Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Scary Milestone for Boogie

It's been almost three months since Boogie was diagnosed. From March 4th until April 24th, she had blood transfusions about every 10 days. Her last one (fourth) was April 24th. Up until that point, her count would get up to the low 20's after transfusion, and then gradually fall to 10, then the trasfusion. After the last transfusion, her count was 42 and since then her count has ranged from 30 to 36. It's held there for over a month. Her doctor told me to decrease her prednisone starting today. She was getting 10 mgs. (she weighs 8 1/2 pounds), now she'll get 7.5 mgs. I'm excited but also very nervous that her count might go down again. I guess I'll just have to see what happens. For the first couple months of this adventure, I never thought we'd get to this point. So all you who are struggling with this awful disease, keep the faith and don't give up hope. You never know when things might turn around. Sue

Sue Moorpark

Sue, that is great news! My Wylie was never below 34 before she was diagnosed and I am in the same boat, about reducing her pred, she had her spleen removed 3 weeks ago, except I think my Vet is not acting aggressive anough and wants to reduce too soon she her levels bounce back and forth, and the vet ups and then decreases her pred. Way to go Boogie!! Laurie

Laurie CA

Sue, That is wonderful. It sounds like Boogie is gaining the upper hand. Hopefully all will go well. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Sue, Congats! I know exactly what you are feeling, as Matilda was diagnosed the beginning of March and we were just told this morning that today is the day we begin lowering her prednisone dose. I am excited, elated, and just plain scared to death all at once. I will be keeping Boogie & you in my prayers. I'm betting Matilda and Boogie will be crossing these milestones together with flying colors! jeanne

Jeanne texas

Thanks for your replies. And a big congrats to Matilda. This is so wonderful and scary at the same time. Boogie sends a giant high five to Matilda. Sue

Sue Moorpark

Sue, it is 20 months now my boy has been an AIHA patient. In the begining stages he also had transfusions every ten days for a total of four, (also a small guy at 12 lbs). I can tell you it can be a 'juggling' act with the pred doses and the pcv/hct counts. After 20 months we are down to 1mg day and my beloved Choe is doing well (keeping fingers crossed it continues) but it took a very long time to get to this place. Don't be discouraged and just take the pred decrease very slow and check his pcv every 2 weeks. Best wishes, Jan

jan philly

Jan, Boogie is having a very good weekend so far. Peppiest I've seen her in a long time. We are still checking her PCV twice a week. Dr. Rackear (the specialist) told me the other day she would like to get to the point where I would only have to come in once a week. I told her I would prefer moving in with her and checking it every 5 minutes. I'm a bit paranoid. It's been such a tough road. Sue

Sue Moorpark

Indeed it is scary to reduce the meds. I'll keep good thoughts that Boogie's counts keep increasing up to normal levels. Hang in there. (btw, Dr. Rackear helped me understand what was going on with my cat, Mo-Mo, who had an agressive cancer. I like her.)

Ronda So Cal

I am so so happy to hear Boogie is doing well!! I hope that she continues to do great!!! I will continue to pray for Boogie and all of the other doggies going through this rough time! ((((((Hugs to Boogie))))

Robin new windsor ny

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2008 and 01/06/2008

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