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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Update on Lexi
| Well...Lexi number dropped to 18 yesterday. They are going to complete another transfusion today. She is in such good spirits that it is heart breaking to have to put her through this. Lexi will be going through acupuncture on Friday. We have a vet in our area that practices Chinese medicine and she has just been through this with one of her dogs so with thought why not. It is supposed to help in the production of red blood cells. Has anyone gone this route? We just want to know that we have tried everything. Thank you all for your kind words. We have two great vets that unfortunately have a lot of experience with this. They have in a way adopted our Lexi and are trying to guide us through this process. |
| Maria Charleston |
| Maria, I am sorry that Lexi's numbers have dropped. It is a good sign that she is in good spirits though. I have never tried the accupunture but I think it sounds like a good idea. Hopefully you will have some good results from the transfusion. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Hi Maria, We'll be thinking of Lexi today. I am a little surprised that they want to complete another transfusion after how many she has had, only because each one can get a little bit harder on them. I am trying to remember now what they told me with Tiggs...I know every dog and every situation is a little bit different, but I think they told me they wouldn't do another transfusion unless he dropped below 13 I think? I could be totally wrong though, and I don't meant to second guess anything. Some others might have more ideas or experience there. Have either of your vets consulted with an internal medicine vet for another opinion? It might help to have one on board, or even consult a teaching hospital if you have one nearby. We didn't try any accupuncture, but certainly there are many here who have incorporated alternative therapies with traditional ones. I think the fact that Lexi is in good spirits is very encouraging. Everyone here can tell you that those clinical signs are often more significant than the numbers themselves- that is that if Lexi is acting a little more like herself or giving you little signs that she is hanging in there, that can be a wonderful sign. All our thoughts and prayers, and thank you for the update! We'll be thinking of you and Lexi. melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| We are have not contacted an internal medicine vet yet, but we do have a good one in our area that we are trying to get to see. Lexi has done very well after the last transfusion so they are hopeful. We got to meet the donor dog today and We told him that we hope he is the miracle that we have been praying for. |
| Maria Charleston |
| Hi Maria, My vet and I talked about acupuncture yesterday. Since she has just recently qualified to practice acupuncture, she does not feel comfortable to use it on Kahlu, my standard poodle boy. She also has limited experience with IMHA. She never hid this from me, and has educated herself as much as she could. She has consulted with an internal medicine specialist and just recently with Dr. Dodds. She was glad she did and we are glad our vet is not too proud to consult with specialists. She was very exited about getting guidance from Dr. Dodds and plans on going to a talk she is giving in May. You are lucky to have vets that have experience with this, but since every case is so different, they might still want to do a consultation with a specialist or Dr. Dodds. This incredible woman finds time in her busy schedule to give free advice. We will be thinking of you and Lexi. Take care, Brigitte and Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC |
| I also have had 3 pit bulls. My 2nd had IMHA and did not make it thru. We fought a 4 month battle but it got the best of her in the end. I wish you and Lexi all the luck in the world. It sounds that her spirits are good which will help greatly. Good Luck!! sue |
| Sue K PA |
| Maria - It's great that Lexi's spirits are good and you are feeling comfortable with her doctors. I would ask them about doing acupuncture at this point. When we were going through this, my holistic vet would not do acupuncture on a dog with IMHA because, as she explained it, while it might stimulate red blood cell production, it would also stimulate the immune system overall, thus causing further red blood cell destruction. At this point, you don't want to do anything to "rev up" the immune system. I would check it out with your doctors as they may have a different opinion and every dog's case is unique. I hope everything goes well for you and Lexi. Bonnie |
| Bonnie Chicago |
| Lexi will be in my thoughts today. I hope the best for her and hope everything gets better. I'll be praying for a speedy recovery. Johnny & Tessy |
| Jonathan |
This thread was discussed on 17/03/2009
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