that is willing to work with you and has experience in treating AHIA. When she comes in for blood test most do not charge for an office visit if they don't see the vet, maybe try to find a teaching vet hospital in your area. Sending our prayer Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Cindy, I'm so sorry for this diagmosis of IMHA. We have been fighting it with Lyndi since Aug 8. Goggle "Help with Vet bills" & apply for everything you're eligible for. There's one that responses in a few hrs. Is there another Emergency hospital you can go to that may have a fund to help ? Does the ER you went to have one? Call & find out. If they said she needs a transfusion her PCV is probably very low. Did they give you her records? If not ask for them in case you go somewhere else. Please keep posting so we know what's going on. You & your family will be in my prayers. Don't wait to try all these things & try to keep her as quiet as possible until you figure something out. By the way Dr Dodds is off till Sat for Jewish holiday. I emailed with a question & got that reply. Isn't she in California? Maybe send email anyway & whoever reads it may have some suggestions. Good luck.

Margaret SW Pa

Cindy, As you can see, you will get excellent advice here on next steps. I just wanted to chime in with a suggestion regarding the economics of drugs... When you are prescribed a drug by the vet's office, ask if it is a human drug as well and attainable at your neighborhood pharmacy. My dog has been on azathioprine and prednisone since being diagnosed last October (maintenance doses now) and I found that I saved HUNDREDS of dollars getting the meds from Rite Aid Pharmacy versus the vet's office, especially the azathioprine. The vet's office needs to have this drug compounded to get the 10 or 25mg dosages and a month's supply was almost $400 (in the beginning at the higher dosages). I opted to get the 50mg tablets from Rite Aid and use a pill splitter -- the cost came down to less than $30 a month. This is indeed a very expensive disease, but tips like this -- as well as Care Credit -- can make it less painful for you. Hope and prayers for your Chloe! Sharon

Sharon PA

Wow, this is so wonderful that all of you have made me cry for showing such great support for my Chloe. Here is the latest on Chloe's condition. She seems to have more energy than yesterday and is running outside to bark at someone who knocked on the door. Now thats how my girl is normally. :) We brought in some groceries and she was smelling all the bags and then jumped over them with ease. Her gums look better they are less yellow and I could see like a tinge of pink in areas. She was never to good for being housebroken but now she gets up and goes out to our concrete patio. :) Though we have her area with her bed and pillows she seems restless to stay there. I still have to force feed her even though she bit me. lol but I'm glad that she is keeping the food down. Oh yea her breed is a Bichon Frise and she is 5 yrs old I called so many places today to find some organization to help and unfortunately no one has the funds to help Chloe and I looked for a school to take her to but the closest one is 50 miles away and I do not have a car. I Called Actors and Others for Animals and they basically told me off because I did not get her spayed. The said they won't help me. Grrrr I will email Dr. Dodds and look into all the resources all of you have given. With all of my heart and Chloe's we thank you, Sally and Bently, Cheryl and Ginger, Margaret and Lyndi, and Sharon.

Cindy California

Cindy~ So glad Chloe is feeling a bit better, which makes you feel better, too. But I am sorry you and Chloe are having to go through this. Tori, our poodle just relapsed 3 weeks ago...first with ITP, where she didn't make enough platelets and was in danger of internal bleeding. It is now under control, but her original IMHA also caused her WBC to increase and destroy her RBC. She is making improvement. I talk to the vet today to "report" her status and will do the CBC next week. I explained to my vet that this was getting expensive and we decided I could monitor at home this week while the new meds kick-in. It saves me 38.00 for the CBC and 28.00 for the vet check. She was willing to do this because we have been through this before and she trusts me to come in if I see any negative change in her health, behavior, appetite, activities, etc. Praying I don't miss anything. It is a big responsibility, as you are learning. Chloe may not need all the bedding and pillows right now because of the meds. Tori is always hotter and happier on the floor by the air conditioning vent when taking the high doses of meds. Today, she was wanting to play ball and that is a good sign,just like yours jumping over the grocery bags!! We are here to encourage one another and to pass info and suggestions that might be helpful. We care! Blessings, Cindi & Tori (Evans Syndrome)

Cindi FL

Thank you Cindi for the information you gave me. I am sorry to hear about Tori. It is so difficult knowing that due to finances there such little help out there. I did call the vet at the emergency but she will not be back until Monday. I'm hoping that they can check her blood levels for how much they charged me the first time $19. Chloe has now decided to eat but only by hand fed and people food. This was good because it was difficult to have to shove down her meds down her throat. she seems content and is laying in her favorite spot and at night she goes to her bed. The most surprising thing is she is now housebroken its like she is telling me "see mom I'm a good girl." Cindy & Chloe

Cindy California

I don't know what to think about Chloe. She is doing so much better she is definitely eating on her own. I put her medication in her food and she slurps it up with no problem. she is acting like herself again and her gums look very healthy and pink. I have not been able to take to get her blood checked yet but I'm a little afraid to do that cuz Chloe just seems so happy now. I was looking in to switching her to herbal treatment that helps many areas in the body. it is for the immune system. there are several products out there. I also have her eating beef liver, home made rice and chicken. I also have mixed Spinach into her food. I also give her a 1/2 teaspoon of natural peanut butter as a afternoon treat. I only feed her twice a day 1 cup of the food I make for her. The only problem I see now is that she is getting very fat and this is one of the reasons I want to get her off of the Pred. My other dog, Sadie, has been enjoying the benefits of homemade dog food and has not gain one ounce!! she is is also jealous of Chloe getting more attention. I'm looking to get her test done next week. Cindy & Chloe

Cindy California

That is a good sign of her pink gums and energy level. Be very careful how much liver you are giving her. It is good for the the iron, but because i it is so potent and can cause pancreatitis, another disease that manifests itself with AIHA from eating too muuch rich/fatty food. It needs to be given only I think its 3 times a week and at very small amounts. I am thinking I fed my 50# dog 1/8 of a cup 3 times a week. If you ask in a separate post, i know someone else can conformt this. Also my vet said to hold off for awhile on any supplements that boost the immune system in the beginning If I remember it has to do with triggering the immune system and somehting you do not want in the early stages of AIHA. Again hopefully someone can chime in on this with more explanation. Laurie Laurie

Laurie CA

liver: 1oz per 10 pound of dog per week. my big dogs get around 8oz a week. two small pieces a day. liver also contains many other vitamins that are important such as b's. but it is very rich. don't give the weekly dose all in one day, spread it over the week. if you have to, cut off a small frozen piece once a day and just cook that. it is a myth that you should give things to "boost" the immune system. the immune system in AIHA dogs is overactive and is causing illness. you do not want to make it even more active. don't give any supplements to your sick dog that may interact badly with medications you are giving that are essential to saving their life. always cook spinach if you give it to dogs, raw spinach has a chemical that can interfere with the thyroid gland, in humans and in dogs. use small quantities. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Thank you Laurie and Patrice. I had cut down on the liver as of last night but I kept the spinach in. I wanted to be sure she had iron in her diet to increase the blood cells. Thank you both for the information on the supplement for her immune system, that is very logical and I do not want her AIHA to increase activity. Thank you Cindy & Chloe

Cindy California

Patrice, thanks for the clarification. Since i has been 3 years since Wylies diagnosis, my brain is fuzzy and I remember bits and pieces. Laurie

Laurie CA

This thread was discussed between 29/09/2011 and 05/10/2011

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