Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Prednisone Reactions

My sweet boxer-lab-pit mix was diagnosed at a routine vet appointment on November 24 when our vet saw pale gums. Her version seems to be in the marrow. She's been on prednisone for just about a week. This morning we woke to a wet bed(she sleeps between us). She's always woken us up if she needs to go out, but I am wondering if this could be involuntary wetting. She was let out at midnight before bed. I know the med makes her thirsty, but I thought this was unusual. If you have had any similar experiences, I'd like to know. She also seems lethargic since starting the prednisone. She had no symptoms until we put her on the medication.

Pat Vermont

Pat~ So sorry you have to experience AIHM/IMHA with your precious pet. Others on here are much better answering your questions, but this one I can share our experiences with our Tori and Prednisone. If she did not have any other symptoms but pale gums, you and your vet have gotten on this very quickly and that is a very good thing! Yes, the heavy dose of the Pred will cause involuntary wetting. They cannot help the situation at this time as they need the fresh water from the thirst and hunger it causes. It is temporary and will improve as the vets decrease her meds, but at this time they need to surpress her immune system until the CBC and other test panals show improvement. It's a "trial and error" approach with the right amount of meds for each individual dog, as they are so different in the way they respond, so it can be a little confusing and emotional for you and your family in your pet's recovery. Tori wore little "Swimmers" diapers that could be slipped off and on, with a small hole cut out for the tail. It caught most of the urine and saved a lot of accidents. We would take her out every couple of hours during the day and midnight and sometimes before daybreak. Sometimes her crate would be wet, but we just cleaned her crate with a little spray cleaner and changed her bedding for the next time she would be crated (fortunately she has been crate trained for nights and when we are gone). They do sleep a lot and are much less active. Tori could not jump up on any thing or even play with her favorite toys, as Prednisone also affects they muscle. This most always improves as the meds are reduced. I was so thrilled the day she brought is her stuffed bear to play and after a couple of rounds of fetch, she was back in her bed and both of us we relaxed, knowing improvement was happening! Tori did gain more weight, but that too has come off with the decreased Prednisone. Pat, they need to rest and heal, so for the NOW she needs to be comfortable, fed and watered and not much walking when being "taken out" to do her business. Patrice, Johnny, Bridgette & oh so many others will read your post and respond. So ask whatever questions you want. This post has been my lifeline as Tori continues to improve from her very sudden/near death on set of IHMA. Still on the roller coaster, but so encouraged by my friends that the prayers and good wishes that the journey is not so scary. We have been blessed by the very good vets at our animal hospital! What is her name and how old is she? Will be praying for you and your little one. May you have a blessed Christmas and a Healthier New Year! Blessings, Cindi & Tori

Cindi PCB

Dear Pat, You have discovered a wonderful and supportive site in this message board. Everyone on this board understands and sympathizes with everyone who joins. We all love our pets and want to see everyone else's fur babies heal as well. Gracie had a few accidents after a couple of weeks when she first started the prednisone. Now that it has been reduced she doesn't need to go out as frequently. The best thing to do is take your pet out more frequently and if you are away for awhile roll up your rugs ( if you can) and try to isolate her in a room away from the beds. It isn't her fault and the prednisone is helping to save her life. Gracie gained a bit of weight also but has dropped weight since she has been dealing with Pancreatitus. This is a tough disease and truly a roller coaster ride. Keep posting anything when you feel you need to. It has helped me to express my feelings in a place where I know people care. Best wishes for you and your pet. Gwen and Gracie

Gwen Rhinebeck

Thanks so much to those who have responded so quickly with good advice. We have been doing all the things suggested so far. My spouse is retired and so Juliet is not often left home alone for more than an hour or two. We live in a rural village and have a fenced in yard so Juliet can be frequently let out as she needs. She always asks. This event was a complete surprise. She had been let out at midnight and I don't know whether we didn't hear her last night or the urination was involuntary (my guess it was since she is such well behaved lady). She has slept in our room (frequently) on our bed since my son gave her to us 7 years ago, so I don't want to lock her out now. (Good reason to crate at night, live and learn.) Speaking of learning more, I have only begun to research the causes for this and gather there are many...from food to vaccinations to environment. I've already learned that we fortunately reside in a state that allows for vaccination exemption for immune compromised pets. Appreciate directions to any other reliable sources to learn more. I'll check in here regularly now that I've found this group. Again many thanks and good wishes to all of you going through this with your pets.

