Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Trixie's medication (AIHA)

I thought I post the medication that Trixie started nearly 2 weeks ago for (AIHA)the vet gave her enough for 2 weeks, this Thursday she will have another blood test, so I am hoping that there will be an improvement. Azathioprine 25mg. 1 tablet a day Prednisolone 25mg. 1 tablet twice a day Antepsin 1g. 1 tablet 3 x a day Oh dear I just want her back to normal again :+( Tricia p.s Has anyone else had their dogs on this same medication and if so, how did it go, thanks.

Tricia UK

Hi Tricia, My darling Tipsi who is a minature dachshund was diagnosed with IMHA nearly 3 1/2 weeks ago. During the first few days of her treatment she was on dexamethesone which is the liquid form of prednisone. She was given this through IV's. In addition to this, the doctors included azathioprine as another immunosuppresive drug since it's got a stronger potency. Unfortunately, Tipsi had to be taken off the azathioprine after only one day. A side effect of this drug is GI upset and she began vomiting. Also while on this drug she had a bout of pancreatitis. Many dogs do well on this drug, but Tipsi didn't handle it very well. So I would keep a close eye on Trixie in case she starts reacting poorly to it. The medication now used in place of the azathioprine for Tipsi is cyclosporin and she has been doing well with that. This is such a horrible disease and it takes a lot of patience and TLC to make it through, but always remember there is hope. Many dogs live wonderful happy lives after diagnosis!!

Layla Raleigh

Thanks for your reply Layla. I suppose some medication affects dogs differently. I'm glad they changed the medication for Tipsi and that she is doing better. I did take Trixie back to the vets last Saturday because I was concerned about her breathing, over eating, excessive drinking. She told me it was all caused by the medication, she did take her temp' and it was normal, not like it was when I first took her in, also her gums were becoming pink again :+) I can't wait for a re test on her blood this Thursday, I am hoping they will have the results asap!!

Tricia UK

Tricia, Holly was diagnosed March 26, also a miniature dachshund, at that time she was started on prednisone and cyclosporin. AFter several months the cyclosporin was not being absorbed into her body and then transfered off of that and onto Azathioprine along with the prednisone. She takes a quarter tablet of 50mg once a day and has been doing goon on it. Prednisone is down to 2.5mg every other day and doing a very slow decrease 4 weeks in between each decrease. Please prepare yourself, because it might be a long battle to get her back to normal. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Hi Tricia. I'm sorry to hear that Trixie has AIHA but you definitely have come to the right place for support and information. My dog, Duck, was diagnosed with AIHA in May. He was put on prednisone, cyclosporine and azathioprine. He also takes pepcid and sucralfate to protect his gastrointestinal tract from the prednisone. Initially he was on very high doses of prednisone and was exhibiting many of the symptoms of iatrogenic Cushings Disease. I found it hard because until we got the dosage of prednisone way down, Duck definitely didn't have any quality of life. There were times that I wondered if we were doing the right thing for him. The up side to this is that he has responded very well to the medications and has maintained a normal PCV for three months now. He is almost off the prednisone and his quality of life is back - he is alert, playful, energetic and happy again. Unfortunately, the treatment of this illness is long term - no quick fixes and no guarantees along the way. I think that's what makes it so challenging for us owners who so fervently want our dogs to be well now. I, and everyone on this site, have given up a lot to care for their dogs - both financially and physically and most probably, socially. I, for one, had a two or three month period where I was just too exhausted to socialize much. Many people, myself included, report getting up in the middle of the night to let their dogs out to pee because the dogs couldn't make it through the night without an accident otherwise (a side effect of the prednisone). I'm fortunate that I don't work but many on this site were doing the "night shift" and then going to work in the daytime. I find the devotion of the dog owners here heart warming. Anyway, hang in there. And any question you might have you can post here. We are all in the same boat and will gladly answer any questions we can. A big hug to you and Trixie. deb and Duck

Debbie Nelson BC

Tricia, Sorry to hear about Trixie. You have come to the right place for help. Jasper was diagnosed with AIHA on Aug 30th. So he will be coming up to 7 weeks on treatment this Thursday. He is currently on 10 mg PRED twice daily. He has an increased appetite, thirst and does pant and this is all down to the medication. He had another blood test yesterday so we are waiting to hear back from the lab today.(fingers crossed) His blood tests have improved slowly and steadily over the last few weeks. More importantly there is no red blood cell destruction. It is a slow process, there are no quick fixes or cures, we have to learn to manage and control the disease first. If his blood count is in the more normal range we may be starting to reduce his medication this time round. Each dog is different as to how they respond to the treatment. Jasper has a good energy level so we do take him for short walks, whilst others on higher doses are more lethargic. He is fed 3 times a day, breakfast is bran flakes and weetabix. His dinner and tea are what he would ordinarily have but are divided into 2, and I add in cooked vegetables, wholemeal rice and potatoes, just to pack it out. You will get loads of advice and support on this board. Everyone has gone through or is going through the same thing. Good luck to Trixie.

jackie williams pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

Hi Jackie. I have also started to give Trixie smaller amounts of food 3 x a day, I add some liver to her food, you know a source of iron, hope I'm doing the right thing. She's never really had a huge amount of food and is never one to look for food, well not until now!!!

Tricia UK

When I took Trixie for her 2nd blood test last Thursday, I had to get more medication for her, the only difference this time is, instead of giving her 1 X 3 a day (Antepsin 1g) the vet said try her with just 2 a day, apparently this medication helps to protect the lining of the stomach, she said she how she goes on just 2 a day, if I notice any changes in her, go back to 3 per day. Im a little reluctant to give her just 2, given that they are supposed to be helping protect the stomach. I'd be grateful for a little feed back if possible, thanks.

Tricia UK

Hi Tricia, You could try her with just the 2 tablets. Jasper always has his meds with food anyway, so as long as you do the same she should be okay on just the 2. Jackie and Jasper

Jackie pembrokeshire; west wales; uk

When Ern started on the pred I was told just to make sure he has them with food. That was ok until last week when he started being sick, took him to the vet who said it was a reaction to the pred. So he's now on Antepsin as well, 1/2 tablet twice a day, half an hour before his pred. No more being sick since starting the Antepsin.

Sue Northants UK

The Pred should be taken after a meal. This type of anaemia is nothing to do with iron deficiency, Tricia, so liver won't help particularly.

Hilary Hampshire

This thread was discussed between 16/10/2007 and 22/10/2007

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