Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Taking Reggie to an Internist

I've done so much research and reading on this disease, and I feel the current vet we're seeing has pretty much given up on Reggie. She said that if he was going to respond to the medications, he would have done so in the first two weeks of treatment. Yet, again and again I read stories of dogs that didn't show any signs of improvement for six weeks or more. Reggie has been on the same high dose of meds (100mg/day Prednisone, 50mg/eod Azathioprine, 250mg/day Cyclosporine) since day one and the meds have not been revisited or even discussed. I feel like we're sitting here waiting for him to die. I've also questioned things like thyroid and the vet has said that is old information and proven to not be a factor with AIHA. Have any of you found an internist to be helpful? Our regular vet had originally wanted us to see an internist, but they couldn't get Reggie in for two weeks and he would have likely been dead by then. I called today to see if they can see him, but we're so in over our heads financially that I worry I'll just be paying more money for the same level of expertise.

Amy Wisconsin

Amy, As I've posted a few times, an internal medicine specialist saved my dog! I felt as if Beau were sent home to die. He is more than well on his way to recovery at this point, thanks to the internist. By all means -- get there as soon as you can! If you let them know you're dealing with this disease and what his current condition is, I believe you could get pushed up in the appointment queue. You should also be aware that if you have or open a Care Credit account, you can charge vet bills for six months interest-free (if the specialty center takes Care Credit). This is not a cheap disease, but look what you've already invested, and look at what your return on this investment will be! Maybe the internist can recommend a change-up of meds to make the experience less expensive (I know that the cyclosporine is costly) and more effective. I think it was on one of your posts that your vet said she has seen "thousands" of these cases? A vet who would say something like that, let alone be surprised at no results in only two weeks, is very suspect to me. Good luck! Sharon

Sharon PA

Sharon - good to hear! Our regular vet had originally wanted us to see an internist, but they couldn't get Reggie in for three weeks . . . he would have been dead by then! The vet we're seeing now is okay, but I'd like another opinion. She hasn't checked his thyroid, hasn't checked for any underlying infections, etc. I keep reading all the things that could be a factor and the vet we're dealing with right now has been very single-minded with the heavy drugs and nothing else. I asked her about supplements, Pet Tinic, etc. and she pretty much poo-pooed it all. So, on to an internist we go.

Amy Wisconsin

Amy: Are there any teaching hosptitals in your area. They are generally cheaper and are more up to date on the most advanced treatments. I am very surprised that the internist would not see you right away with a diagnosis of AIHA as they know the time sensitivity of the illness and they generally keep a time block open in their agenda's for the unexpected emergency cases such as this. When Crosby became ill the internist saw him and commenced treatment right away. If the internist is not able to provide consult, they should be able to provide a referral to a veterinarian better suited to your circumstances. I am shocked that your veterinarian said the thyroid and it relationship to this illness was old news and there was not a link. There is a proven high representation of dogs with thyroid illness whom also get AIHA. The numbers don't lie ... just because the link has not been found doesn't mean it does not exist. DR. Dodds certainly indicates in her research a high correlation between thyoid disease and autoimmune illnesses, and she is the expert in this area and seems to have had the most success. THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO DO ARE: 1.) STAY POSITIVE 2.) POST ALL OF THE BLOODOWRK RESULTS YOU HAVE HAD DONE TO DATE HERE. PATRICE AND JOHNNY AND SOME TOHERS ARE QUITE CAPABLE AT READING THE RESULTS AND LETTING YOU KNOW HOW THE DOG IS RESNDING TO TREATMENTTHUS FAR AND IF IT IS GOOD OR BAD. THEY WILL ALSO TELL YOU WHAAT TO INQUIRE WITHTHE VETERINARIAN ABOUT. 3.) FOLLOW THROUGH ON CALLING THE INTERNISTS OFFICE OR A VETERINARY SCHOOL. 4.)IF CASHFLOW IS TIGHT ... SPEAK WITH THE VETERINARIAN ... MAYBE THEY CAN OFFER SOME SORT OF FINANCING OR "THROW YOU A BONE"... I JUST HAD A FRIEND WHOM HAD A DENTAL PROCEDURE DONE THAT THEIR INSURANCE WOULD NOT PAY. THE DENTIST ENDED UP GIVING THEM A 25% DISCOUNT. I AM SURE EVERYONE ON THIS WEBSITE KNOWS HOW EXPENSIVE THIS ILLNESS IS. I SPENT $5,000.00 IN THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS AND MY DOG DID NOT MAKE IT .... YOUR VET SHOULD BE GIVING ANTICIPATED LONGTERM CARE COSTS. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY FAMILIES CANNOT AFFORD THE TREATMENT TO BEAT THIS ILLNESS.

elaine ottawa

Hi Amy, glad to hear you are moving on to find someone who will try to find out what is going on. Seems to me that if she does not know why something is happning, rather than needing to know why like my vet and the rest of us, she wants to give up, because if she cannot figure it out, no one can????? We definitely need to find a veterinarian who cares to figure it out. Spending money without even having a chance at a solution, becuse your vet does not care enough to find one is a waste of money for sure and a complete disservice to Reggie. Her opinion on the thyroid was set in stone some time ago apparently, as Dr. Dodd's would whole heartedly disagree and she HAS seen thoursands of cases of both. And her new book on Hypothyroidism is a must read for all vets and dog owners. Very best of luck for Reggie and yourself! Richard