Pat & Juliet

Pat we are new to this as well. I am already finding wonderful support!

Carrie DFW

Yes, I remember lots of trouble with involuntary urination. Probably best though, as it means the prednisone is at a high dosage which it needs to be in the beginning. I'm so glad to hear that your vet diagnosed the disease at such an early stage!

Leslie Philly

Dear Pat, The prednisone makes the dogs so thirsty and then they keep peeing. Chloe at the beginning needed to go out every two hours or even more often. Even on her low dose of pred now (10 mg) she has had several accidents and then looks upset like she can't believe it! I just get up with her the second she cries. The prednisone affects the muscle tone so it becomes harder for Juliet to get up but the tone comes back. I hope Juliet is doing better and that her PCV is coming up. In the beginning it seemed like the only time Chloe stood up was to go outside. I just limited the distance she had to walk to the grass. It gets better-really! Give Juliet a kiss and hug from me and tell her to be strong. She has a great mom. Cheri and Chloe

Cheri Maryland

Dear Pat, I am so very sorry to hear you and Juliet have to deal with this disease. You mentioned that Juliet's bone marrow is not producing new red blood cells? Her IMHA would be classified as non-regenerative, and can be trickier to deal with. Maybe you could let us know her reticulocyte count from her latest blood test? You mentioned that Juliet's is now on Azathioprine? If she is non-regenerative, this may be detrimental as Azathioprine can suppress the bone marrow, and you really need it to pump out the new blood cells. Just something to think about and discuss with your vet. Cyclosprine might be better as the second immune suppresses. Have you had Juliet's thyroid tested? A lot of non-regenerative dogs respond to Soloxine. The bed wetting is totally normal. A couple of times, my Millie wet herself in her sleep..... Please keep us updated on Juliet's progress. Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Is threre anything we can do to reduce the muscle wasting? I know when I was on pred for 9 months some 20 years ago, it was my stomach muscles that got so weak. I had a six pack that just went to heck. But I got it back after about a year off of the pred and lots of work. I could not excercise while I was on it, due to my condition. I have read that we humans can take DHEA to help with the atrophy, is there anything we can do for them? Will exercise help? Just sad to see Summer not even being able to get on the sofa without help. Carrie and Summer

Carrie DFW

Carrie, the muscles will build back up as the pred is cut back over time. Yes, it is hard not seeing them be able to jump up on a couch or bed, but I can remember how excited I was WHEN Tori WAS ABLE to jump up on her own about 2 1/2 mos into this treatment. She is doing well right now and I praise GOD for making it through those first very confusing and scary months. I know it is hard to be patient, but a steady improvement is best, even if it is slow! Summer is doing all she can do right now and getting well is what's important right now! We're cheering you and Summer on... Blessings, Cindi & Tori

Cindi PCB

Thank you. It is so sad, when they don't understand. She wants to get up on the sofa on her own, and just looks at me with this confused look in her eyes. Last night and tonight she is really restless. She needs to go out about once an hour, if not more! Last night my husband stayed up with her. Tonight it is my turn. Thank you for being here, and supporting us. Carrie and Summer...praying for sleep!

Carrie DFW

Yes it is quite confusing for them not being able to do what they used to be able to do. But they will adjust eventually to their new situation. Our Casper used to think he could do it all but when he would jump and faint he realized he was no longer the same. Now he just puts his front feet up whatever he wants to jump on and waits for us to give him bum a boost so he can get up. As for the thirst and peeing, once the doc lowers the meds, that will improve. Casper used to get so stressed out because he knows it is not right to potty inside. But it is beyong his control. I hope Summer will start to improve soon.

leslie ca

This thread was discussed between 24/12/2010 and 17/01/2011

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