Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Scout PVC 15

Well, not great news. It seems like none of the meds are working yet. Scout's breathing and pulse rates are ok, so we're going to hold off on another transfusion. So scary. I'm going to have to watch her like a hawk tonight and take her for another pcv test tomorrow. I was able to get her to take her meds tonight, but she doesn't want to eat anything and I wish she would. I'm so worried about her. This disease is just evil.

Dorothy New Jersey

Dorothy, I am so sorry. You are right, This disease is Evil. Our Little Lucky Got all the way down to a 10%, and then her Meds kicked in. Our Daughter kept reminding us, "Where There's Life, There's Hope." We never have forgotten that. This Disease is a Roller Coaster Ride, but you need to Remember that there are success stories. Wishing you at least a restful night. Good Luck to You and Scout in the Morning! Please let us know, Kathy

Kathy Calif.

My 5 year old chihuahua minature pincher was just diagnosed with IMHA. He needs a blood transfusion but we cannot afford it. What does a person do when every vet around wants you to pay upfront even when you have insurance on your pet. Can anyone help with this question?

Mary California

Mary, I'm Sorry! "Some" Emergency Animal Hospitals claim that they care? After 3 days and $7,500.00 later, We had to take Lucky Out. We skipped Bills just to have the Money. Our Vets. Allowed us to Post Date Checks and as Much as they care about our fur family, They are a Small Town Clinic, that hadn't dealt with Autoimmune Disease. There seems to be more cases here now. Before the Emergency Clinic would even look at Lucky we had to have $3,000.00 Up Front. Dr. Dodds is Suppose to be really good and one that can answer Questions. I Wish you the Best with your little Baby.

Kathy Calif.

Dorothy, We added Imuran to Milly's cocktail this past Sunday after her third transfusion and her counts rose to 30 then bounced around the mid 20's for the next 3 days. They let us take her home last night (after 9 days in ICU) and she still seems ok - not great but stable. Before the Imuran and over the other two transfusions, her counts would rise to 30 then steadily decline 3-5 points every 8-12 hours until she would need another transfusion. I have also been in touch with Dr. Dodds who recommended adding the Imuran to the mix. My doctors would automatically do a transfusion when Milly's counts went below 20. I'm hoping and praying that Milly's counts stay stable at least. We go back in for another test on Saturday. I hope your Scout turns around. FYI - Milly is on: Prednisone, Atopica, Imuran, Doxycycline (infections), Pepcid, Plavix, and Mirtazapine. Judy

Judy Medford

Sorry to hear that. Have you had any full panels done? (CBCs, chemistry, thyroid testing, urinalysis) These could tell you if there is anything else going on such as increased WBCs which would in turn slow reticulyte production. Also have you talked to Dr Dodds to see what she recommends? She may be just the person you need to talk to to get those numbers up.

Monet Sammamish

Mary, We were offered the option to use care credit. It's a credit card that should be available to you and will allow you to pay off the transfusion in multiple payments.

Monet Sammamish

Dorothy, How is Scout this morning? You must have had a very worried night. I saw the protocol they have her on and it is excellent. A PCV of 15 is low, I won't deny that, but I have seen many dogs here survive that with great care. I am hopeful this will turn around today. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Dorothy, I sure hope that today will be a better one for you and Scout. 15 is low, but Lucky got down to a 10 and lived( it wasn't the quality of life that we had wanted for her). It may take some for Scout to Bounce back up. It is a Roller Coaster Disease. It has its ups and downs. The Best to You and Your Baby!

Kathy Calif.

Dorothy, There is alot of similarity in the meds your Scout is on, and what my Bentley was on....we also used Prednisone, Atopica, and Mycophenolate...along with Aspirin, Cerenia (as needed for nausea), Pepcid, PetTinic, and Denamarin. He also often was on an Antibiotic for infection. It took several weeks for the meds to stop the RBC destruction in Mr. B's case, and only after we went to max dosages....I hope Scout doesn't need such high amounts of these meds, as there are side effects involved. ( I will tell you, our specialist has told me that Mr. B did not have a simple case of IMHA, but a more complex, lupus-like condition, and that made his survival very unlikely.) Keep a watch for skin irritation....Mr. B had yeast infections in his ears, and between the pads of his feet. These were treated topically, but were bothersome to him. It also took us quite awhile to get his PCV up around 30....I think it was 2-3 weeks after transfusion number two. So don't give up!!! Saying prayers for you and Scout, Sally and (angel) Bentley

Sally Louisiana

This thread was discussed between 01/12/2011 and 02/12/2011

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