Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - tapeworm woes

oh, boy....just when you think you're getting things under control.....this am I noticed what seemed to be a tapeworm segment in the stool of my dachshund, Jilly. Choe is my other dachs who has been suffering from AIHA for 19 months. Just had him for a pcv check yesterday and was great at 42. I have been writing for quite a while on this board regarding the effects of flea control products and the definitive belief that Choe's problems all stemmed from Frontline. With this new 'tapeworm' problem, although not found in his stool, rather my other dog, it is likely that he too is infected, (I had not seen any indication of flea investation so this is a suprise as tapeworms usually originate from swallowed fleas). The treatment for tapeworm is drontal or panacur, both strong de-wormers. I am in the process of researching on-line adverse reactions to these de-wormers and I am finding many serious adverse reactions reported, not by the pharaceutical companies that produce them, natch, but on blogs and boards such as this. If these adverse reactions are not uncommon in 'normal' dogs, what would the reaction be in an AIHA patient? I have a call in to the homeopathic vet to see if there is an anti-parasitic tincture that can be substituted. I am fearful the alopathic vet will instruct me to try the drontal. Has anyone had an experience with treating tapeworm in an AIHA patient? If not, it's something to think about as flea season is coming soon. Jan

jan philly

Jan, I really don't have the answer but just wanted to write... We found worms the same weekend that Jennie first came down with AIHA. I just felt so bad for Jennie as she had them bad too. My vets advised me to NOT give the Drontal. She said that it would be uncomfortable (the worms) for Jennie but not life threatening. Towards the end when Jennie's blood work was actually showing signs of improvement, the Dr. said I could then give her the Drontal. I didn't because I was scared. Needless to say, it didn't matter because Jennie died a few days after that. Again, no help here. I'm just still venting about my dog. In any case, I hope you can get some answers from those that are much more experienced, as I will be curious to see the replies. Gail PS My vet told me that Drontal is a safe drug. Ha! (Even though I really love this vet, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a safe drug.)

Gail SD

Thanks, Gail. Perhaps the homeopathc vet has a suggestion. I am awaiting her call.

jan philly

Send an e-mail to Jean Dodds..sshe will have an answer

RonB San Mateo

do you have Dr. Dodds e-mail address? Thanks. Below is the kind of post(s) that scare the hell out of me......the typical vet rxed med to rid tapeworms is drontal. The pharm co that manufactures twll you it is perfectly safe. Here is a post under 'adverse reactions from drontal. Thanks for letting us know. I do hope the pups are ok. I am really getting very worried about these worming tablets. I've read about so many other cases since Poppy was so ill. These companies really do annoy me. As John and Christine have said (thanks by the way), it really is vital to make sure the company concerned is informed. I know Drontal are aware of the problems as I've read elsewhere some of their comments (ie, that 'some animals' may have adverse reactions and its important not to use the product again!) Unfortunately that could have been too late to save Poppy and I really do think a warning should be given on the boxes of tablets - then we do at least have the choice as to whether to risk it or not. I had no idea worming tablets could cause so much distress and illness. After nursing my year old Labrador through a terrible time due to Drontal I just dont think its good enough. I know some animals are fine on these products but every animal is important as far as I'm concerned and if there's any risk at all we should at least be informed before we make the decision to give the tablets. I'm writing a second letter to Drontal now and hope everyone else will do the same, if they have been through a similar experience (same goes for Panacur too). I am going to try some homeopathic remedies first. Will also try to get a heads up from Dr. Dodds. My honeopath didn't really sem to be familiar with the best treatment. There is a tincture called 'Para Gone made by 'Only Natural Pets'. I have also started them on pumpkin seeds and papaya enzyme recommended by Dr. Pitcarin as being effective in breaking down the sheaths of a tapeworm. If anyone hears of any additional treatments, please advise. thanks. Jan

jan philly

You would think with all that the dogs on this site go through they could catch a little slack once in a while. I haven't researched this at all just one of those old fashioned wives tales. We used to put a cap full of bleach in their water (per gallon) kind of on the same principle as clorinated people water and it seemed to do the trick with no adverse side affects but I don't know with any meds be taken whether that would make a difference?

