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

pcv is now at 21%, down from 26% in july so we went almost 3 months without a PCV... that was basically just based on how normal (under the circumstances) her days have become. her water intake is extremely high. the past diabetes and cushing tests all came back negative so its very odd that her water obsession is so out of control. she is also peeing far more often than normal and her bladder function seems to not nearly be as strong. but still she had seemed well. for me she seems like she goes up and down every other day. she might have 2 days where she looks pretty normal, and then the next morning she will look completely anorexic, looking visually like she lost 7/8 pounds overnight. this will then normalize by the next night and it is a constant cycle. but as far as her energy level, it stays the same, she moves around well, she goes out biking with me and leads the charge. she is tough and amazing. anyways, a few weeks ago her PCV revealed a 21% ... so she had declined from the 26% in july. we cultured her urine again to check for diabetes. she actually had to stay overnight at the vets in order to do a water deprivation test. this revealed that sway was not concentrating her urine very well. dr. woods & dr. dodds came to the conclusion that sway likely has diabetes insipidus. it was suggested that we start her on DDAVP drops, and that is where we are... thanks for the prayers for sway.

Josh California

thinking of you and Sway. Have you had her kidney function tested? Number one reason for PUPD (hogh water intake/outake)

Courtney SLO

Josh, I have missed your posts and wondered what was happening with you and Sway. I'm sorry to hear about this setback but, hopefully, the med will take care of the situation. I will certainly be praying for both of you. You and Sway have fought very hard and I know you'll get through this. I wish the very best for your tough little girl and that she'll soon be out leading you on your bike trails. Karen

Karen NC

Hi, Josh. I'm new to this board, but wanted to let you know you are in my prayers as well. Sharon

Sharon CT

Josh, I'm sorry to hear of the setback, but relieved to know you guys are still in the fight, haven't seen too many updates lately. As with all of these dogs, it seems like the numbers seem to go up or down 3-5% during any given PCV, and I guess if we just focus on the 'clinical' signs as my vet always says, ie, how does she look and act, instead of the numbers, it sounds like she's still fighting strong and has good energy. It's a shame what these meds due to their other organs. I'm envious at the awesome vet team that you have access to, it sounds like you are in very capable hands whatever the challenge. We'll be thinking of you guys, and always inspired by the courgage and strength that both you and Sway have. keep us posted, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Josh, thanks for the update. It's an on-going battle isn't it? Give your wee girl a hug and let her know she's loved and cherished. Duck is holding his own but I always wonder if the meds will eventually take their toll. Take care and keep fighting. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

HI Josh & Sway, Glad to hear from you, and glad to hear sway is holding his own. I know its tough, we are approaching almost two years now with Kent. IT never gets easy. Take care, and keep your spirits up, Christine and Kent - he sends a furry hug

Christine Fl

Hi Josh, I am sorry that Sway's health problems are not resolving. I do understand what you say about her spirit as Chance has always been that way. In our house we take whatever we get as an extra bonus. This drinking, peeing and failure to concentrate urine sounds so much like renal failure. Are they sure this isn't happening? patrice

Patrice NYS

Josh and Sway We are sending our positive thoughts and prayers your way and are hoping this is just another small bump in the road and Sway will get over it just like she did the rest of them. I was so happy to read her energy level is there and she is still leading the way on your walks. Sway is lucky to have you and I know you feel you are so lucky to have her. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger pineville PA

Josh -- I am sorry to hear that you and Sway have met this setback. I looked in my Hound Health book to read what "diabetes insipidus" is, and based on what you wrote and the text in the book, it sounds like Sway is kind of the textbook case of a the "one in a million dog" who gets this. I hope the drops work for Sway. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. You both are such fighters and so devoted to each other. Please take care and let us know how you're doing. I'm so glad that you have Dr. Dodds consulting with you.

Brenda VA

Josh, I am sorry to read that Sway is having more trouble. It just doesn't seem fair. Both of you are such fighters I am hoping that this is something you can get a handle on. I am happy she still seems to be enjoying her doggy life and I know each day with her must be a joy for you. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

hello everyone, thanks for the well wishes...i do appreciate them very much. here is a recent picture of the kid- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2969232260_472f088487_o.jpg patrice, i definately need to have another full blood panel done on her, because although they havent brought up renal failure, i realize that could be something that could be involved :/ i really hope that isnt the case tho.

josh california

Josh, She looks really cute! What a sweetheart! I certainly hope it's not renal failure nor diabetes. But I do know that both you and Sway are very resilient. Both of these conditions are treatable and a dog can continue with a relatively normal life for a long time if they have the right treatment. You have a good vet and Dr. Dodds to guide you with this. There is plenty of support to help you here and on the net too. Think about you all the time. patrice

Patrice NYS

What a precious baby! Who wouldn't fall in love with her. I'm pulling for you Sway! Karen

Karen NC

Good luck Sway - We in PA are routing for you! She is so very cute... We'll be praying for you and her as we do for all the dogs and owners that fight this disease. Chris & Alex

Chris PA

This thread was discussed between 22/10/2008 and 26/10/2008

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