Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Update on Daphne -been awhile

I can't even begin to tell you the roller coaster ride I've been through. Daphne was diagnosed with IMHA back in May of this year. She's a mini Daschund, about 10 pounds. We've had so many ups and downs, tons of medicines, NINE, yes NINE blood transfusions, and I might be going on the 10th one soon, lost her twice but brought her back with CPR. BUT, we started a new medicine about 2 1/2 months back, and it is finally starting to supress her immune system. Her reticulyte count is at 160,000 which is considered regenerative This is the first time in six months that her numbers were this high. Her PCV Monday was 25, but I can't complain. She is still with me. Best Christmas present I could ask for. The cocktail of drugs she is on is Prednisone (5 mg twice a day), pepcid (2.5mg twice a day), liquid aspirin (2ml once a day), atopica (50mg twice a day) and the new one Mycophenolate (42mg twice a day). Sorry I've been away so long, but wanted to give people an update and hope. Don! 't give up on your munchkins!!

Kelly MA

Hi Kelly, My Scout and I have been on the same rollercoaster since early November. You have my sympathy! You must truly be a strong dedicated person to work so hard for so long against this awful disease. Scout's drug regimen is very similar. She is an 11 lb terrier and on her 4th transfusion, but her anemia is non-regenerative, so far. Her bone marrow has been tested and it is all ok. She's been on mycophenolate for 9 days now and I was losing hope because it wasn't working. You say it took 2 1/2 months to kick in! I hope we can make it that long. Thank you for your post. You've given me some hope that all is not lost. Good luck to you and Daphne. You're in my prayers. Dorothy

Dorothy New Jersey

I wish you both The best Christmas with your Fur Babies. We too had been on the ride. It's not a nice one. Too many bumps. Prayers do continue for All of you. I am glad that you have Dr. Dodds as well as each other. Wow Kelly, You are awesome. Our vets had told us that a second Blood Transfusion could be dangerous. You are proof to so many that, They aren't. Chances are taken and you are proof that the outcome doesn't have to be bad. :)

Kathy Calif.

To Dorothy - Don't lose hope. For almost 6 months she was non-regenerative, bone marrow tested fine, etc. It just took so many different tries to come up with the right combination. She had been on Imuran for several months, but we weren't getting a fast enough reaction, so we switched to the mycophenalate. And yes, it took almost 2 and a half months for it to finally kick in. Hang in there! You and Scout are in my thoughts and prayers. :) To Kathy - Blood transfusions in general can be tricky. Daphne's doctor is always reluctant because Daphne did have a reaction to one of her transfusions early on and it makes everyone nervous. They cross match her several times before hand and now they order universal blood for her. They also give her benadryl before the transfusion and after, and ever since then, no reactions. Actually, I am not working with Dr. Dodds. I have heard of her, but Daphne's internal medicine specialist is incredible. I'm sure you all know how expensive this can be. I've invested so much into her, I can't stop now....not that I would anyway. :) Believe me, I want to buy a house, but right now any extra money I have or my credit cards go to her. Someone said something to me that hit home. They said "So you've spent thousands of dollars on her....either you spend it on doing your best and helping her, or on the therapy that you will need if you gave up and had her put down." I try to stay positive around her always telling her how proud I am and that she is getting better, etc. Don't get me wrong, I've had many breakdowns, but she is such a trooper, it keeps me going. Well, I've said enough. Prayers to both of you. Kelly

Kelly MA

Good news on the reticulocytes! Sounds like you and Daphne can look forward to a New Year's recovery if not sooner..... fingers crossed and prayers to you and all the fur babies out there.

RobertN Superior

Hi Kelly, Im pleased to hear that little Daphne is improving... it gives me hope for my little Fred. I think he is around the same size as Daphne, so I know how awful it is seeing a tiny little thing so ill and not eating. I do hope Daphne continues to improve for you, and that you dont both have to continue going through such trauma... all those transfusions. I cant bear to think how hard that must be. The vet warned me that this could be the next thing for Fred and it is so upsetting. My sister has Freds brother, Ted. The vet did suggest I could use him as a donor, so that should help. All the best to you both jacqui x

jacqui essex

Kelly, so glad to hear Daphne is doing OK and is responding to the drugs now. Have you ever had the thyroid checked? It always makes me wonder when I hear refractory cases like these. Sending lots of healing vibes out to Daphne! Keep up the good fight. Johnny and Angels Tessy and Sadie

Johnny

Johnny, I have never had the thyroid checked. I asked about it, but was told it really didn't affect her blood. I am definitely bringing it up again to her doctor. Right now she is holding steady at 23%....had retic checked last night and it did go down to 130,000 from 160,000. She is still regenerative so I can't be upset. It took almost 7 months for her to be considerd regenerative. I know its a matter of days before she goes in for her 10th transfusion. What a little trooper. I wish I was as relaxed as she is. When her numbers are low, I rarely sleep......constantly checking on her to make sure she is breathing. Thank you for all the prayers...blessings out to all of you.

Kelly Ma

I think it's weird that your vet said that. I encourage you to check out this site on hypothyroidism: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=461 Check this out, this was a study of hypothyroid dogs and the site lists what symptoms it found. "36% were anemic (had a reduced number of red blood cells due to slowed red blood cell production in the bone marrow.) Elevated blood cholesterol levels are also considered a common finding of hypothyroidism. "

Monet Sammamish

This thread was discussed between 08/12/2011 and 13/12/2011

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