Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - pin k gums

anyone notice that gums are not always as pink as we would like to see, even when 'hct/pcv reading' is in normal zone? Jan

jan philly

Hi Jan. Yes, I have noticed this as well. In fact one side of Duck's mouth is always darker than the other. Do you check the gums at the same time of day in approximately the same lighting? Lighting can make a big difference. Also, I've noticed the insides of Duck's ears, his tongue and his tummy fluctuate in colour quite a bit throughout the day. deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

Hi Jan, Yes, and that will drive you insane. Even 5 years later I still freak alittle with Jacob. I notice a difference when he drinks water, plays, etc. Hope this helps to know you are not alone. I've been dealing with this disease for a long time now but the small things still make me a bit crazy!!! Take care, Teresa and Jacob

Teresa va

This is so true, Holly's gums vary so much and her ears, even our other dog is the same way sometimes very pink ears and other times not. So I guess to safely assume this is not an accurate way to measure how well they are. Linda

Linda Sapphire

yup...like deb & duck, sways mouth always has one side that is of color and the other is usually not. + both sides have flushed out to white at numerous times and her count was still at the level it was. 20-25, which is low but still far better than were we were in the single digits. i dont believe it to be a truly accurate way of judging anything once AIHA has been diagnosed. maybe as a red flag for someone who has never experienced it with there dog, but for someone to check the coloring every day seems to be not the best representation of how they are doing.

josh cal

I stopped checking Angelo's gums a long time ago. It was driving me nuts...literally! Next month will be 2 years since he was diagnosed and I just make sure that I continue regular blood tests. As long as they keep coming back normal then I know we are ok! Jeanne in NJ Goldens, Angelo & Archie

Jeanne New Jersey

Sometimes Jaspers gums and tongue are a better colour than at other times..........as is his belly!!!!It does drive you nuts!!!! Some days he has more energy than others and on low energy days I worry. He may walk further some days than others. Some days he drinks more water!!!...... Drives you nuts again! I probably will never fully relax again....always looking for signs that something may be wrong!!!! Jackie and Jasperdog

jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

Hi Jan, Benson's gums look more pale in the morning and redder at night. When he was taking all the meds to control the IMHA, I had to learn to check his gums twice before I would panic. I still check his gums regularly now, three years later, because he is on meds and supplements and I need to make sure that he is reacting well to everything. Best to you, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

My TC's gums are always somewhat pale, as I never checked them before the IMHA diganosis, I don't know what "normal" looks like. As others have said I am very aware of appetite and energy levels. This disease can make you crazy, hang in there.

Wendy Tampa FL

I think I'm not only driving myself crazy, I'm driving Choe crazy. 'Let mommy look at your gums, I say every morning.' I note his expression., 'Oh Geez, not the gum thing again' he practically says as I look from side to side, then look again! Yesterday I actually got out the flashlight as the shadows in the room didn't give me a good look. Seemed pretty pale to me. That's when I decided to conduct this pole. Feel a bit better! We are all slightly crazed, I see! Jan

jan phily

Checking gums constantly can drive both the dog and owner/cargiver crazy. And it is far from accurate. My Meisha once relapsed with the pinkest of gums. A more accurate assement is Capillary refill time. Our vet taught us this and it helped to gain peace of mind. To learn more about capillary refill time click on this URL http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&articleid=1164

Joanne MN

I have to say I do the capillary refill time thing....only I didn't know what it was called...... Jaspers gums are pink and black as he is a black and white spaniel........so I can't always tell......... so still drives me nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!

jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

This thread was discussed between 16/10/2007 and 17/10/2007

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