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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Sami
| A friend of mine located this site as my best friend for the past 6 years was just recently been diagnosed AIHA. I am completely lost and have been scouring the net for as much information as I can get. He was diagnosed August 17th and his red blood cells were at 23.4. He dipped as far as 16 and he received a blood transfusion which brought him up to 20. He ran a 10 day course of antiobiotics along with pred and atopica. He managed to get as high as 33 but now he's slipped back to 31. He's back on the antibiotics and tomorrow we go back for another blood test. Unfortunately Sami's red cells are clumping and it appears that his right eye which was normally ice blue has filled with blood which they suspect was a clot that was behind the eye. I really appreciate all the information I've read on this site and my heart goes out to those of you who have lost your loved ones. My tears can't stop flowing for the good news posts as well as the very sad posts. |
| Sue Kingston Ontario Canada |
| Dear Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Sami's problems. I am glad to hear that a transfusion was done and helped so much. It's common for the PCV packed cell volume (or HCT hematocrit) to drop a bit after a transfusion. Have your vets performed a complete tick disease panel? You mentioned that they prescribed antibiotics and I am wondering if this was doxycycline? This is commonly prescribed for treatment of most tick diseases. I am familiar with many tick diseases and the symptoms that can arise from them. One particular tick disease, ehrlichiosis, is known for causing blood shot eyes (uveitis). You are located north of me (Rochester) and I know that ticks have not been as common in our area in the past but are working their way west and north from the Albany area. Some vets may not be particularly familiar with these diseases and miss this diagnosis. Here is an excellent webpage written by a good friend of mine: http://dogsandtickdisease.googlepages.com/ehrlichiosis She has done extensive research on tick diseases and has gathered information from many experts to develop this website. Here is a snip from this page: "In the acute stage, fever (pyrexia), diarrhea caused by inflammation of the intestines (enteritis), swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenomegaly) and enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) are common symptoms. There may be an increase in white blood cells. If you suspect your dog may have erhlichiosis, *have your vet check your dog's eyes. Ocular manifestations of the disease include uveitis, retinal disease and corneal opacities.* When the disease goes into the subclinical stage where no symptoms are present, E. canis burrows in and undermines any of a number of organs, but the bone marrow, where production of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets takes place, is its primary target. "The only hint that Ehrlichia are hiding is a somewhat reduced platelet count and/or elevated globulin level on a blood test." Laboratory findings during this stage may also include mild thrombocytopenia and a positive antibody titer; slightly decreased packed cell volume (fewer red blood cells) or leukocytes (white blood cells)." I hope that Sami is responding well to the antibiotics and that there will be progress in the next few days. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Sue, I am so sorry Sami has been diagnosed with this dreadful disease. make sure you have a look at Joanne's website: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm be sure to read some of the great success stories. They were a source of hope and comfort when my dog Kahlu got ill over 7 months ago. It is very important that you have a vet on board that is experienced with AIHA. i did not have this luxury, but our vet was exited to work together with Dr. Dodds from hemopet. This way she could learn and can now apply her new knowledge in the future. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Sue, You have come to the right place, we are one big family here, I will not say happy, because sometimes the news is devasting, but we are a family and will help you as much as we all can. Saying a prayer for Sami. Linda |
| Linda Sapphire |
| Also look into using a holistic called Bio Prep found on the website www.optimumchoices.com It has a lot of information. And it so far is helping my dog Rosie. Pam & Rosie |
| Pam Illinois |
This thread was discussed between 10/09/2009 and 11/09/2009
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