Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Sway Update 2/24

this saturday Sway was given another PCV and her number was up to 18% (from 15% the previous saturday) still below her usual 22-28% but hopefully this is the start of a new upswing. visually she still looks extremely skinny. i had Dr. Woods give her the multiple tests to confirm or deny an EPI (extreme pancreatic deficiency) diagnosis... Patrice has been real helpful putting the information for that disorder in front of me and i really thought in my heart of hearts that Sway has that also on top of her AIHA... she practically looks identical to the example pictures of other animals who have it!!! the results came back today however and shows she does not have levels low enough to warrant a diagnosis. so of course, that is good...but it still gives me no answers as to why her body is like it is :/ the full testing plan was done with 3 different tests... TLI- less than 2.5 is diagnostic and 3.5 - 5.7 means subclinical pancreatic disease..Sway was 31.3 folate test- was high, pointing towards SIBO, but Sway has been on tylosin powder (which is the treatment for this disease anyway) for the last year and a half. cobalamin test- 250-900 is normal, Sway was 483. (she hadnt had a b12 shot since december so that shouldnt have thrown the number off, we restarted the shots however right after the blood draw for the test) she is also still receiving her weekly anabolic steroid injection. she is still on her pancreatic enzymes. ive also re-started the b12 and iron injections that she was getting every 3 weeks thruout most of 2008. this time im giving b12 injections every week and phasing down in 6 week intervals. iron staying tri-weekly. ____________ i know i meant to write in detail about this sooner but ive just been sidetracked with trying to secure another job and life kicking my butt. i reached out to Tom Cameron DVM from Standard Processing and sent him a rather detailed email of Sways struggles over the last 2 years... the email i sent was more with the main concern being her lack of body recovery, inability to gain weight etc... when i initially emailed him Sway was still in mid 20's PCV and was considered 'stable' on the AIHA side and had been for almost a full year, so i was more trying to phase in something for her that would put on some weight. unfortunately since that time she dropped to 13%, got transfused, and then a week later dropped back down to 15%. but anyways i guess that is beside the point now... this is the nutrition plan Dr. Cameron has since set Sway up on- he said that we need to go back to the beginning. he said that a common history of animals (and people) with AIHA is a negative reaction to vaccination, or a history of allergies and/or sensitive digestive tract. he wanted to treat her for negative effects of vaccination (last vac was 04) and to build up her digestive and immune systems. he said once we get those 2 systems on solid ground, we could then address her other issues with more success. Sways diet was fine by him, anything grain free...also he was happy to know she eats the natures variety patties. these are the additions to her treatment- also included are notes i took when he was explaining them to me, hopefully that helps in knowing what each potentially does. silicea 200c- this is a homeopathic remedy that stimulates the body to get rid of foreign substances. vaccines have chemicals and heavy metals in them that lodge in the body causing chronic problems. this med comes in little sugar crystals that go on the dogs tongue 1x daily. glutamine 500mg- an amino acid that is critical for GI health. when there is stress on the tract, the bodys need for glutamine rises dramatically. best given without a meal, 2x daily. enteric support- standard process support formula. designed to "normalize" the digestive system, promotes healing, creates a supportive environment for the growth of beneficial gut flora, promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients. for dogs 20-40lbs = 1/4 tsp 2x daily immuplex- standard process support product. formulated to support the various components of the immune system (spleen, thymus, liver, bone marrow, gut flora). AIHA is an overreaction of the immune system, this supplement looks to support a normal immune response. 2 per day. catalyn- standard process support product. provides broad spectrum nutritional support (multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, enzyme, phytonutrient, trace-nutrient) 2 every 12 hours. ____________ Dr. Dodds and Dr. Woods were okay with all his suggestions and so i went ahead and started them all for Sway. Dr. Cameron explained to me that this process could take a year or longer, since we are treating the base of all these diseases and trying to cultivate a new environment from within her body. he has been very helpful and very open with his line of communication, going as far as to even request that i call him every couple weeks just to give status updates and go over any progress or declines. i appreciate greatly the initiative he has taken...as I dont even know him at all, just like Dr. Dodds has always taken initiative and continues to offer her resources to me, just like Dr. Woods' putting in consistent work at the local office, and just like Patrice is always giving me bundles of information to consider, the people on this board praying for her...and i could go on and on. i just really want to acknowledge the goodness in these people, thank you. i know this nutrition process is a marathon and not a 100meter dash so im just hoping for the best long term. ahhhhhh exhale.

josh california

Josh, So glad to hear about Sway and that she's on the upswing. The Standard Process I have Darcy on is completely different from what you're giving Sway, but Darcy doesn't have AIHA. She was diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia. They would never say that she has IMHA either. I guess that's why Dr. Cameron suggested a different approach for her. At any rate, our holistic vet greatly approves of the Standard Process products and says that they're safe to give with medications and that the immune supplements work to normalize the immune system and do not compete with immune suppressant drugs. Did Dr. Cameron mention Ferrofood to you? Also, you said that Sway gets vitamin B12 injections. Darcy has had those three different times, given in the acupuncture areas that promote blood regeneration. Now I'm wondering if she needs more. Hope Sway's PCV continues to improve and that she puts on some weight. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Karen

