Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Relapse: Can there be no relapse?

Hi Everyone, Our 5-month old Westie puppy was diagnosed with vaccine-induced IMHA on 02/25/09. We have posted to this board before and appreciated the input. I was wondering has anyone ever heard of a case of a dog never relapsing after their initial crisis? I have heard younger animals have a better prognosis but I don't really know what that means. Henri is doing well. We have just started the medication weaning process. As you can imagine, relapse is a huge concern. Sincerely, Ella Neumann

Ella Seattle

Hi Ella, I do believe there are many of these lucky dogs on Joanne's website in the success stories. I hope that there will be many more of us lucky enough to be in that boat in the future! I do believe some of the the keys are very conservative med reduction, avoiding as many environmental stressors (ie, vaccinations, flea tx's, etc), and being armed with the knowledge for the future to catch any setbacks quickly. I hope that all survivors here of IMHA remain healthy and relapse free! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Ella, Over the years I have seen many, many dogs who have never had an AIHA/IMHA relapse. You can read about some of those dogs on the Success Stories pages at my Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm Most of the dogs that I have seen relapse free have been weaned off medications very, very slowly. I am glad to hear your Henri is doing well. Keep us posted on his progress.

Joanne MN

I so hope its possible. I'm not sure why very slow weaning off meds would make a difference later in the dog's life if the dog is prone to AIHA. I do understand how the potential for relapse in the first year or two is reduced through very slow weaning, but once the dog is off the meds wouldn't the potential for relapse be just as great as before? Can anyone explain?

Leslie

Ella, Glad to hear Henri is doing so well. I don't know if there is an answer to Leslie's question. That is why it is so important to support MAF's Meisha's hope fund in anyway tht you can so someday we will have all the answers to this awful diease. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Joanne and others, Thank you for the information and encouragement. FYI Dr Dodds said she has seen dogs never relapse especially if the known trigger is removed--like in Henri's case--vaccines. I am curious though, is there a comprehensive list of triggers somewhere? I know, folks have mentioned tick meds, certain antibiotics---but is there a list we can read? Thank you, Ella Neumann

Ella Seattle

Try this: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ImmuneSystem.htm Patrice

Patrice NYS

Good to hear Henri is doing well. I hope and pray to God that no animals EVER have a relapse. I've been racking my brain lately trying to figure out what exactly might have brought on Tessy's anemia but the only thing I can think of is Febreeze air freshener. About a week before she started showing the signs I spayed some down on the carpets. Before I could get it vacumed up Tessy was running through it and had her ball in it. I never thought nothing of it at the time but now looking back one can wonder if this may have been a trigger. I guess one can only speculate. I do know that I won't be using any chemical cleaners or air fresheners anymore...just in case. Johnny & Tessy

Jonathan

It's difficult to pinpoint any one cause. In Ren's case I believe it was vaccine and the stress of a vacation. Whatever the cause, I am with Johnny, cut out the chemical cleaners, the vaccines and love these critters like today the world will end. SUE

Susie Delaware

This thread was discussed between 24/03/2009 and 25/03/2009

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