Richard Burnaby

I think that is an excellent idea and I hope they can get you in sooner then two or three weeks and I defiantly think you need a second opinion regarding being on 100 mg of pred for a dog Reggie's size for any length of time. Please keep us posted and remember it is baby steps we look for in regards to improvement. Please keep us posted Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Well, the soonest they can get me in is next week Tuesday - we don't have that much time! So, she recommended I bring Reggie in through their ER department first thing tomorrow morning because the internist will be there all day tomorrow and can work with the ER doc on Reggie's case. I really don't want to pay for another ER visit, but I can at least pick up all of Reggie's charts, labs, etc. from the vet we've been seeing so they don't have to do all those tests over again. This is so frustrating and scary - I just want to do what's right for Reggie.

Amy Wisconsin

Amy,, Did you have trouble getting in touch with Dr. Dodds? my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Patrice - I have emailed Dr. Dodds, but have not heard anything back yet. My biggest problem right now is financial - my husband loves the dog but does not want to spend any more money. I, on the other hand, don't want to see the $4,000 we've already spent go to waste . . . plus I don't want to lose our wonderful dog. I picked up all of Reggie's records, test results, etc. from the vet we've been seeing the past two weeks and am taking it all over to the internist first thing in the morning. Praying Reggie makes it that long . . . he's had a rough day :-(

Amy Wisconsin

Amy, Somehow I thought Dr. Dodds is in Europe. Sorry I can't remember where I heard it and also no idea when she would be back. Maybe you should try and call, i am sure there would be anybody there returning her calls and help you. Thinking of you, best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Shoot - I'm not having much luck getting the meds into Reggie tonight. He really seems to have gone downhill today. I got the Prednisone down after many attempts, but the Cyclosporine hasn't gone in yet. He just seems totally miserable and unable to swallow much tonight :-(

Amy Wisconsin

Amy, Please try emailing again. This is very unusual. If she is out of the country, one of her co-workers will always respond to an email letting you know she is not available right then. It must have slipped by. Or call. They are on California time. You can also try using the test submission form on the website. http://labordatenbank.com/cake/hemopet/samples/hemopet_form The last line on the form is for consultation only. It will cost you $45 to send her copies of your lab work and have her evaluate it. I found that the services she provided for that were worth more like $4500 to me when Chance was ill. I owe her big time to this day. Try getting a can of real cheese spray. I rotated many things like this with Chance to get all the meds down. Anything that smells really strong and tastes salty or oily (sardines) will work. Dogs associate feeling bad with the meds, you have to overcome that with treats that are just too desirable to resist. It is very hard, I know. You are the adult, make it happen. If he is not drinking, you must syringe water into the side of his mouth. You can get large barrel syringes at the drug store. If he is avoiding food you can add a little honey to the water. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Honestly, I don't know that he'll make it through the night. I have still not been able to get the Cyclosporine down - he's just too weak tonight. I tried all his favorites, but he just couldn't work them down his throat.

Amy Wisconsin

Amy, Please stay strong! Instead of tomorrow morning maybe you could go to the ER tonight? Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

Amy, Evaluate him. Take his pulse, look at his gums, take his breathing rate, feel his abdomen for fullness. Take the skin on his neck and pull it up. Does it drop right down or does it stay up in a peak for a longer time? Once you have done this and have written these things down call your vet at their emergency number and ask them what you need to do tonight. Skip the meds for now. I am wondering if he has developed a stomach ulcer or if he has a condition called pancreatitis. This is very painful and will make a dog behave this way. Both of these can be caused by high dose prednisone therapy. Do you have copies of your most recent blood tests? Look on the chemical screen form for two tests titled Amylase and Lipase. Were they higher than normal the last time? my best patrice

Patrice NYS

That's what we keep debating - is he "simply" dying from the AIHA, or is there a secondary issue going on. Sadly, my #1 problem is that my husband does not want to put any more money into this. We could do another transfusion, we could put him back into the hospital, but are those responsible things to do when we're already struggling to support our six children? I'm more one to go all out for the dog, my husband looks at it logically and is shocked at how far we've already gone to keep Reggie alive (even though it's nothing compared to success stories I've read). Either way, tonight I really felt like we've let Reggie down. He's struggling, he's obviously not comfortable at all, he's barely able to get up off the floor and out to go potty. I hate this. It's 2am and I was just lying on the floor with Reggie, trying to comfort him and help him to feel better. I'm just praying he makes it to morning when we're supposed to see an internist.

Amy Wisconsin

Amy, I am still here with you. The side effects of prednisone are horrible. My dog was like this too. I sat up one night just like you are, wondering what I should do in the morning. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Make the one that you can live with. But make it tomorrow after talking with the specialist so you have the facts. try to get some sleep patrice

Patrice NYS

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2011 and 23/06/2011

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