Karen NC

Josh, You and Sway are truly amazing. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone doing as much for someone they love (people or animal) as you have done for Sway. It brings tears to my eyes, both your dedication and devotion to her, but also that this poor girl has had so many mysterious setbacks. Never once have I heard you complain, and I am sure that neither has Sway. You two are a formidable pair, and I think about you guys all the time, I am sending you cyber hugs and strength and as always, hoping and praying for the best for both of you! Everyone here is always asking about you, I hope you know how much people are pulling for you two! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Hi Josh, Great to hear of Sway's improvement. Regarding the silicea 200C, I would probably order that online unless you have a natural foods type of store with a well-stocked homeopathic pharmacy. Many stores only stock 30C potencies for most remedies and carry only a limited selection of 200C potencies. With the prescription specifically indicating 200C, I would not substitute the easily-found 30C. The silicea 200C should come in liquid or pellet (sugar crystal) form, either will work. The liquid will contain a lot of alcohol (preservative) so I would only use it diluted. If Sway won't take the pellet form (and it really only needs to contact her tongue for a couple seconds; it will still work if she swallows it or allows it to dissolve in her mouth), you can make a 'wet dose' by dropping a pellet in about half a bottle of fresh (preferably distilled) water, capping it, pounding the bottle violently against the palm of your hand several times and just giving Sway a small drink of that water. I usually just pour a little in the palm of my hand and Ethel laps it up. You can then discard or refrigerate and re-use the leftover water. If you get the liquid form, just use a drop or two of it in the above steps and that will dilute the alcohol away (and make the homeopathic remedy stronger). Clear any modifications with the doc if you have any doubts, but I use Nux vomica and Arnica montana this way with both Lucy and Ethel (and Arnica on injured wild birds, too). -Brian

Brian Vermont

brian- yea, we ordered the silicea straight thru the vet so we could get the high potency (200). sway is in such a routine of taking different things that it doesnt bother her to just have them sit on her tongue, she most likely just swallows them after a few seconds. wishing ethel best.. melissa- i appreciate that, yea i love sway more than anything, ill always do what i can for her. wishing tiggs well.. karen- thanks, yea sway has had both non-regen and regenerative at different phases. i would consider her 'slight regenerative' most of the time because she def is producing a decent amount of cells but they never get to full maturity and its been a complicated situation for me to even understand half the time. ive never heard of ferrofood...do you use it? wishing darcy well..

josh california

Josh, Dr. Cameron recommended three capsules daily of the Ferrofood. He said that it provides a broad range of blood building components. I mix it in with food, as I do with all the other SP Darcy takes -- Calcifood Powder; Canine Immune Support; Chlorophyll Complex; Zypan (enzymes), and Glucosamine Synergy (for arthritis). A sales clerk at my local health food store who is in charge of their SP sales was who first recommended the Ferrofood to me. He has nonregenerative anemia and takes it, along with some of their other products. He has never had a blood transfusion and has never had shots, such as Epogen. After I purchased it, I went to the SP website and contacted Dr. Cameron for instructions. He has always been quick to respond and very helpful. Karen

Karen NC

Josh, thank you for the detailed update. I think of you and Sway every day. I send you lots of positive energy and hope things keep on improving. Best wishes, Brigitte and Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Josh, Our prayers and support continue for you and Sway in your battle to overcome this. You both have been through so much and you really just need a break of good luck! So cyber wishes for that good luck to kick in soon! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Josh- I truly admire you-and Sway!!

Joe ohio

Hi Josh I was so pleased to see your name this morning, even my children ask everyday how Sway is. You and Sway really deserve a medal for what you are going through. Hope everything kicks in soon, keep fighting the fight. Love and healing wishes from Steph and Billy (and kids)

Steph Gloucester UK

I admire you greatly. I know how it is to love someone so much that you will do anything for them. I was also, like everyone else starting to worry since nothing has been posted for awhile. The people I work with are now starting to ask about you and Sway. One question, is she on any chemo drugs? I know you said about the steroid treatments but is anything else being given? (prednisone etc...) Thoughts and prays, puppy hugs and kisses. Sue

Sue K PA

Sending our positive thoughts and our hopes that Sway can turn this around soon. You are always in our thoughts so thank you for the update, as you know we all care so much about our Sway. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Josh, Glad to read your update. Sorry to hear you have to be looking for a job while dealing with all this. Life may be kicking your butt right now but you and Sway together I know will kick right back and win. Hopefully going back to the beginning will find you the answers you need. Think of you both all the time and continue to pray for you both. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Josh, I am continuing to keep you and Sway in my prayers. I was pleased to read that her PCV is starting to improve again! The love you have for Sway is humbling, and I wish you both all the best as you try the Standard Process. Thank You for keeping us posted. Jess and Keiko

Jess BC

Dear Josh, I am relatively new to this forum, but I have read your posts on Sway. I cannot offer any help, but I am blown away by how much you love her. So many would have given up but you continue to do everything you can to get her well again. You are amazing and truly show the power of love. Sway is one of the luckiest dogs to have you - and no doubt you are lucky to have Sway. All the very best. Samantha.

Samantha Geelong

We are all rooting for you and Sway all the way. She is such a fighter and you both are an inspiration to all. God bless!

leslie ca

This thread was discussed between 24/02/2009 and 27/02/2009

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