Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Update on Archie

It was the 1st March that Archie took ill and what a roller coaster it's been! Archie's pcv has increased to 29% and he is doing well. The vet has kept his pred at 22mg and he has been on Azathioprine for a week now along with the Zantac syrup. He has put the weight he lost back on and has been for short walks for the last few days which he loves. We're keeping our fingers and toes crossed that things continue to improve. Thanks to all who post on this site as it has been really helpful to me, even the sad outcomes help to keep things in perspective and our thoughts go out to all who have lost their fight against this. Sue

Sue Cambs UK

Sue, that's great to hear that things are steadily improving! Be carefull out on your walks because with an immune system that's suppressed this opens the door ~WIDE OPEN~ for infections and sicknesses. I restricted the areas Tessy was allowed to go when she was sick for htis very reason. Her exercise was limited to the yard for hte first 4-5 months. I know it's hard to do but necessary IMO. Have you considered milk thistle or blood building supplements? My fingers (and paws) are crossed for continued success. Keep us posted. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thanks Johnny, We are taking him on very short walks with a muzzle so he cannot eat anything on the way, much to his annoyance! I didn't realise you could get milk thistle here until mentioned by Amy's owner so will pick that up tomorrow. We did try cooking liver for Archie but even a small amount gave him the runs so we stopped this. Any ideas of supplements that will not cause more trouble are welcomed. He is fed on Hills science puppy dried food twice a day. Sue

Sue Cambs UK

I'd look online and order some pet tinic. I just ordered some yesterday and was checking out the site I get it from. ALLIVET . com ...they DO ship to the UK and there are several mailing options to get it there quicker...although speed = $. You could also explore the home cooking option if you'd like. Lots of us on here use the liver cleansing diet by Dr. Jean Dodds. www . canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels . com/liver_diet . htm ...**remove the spaces** It may also be wise to give the meds with some food. That way it's easier on the stomach. Helps to prevent ulcers. Do you get copies of ALL bloodwork? If not I'd do so. Important to keep copies so you can follow progress yourself and look for trends. Start a spreadsheet and write down EVERYTHING.

Johnny

Hi Johnny, I will look online if I can't get it tomorrow. I did get copies of the bloodwork and am keeping an eye on them. The vet is testing Archie weekly now as levels have been increasing albeit slowly for the last ten days or so and Archie gets stressed going to the vets so we are doing daily checks on his gums and keeping a close eye on his presentation. He does seem happier now and is taking an interest in all around him. Although we are walking him daily it is a short walk on his lead - against his wishes of being released.I have been giving his meds with food except the Zantac as the vet said he should have that an hour before he eats so that it is coating his stomach. Once again thanks for your help and advice. Sue

Sue Cambs UK

Sue, Glad to read Archie is doing better. It is always a good sign when you see little glimpses of old/normal behaviors. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Im glad to read Archie is doing better also. Keep going Archie, you can do it. Listen to that Johnny person, Sue, he has Tess, but also a heap of other cocker spaniels - how many in total Johnny, 8?? :) Amazing, next he will tell us he knows all their names as well!

Silka Melbourne Australia

Hi, Thanks Silka and others. I have got the milk thistle but need Johnny's help with dosage please. I have purchased Milk Thistle Tincture (1.5 extract) 50mls The instructions say 1-2mls in water 3 x daily but those instructions are for humans. Archie weighs 6.0kg so can anyone advise how much he should have. I have two Jack Russells and they often share water bowls or swap round so would it do the healthy dog any harm if it was put in both bowls?

Sue Cambs UK

After posting I remembered a thread about dosage so it is just info needed ref both dogs drinking the water.

Sue Cambs UK

hi sue chuffed to hear archie's doing well.if you havnt got pet-tinic yet ask your vet for kaminox b complex,its supposed to be for cats but great for dogs.marmite works well too.hope this helps. best wishes to you and archie. john&amy.

john teesside

Do you home cook/ or use wet food for archie? I'd just mix it right in with the food if I were you...if it's mixable. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to put it over kibble?!?! Since Archie is so small I'd start even smaller with the dose. Get a dropper and give maybe an eigth to a quarter of a dropper full once daily to start. OR go with 1/4 to a half a ml to start maybe once daily. I've never used the tincture before so don't know how its done...is there a dropper with the bottle? Keep an eye on him after giving it for the first day JUST IN CASE he reacts badly to it. I highly doubt it but anything can react with the body. After a couple days you can switch to twice daily...then 3 times daily ect. It's always best to start small I'd assume. Eventually you might get up to a dropper full twice daily. If anybody has ever used the tincture hopefully they can chime in with what worked for them. Oh...almost forgot. I'd avoid giving it to the other dog IF you can. I don't think it would cause any harm to him but why bother giving it to him. I know healthy people who take milk thistle for the health benefits so... Hope this helps. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Glad to hear that Archie is doing better. Please keep us updated when he has his next pcv done. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Thanks Johnny, I will put it on his food which will be easier as I stand by them until they finish. He is due back at the vets on Tuesday so will let you know how his pcv goes.

Sue Cambs UK

This thread was discussed between 31/03/2010 and 02/04/2010

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