Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Tiggs Platelets Rising on Pred

We did an in house and a full lab CBC, which will come back tomorrow. The inhouse shows that Tiggs platelet counts are responding very well to Pred he started about 8 days ago, and he's back to 340 from the 20-50 ranges that he had been showing. The norm is 160-500, so we are very pleased. The ugly side effects are definitely apparent though- shaky legs, ribs and spine poking out, dandruff appearing, and the pointy Pred Head has reappeared. But, since he's only on 60/day (far from what he was on when he was dx with IMHA), they are not nearly as bad as they were a year and a half ago. His HCT is still at 51! Holding steady there, thank goodness! My vet said that with ITP you can wean faster than IMHA, any thoughts on that? She may go ahead and do the first reduction tomorrow, only about a week and half out! Is this a good idea? Everything I've read does also seem to support the ability to wean faster, but I want to be sure. Also, he's lost 5 lbs since starting Pred! His spleen is normal, prostate, abdomen, etc...I am guessing this could be muscle wasting, but it still seems like a lot of weight, especiallly since he's ravenous. Thanks for all of the support as we've hit this bump. Tiggs is such a brave, sweet trooper. He was shaking so bad in the vet, but has nothing but love for everyone there, and my sister in law even taught him some cool new tricks while we were waiting in the room. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Melissa, not just Tiggs is a brave trouper, you are too! It must be so tough to see the side effects from the prednisone again. At least now you know they will disappear again with the reductions. Sorry but I have no knowledge with ITP and the reductions. I am sure somebody with experience will help out soon. I am crossing my fingers for good results tomorrow and that you have your boy in good shape again soon. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Melissa Im not sure if my experience is any value to you, but it seemed easier to get the ITP under control than the anaemia is proving to be - Riley presented first first with ITP and it only took a couple of weeks before his pred was cut in half - he is only a small dog compared to Tiggs - so he went from 5 tablets (5mg) to 2.5, once the platelets reached a good level - ummmm today they are 967! Arrrghhhhhhhh. I dont think it will take you long to have Tiggs under control. Who knows what causes this stuff! It must be hard for you to see all those symptoms again after Tiggs being so well. Best wishes for the next stage, and it will be a good one Im sure. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

We just got off the phone with the vet, Pred will go to 40/day from 60/day. We'll check in next week, and then another full CBC and reduction in two weeks hopefully. Still a little worried about the significant weight drop, but we'll check him soon. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Melissa & Tiggs, I am so glad you are able to reduce the pred already. hopefully Tiggs will be his old self again soon. Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Great news Melissa and Tiggs about the platelet increase. Hope the reduction goes well and Tiggs bounces back from this. Keep up posted. Samantha and Millie

Samantha geelong australia

Oh Tiggs, I'm so glad your platelet numbers are rising. 340 is such a great number to be at! I'm also happy to hear your pred is being reduced. Mum's taking good care of you. Oh.....Tiggs...don't tell mum I told you this but now's the time to give her the puppy eye look for extra food and goodies! She's vulnerable now so hit her up all you can. Prayers and strong healing vibes coming your way. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Melissa, Very good news! I have your answer for you but you have to do a little bit of work to see it. I have a textbook at home titled Schalm's Veterinary Hematology. It is the gold standard for reference. You can view some pages of this textbook in google books. So first, go to this page: http://books.google.com/books In the search window type: schalm's veterinary hematology and select this book in the list of books that show (it has a pink/goldish cover with red lettering.) In the search window to search this book type: imt glucocorticoids Click on page 811: Treatment Scroll down until you see the Subtitle: Glucocorticoids This will describe the treatment protocol that should be followed and it is very specific. It appears that 7 days is generally considered the treatment window to return to a platelet count of 50,000 to 100,000. Then continue glucocorticoids (pred) for weeks>months until return to normal levels, tapering as you reach that goal. So judge the decreases by the results of the tests that you must do frequently. Unfortunately, this whole chapter is not available to read here, but it is a nice way to do some research. This was not available to me when Chance was sick so I bought the text. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Melissa Appreciate what you are saying about poor Tiggs shaking at the vet. Azi tries everything she can not to go in. Sometimes i worry about the strain it is on them going through these visits, but its the only way they are going to get better. Regards Ian & Azi

Ian Cheltenham

Melissa, Glad you can reduce the Pred already. It must be awful to see Tiggs looking so poorly. Try to remember how quick that can change once you are able to hopefully get him off the meds fo good. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

So glad to hear the number is ont hr rise and you are able to reduce the pred. Happy new year! Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Hi Melissa Im glad things are on the positive side. Tiggs is a fighter (love his photo on Joanne's site). Let us know how he goes over the next little while. Happy New Year to both of you! May it be a good one. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Hello Melissa, Such good news about Tiggs. It seems like you such a God send when you hear good news like that. I saw his pic on Joannes site..He's a doll,and sounds like hes got a great personality. You both have a great 2010. Kelly

Kelly Redding

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2009 and 02/01/2010

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