VetNet®
VetNet® AIHA discussion forum
VetNet® Forum
Lifelong Learning Network
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk
Veterinary Recruitment
Premier Partner Program
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Stomach Protection!
| It would seem that there are still protocols for treatment that include prednisone at high doses, but neglect to also administer stomach protection. It is essential that dogs (or humans) receiving high dose glucocorticoids be given some form of gastric protection via an acid reducer. There are several different kinds. If your vet doesn't suggest it, ask. In addition, it would be wise to also provide something to heal any gastric ulcers that might have developed or could develop. The simplest treatment is slippery elm slurry administered away from foods and meds. You can get this at any health food store. A formulation called sulcrafate binds to the mucosa in a similar way and protects the body from acid, assisting healing of ulcers. I used this on an overnight fast to give it plenty of time to work. Ask for a script for this. I have a vivid memory of a member of our forum losing their dog on the operating table. This dog had severe ulcers from the prednisone and had eaten a bunch of socks to relieve the pain. The surgery was too much for the dog. I don't want to see that happen ever again. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Patrice~ Thank you for all your wonderful "reaseach" knowlege that you share with us. I really liked the info in: http://www.dogaware.com/articles/wdjpancreatitis.html since Tori had a few bouts of pancreatitis. So far she has been fine since we adjusted her diet and treats to low-fat/senior. Glad you are here....and I know I am speaking for so many others here, too! God bless you! Cindi & Tori (IMHA and Recovering) |
| Cindi PCB |
| Patrice, Thank you for bringing this up again. I can't over-emphasize the importance of a stomach protectant. Our dog, Dudley, had ITP and was on prednisone but no sulcrafate as our vet believed the dose of pred was low enough to not require it. He developed internal bleeding and despite a transfusion, didn't survive. We thought he was on an upswing, but it wasn't meant to be and his death took us all (vet and staff included) by surprise. imo, he essentially bled to death because of course with the ITP his blood wasn't clotting. It was absolutely awful..... Christina |
| Christina BC |
| Christina, I am so glad that you have posted. I am so sorry that it happened this way for you. I know that you must have moments of deep grieving about this. Remember that we are giving you a group hug during these times. I hope all of you recognize how gracious it is for folks like Christina to return to this forum and post information like this. It is how we learn to manage the medical care provided to our pets. Make a promise in memory of the dog you lost or the dog that survived to return here to support owners that are new to this. What an enormous difference it makes. my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Terrific advice Patrice and without gracious folks like you and so many others this forum could not and would not exist. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA |
| Patrice, I haven't posted on here in quite a while, and this is the first time in a while that I've checked back. I discovered the site when our shih-tzu cross was recovering from aiha. Less than a year later, Dudley had ITP. I couldn't believe we were going to go down that road again! The prednisone, the urinating every half hour, the appetite, muscle wasting, fur loss etc! Terribly discouraging at the time. I am so thankful that is in the past for us, at least for now as our little Brindle has been recovered for 5 years now. Or, oh my goodness, is it 6 years now? How lovely to have lost count!! Dudley passed away over 4 years ago and we still miss him very much and talk about him often and remember his funny little mischevious ways. When Dudley was being treated I posted on here frequently and it was a huge support for me emotionally. This was of course all before you came aboard Patrice. You are a wonderful treasure trove of information and support to everyone here! Your knowlege is simply amazing and your generosity to share it as well. Thank you for all you do here Patrice, you are so appreciated! Christina |
| Christina BC |
| Thank you, thank you for posting this. 2 weeks ago Gunner was having pure blood from his rectum,of course it was a Saturday night and he had it happen several times, we were freaked out and so very scared that he was losing any blood. Thankfully my vet is open on Sunday's and we got him in as soon as possible. They are now treating him for colitis. He is on several new meds. I have to get them and tell you exactly what they are. He was on a stomach protectant from the beginning but apparently it wasn't enough. I am going to mention the slippery elm on Tuesday when we take him to get his blood work checked. It may be something for us to try! Has anyone heard of using unpasturaized goats milk ? The woman at my favorite pet store said they sell that for dogs with colitus. Thank you Patrice for all your knowledge and concern for all of our pets, you are truly an angel ! |
| jacki Phila |
This thread was discussed between 17/03/2011 and 07/04/2011
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index
This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.