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Ron, thank you for your suggestion. I did contact Dr. Dodds and bless her she got back to me right away, twice!! Here is what she said.. DO NOT GIVE EITHER DOG DRONTAL!! I thought that was very interesting not only for my situation, but for all of us. Flea season is upon us and it is not uncommon for dogs to swallow fleas and get a tapeworm. You might not even know as symptoms are often not present. That is why many people worm their pets at least once a year. Most alopathic vets recommend drontal, as they do frontline and other chemical treatments. I will be using a homeopathic treatment produced by naturalrearing.com. They do not have this anti-parasitic product advertized on their site, but the woman who runs the busines Marina Zacharias has been a homeopath for 25 years or more and uses a combination of Chinese herbs. Dr. Dodds stated in a second e-mail to me yesterday via my inquiry of using this remedy from this company that her products are excellent. I am ordering today and will let you know the resuts. I am very glad I contacted Dr.Dodds. I felt in my gut that giving Choe drontal would unbalance his current stable condition. I didn't want worms either, natch! Hopefuly the homeopathic treatment will work. Here is her e-mail address if anyone is interested. Jan marina@naturalrearing.com

jan philly

I KNEW it! Although I did not give Jennie the Drontal, I KNEW that I would be giving her poison if I did. However, she had Drontal all through her life because of getting worms. (We live in horse country and although I didn't exactly LET her eat horse manure, she would go for it any chance she got.) Jan, please keep us posted (I don't have a dog at this point, but I have friends with dogs, and MAY get another one someday....), but Please keep us posted on whether the remedy works. Good luck! Gail

Gail SD

Jan, thanks for researching and getting this info about worming. I'm sure this will help all of us at some time or other. I will keep a copy of this thread in case I ever need the info but could you let us know how things go. Thanks again. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

What about heart worm meds? I mean, once a month I give Calamity heart worm meds to avoid getting heart worms (and intestinal worms)... is this going to put her back in the hospital? I give her Iverhart plus.

Allie Virginia

This is a very confusing area, Allie. I am not certain the ingredients in heartowm meds. I never chose to give my dogs this treatment. I am a east coast city dweller and I understand heartworm is more common in southern states. The main problem I see is the lack of knowledge consumers have regarding the ingredients in these treatment products. What is the toxicity level? What does the clinical trial studies and adverse reactions show, (lots of luck to try to capture that information!) How many pets are taen to the vet for seizure disorders, diabetes, kidney failure, cancer....how do we know the origin is not in the treatment protocol for parasite prevention, a multi-million dollar big pahrma business. You have to be your own researcher. Every product you consider using as a treatment protocol, always google 'adverse reactions to.....' Vets have different opinons and you will never get a consensus. Talk straight away to the people who have pets and ask the results. Then make your own decision. I heard from my local vet today. He said drontal is a safe medication. Dr Dodd's said, do not give this treatment (drontal) to your pets. As I said, very confusing. Anyway, I ordered the homeopathic treatment today. It is manufactured by Seven Forrest. I will let you know how it works. Jan

jan philly

Jan, what is the name of the homeopathic treatment manufactured by Seven Forrest?

Debbie BC Canada

This is the e-mail I received from Marina from naturalrearing: I suppose it is called anti-parasite. I don't know the Chinese name. Most of the Seven Forrest Products have the Chinese name on the label. I can tell you when I receive, hopefully tomorrow. Hi! We have a good Chinese herbal wormer called anti parasite. It comes in ½ lb powder for $20 or 100 tab $21 or 250 tab $42. It works well on all intestinal parasites. It is given daily for a week then repeated again in 2-3 weeks. I can send these remedies to you if you like and work closely together to help ensure good results.

jan philly

This thread was discussed between 29/03/2008 and 01/04/2008

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