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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - PCV question re Riley
| I have a question which you may have views about. Riley seemed to plateau at a PCV of 29, so I took him for a special consult visit to the teaching hospital across the other side of town, and she increased the cyclosporine from 25mg to 50mg and did not want to reduce anything else i.e. 12.5 mg of prednisone (two and a half tablets) and half a tabled of azathioprine (12.5mg) every other day. The PCV as you know came back at 34 a couple of weeks ago, so I guess we are on the right track. My vet, Kim, reduced his prednisone from 12.5mg to 10mg - two tablets, leaving the rest as is. Today the vet did an in-house PCV as she wanted to know what it was and it came in at 34.6, but I also requested a CBC as I wanted to check the platelet level, so that should come tomorrow. The university vet did not want to change the medication until the PCV had reached the reference level 37-55 here, but as I emailed her, she said if he does not continue to improve, she recommended I go back to the earlier dosage. I know the number is a little higher, but is this enough of an improvement in your estimation? We are all keen to reduce the prednisone of course, and Riley does show the effects of it - tummy, muscle weakness, panting, thirst, hunger, etc. etc. I guess I wondered if the medication had not been changed, whether the PCV may have come in higher? Confusion reigns as always. |
| Silka Melbourne Australia |
| Silka....this brings back memories of mine and Tessy's earlier struggles. Tessy's crit seemed to level out in the high 20's for months. I was beyond frustrated! It wasn't until we started ot lower her rped that it finally jumped up over 30. Then it seemed to level of around the 34 range for another couple months. All the while I was reducing her meds and it was remaining in this general range. AGAIN....very frustrating! At this point Tessy's anemia was microcytic so Dr. Dodds recommended we put her on Pet-Tinic (blood builder). Within a few weeks her PCV jumped all the way up to 39! In your case I'ld want ot know if the destruction has stopped. The doctors should be able to answer this for you. If it has then a gradual reduction in the meds would be a good idea...I would imagine. The tummy and muscle weakness/loss is common as a side effect of hte drugs. This will all go back to normal with time. Just last week I noticed Tessy's tummy starting ot get back to normal size again. I was so happy ot see it like this! The panting could be a result of the lack of oxygen circulating in the body. The HGB #'s will give you a clue to this. Thirst and hunger....Tessy's still an eating machine and she always drinks lots of water. This will likely remain like this until the drugs are gone. You could keep an eye on chemistry results. Overly excessive thirst could be a sign of something else going on. Possible kidney problems? Ask the doc about this. I'll keep Riley in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Silka, Johnny gave you some good advice. I don't really have much to add, except for our story. Kahlu too did not seem to be able to increase with the PCV, at one point (about 2 1/2 months after dx) he was considered non regenerative. It was scary and frustrating. As per Dr. Dodds we started small (about 10%) reductions and added B12, folic acid and iron supplements. The PCV went into the high 30's after that. the real jump happened when we reduced the Azathioprene. It also takes the reductions to build that muscle back. But it will happen!!! i just got back from a walk and it is wonderful to see how great Kahlu looks and how energetic he is. Be patient! I would look into the supplements if you have not already put him on them. I think the Biopreparation did help Kahlu a lot too. I know it is hard to see your dog suffering with all the side effects of the meds and here we are giving them. But remember that they saved Riley's life. I was always eager to reduce, but sometimes it is better not to and wait. It sounds like you are in good hands with your vets and Riley has come such a long way! Again be patient, it will happen and he will be his old self again. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Thank you Johnny and Brigitte - you have given me hope with what I wanted to know, and Im not the most patient person in the world. I need to find myself some supplements - I did look into BioPrep and you cant buy Pet Tinic here, but I will look again, given your stories. I do give a Health Booster supplement with milk thistle and other things specially made for animals, by a vet. Thanks guys. Silka |
| Silka Melbourne Australia |
This thread was discussed between 29/12/2009 and 30/12/2009
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