Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Urgent advice needed from England

Sam here from Hampshire in UK Please can anyone offer us advice as our vet is talking about whether we should continue treatment. Eddie one of our 9 year old neutered cocker spaniels and was taken into care by the vet last Thursday when he was lethargic, had bleeding gums and eyes and was panting. Symptoms came on very quickly, within 8 hours. He had a blood test and his platelet count was 10. He was started on steroids (I'm not sure of the name) on Friday. There was no improvement and he wasn't eating or drinking - he also vomitted blood and had blood in his urine. On Sunday I saw him and he was just lying there with laboured breathing. The vet then put him on a drip. Today his platelet count is up slightly and I think they have increased his steroids. I saw him at lunch time at he was a bit brighter, he was holding his head up and he drank some water when I was there. He's still on the drip. Tonight the original vet called and talked about whether the treatment should continue?! This has shocked and surprised me as I had seen an improvement. He's had the treatment for 4 days now. Any advice or experiences anyone can share with us please? We haven't given up hope yet and I plan to take it one day at a time although I do realise that the situation is bad.

Sam UK

Sam, With the platelet count going up and other clincial signs improving, I would of course continue treatment. You might want to go to this URL http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/midnight.htm and read about "Midnight the Miracle ITP Dog" who had ZERO platelets when she was diagnosed with ITP (Immune mediated thrombocytopenia). Be sure to follow the links at the bottom of Midnight's story to a couple of sites that have more info on ITP. Be assured I am keeping you and your most beloved Eddie in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days.

Joanne MN

One more thing, you might want to ask your vet about adding another drug such as Imuran or Cyclosporine to Eddie's treatment regime: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/azathioprine.html http://www.marvistavet.com/html/cyclosporine.html Also Vincristine many times will work well for ITP http://www.marvistavet.com/html/vincristine.html

Joanne MN

Wow! Thanks Joanne the story about Midnight on the link you posted was truely inspiring!!

Sam UK

Hi Sam I can only speak from my experiences, but if Eddie is showing signs of improvement, no matter how small, I too would continue treatment. It is a case of one day at a time, and it is a rollercoaster ride. Billy and I are on one at the moment - but you will get lots of support and kindness on this forum. Kind thoughts to you and Eddie. Steph

Steph Gloucestershire UK

Sam, I would keep with it, it's a sad fact that many UK vets do not seem all that up on this condition and you may actually end up finding good advice here that you then pass on to them. I sadly lost my dog but would have given anything to save her, I wish you every good luck there is that Eddie gets through this. xx Keri

Keri Lynn wales

Thanks very much for the encouragement Steph. Thinking of you and Billy too.

Sam UK

Sam, I hope when you checked the links that Joanne provided you also read all her other pages as far as treatment etc.? You know your dog best and if you are seeing the slightest of improvement then by all means insist on continuing the treatment you are Eddie's voice. Know that any questions you have there are enough people on this board to give you input about their experiences. We are not doctors but sometimes seem to know more than them because we are actively researching everything. Part of the battle is getting your Vet on board that it is not an automatic death sentence. Best to you and Eddie. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Sam, Don't give up on Eddie! AIHA is a treatable disease. There is no sugar coating the prognosis, this is going to be a difficult ride for you and Eddie. But dogs DO recover from this disease. Our prayers are with you. SUE

Susied Delaware

Sam, I am so sorry to hear about the suddenness of this diagnosis with Eddie. I am also sorry to hear your vet seems somewhat reluctant to continue treatment. You have received some very good advice here from others on this list. It would be a good idea to have a specialist look at him or at least consult with your vet on the phone. One thing that I can add is that whenever I hear about low platelets I always advise people to ask their vet about testing for a tick disease. Certain tick diseases have sudden low platelets as a symptom of the disease (along with anemia). If your vet is not familiar with the tick diseases in your area, find a vet that is or contact a local health department to find out this information. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Hi Sam, I think you should continue with treatment at this stage as you have seen improvement. My dog was so sick for the first week with AIHA, she had 2 blood transfusion and was due to have another then her blood count started to rise - she has been on medication now since 19/1/09 and keeps improving. She is due for a blood test today so am hoping for more good news again. I was so scared the first few weeks and have never cried so much in my life but my vet kept reusurring me that all of a sudden Madison could just turn the corner and she did - yippee!!!! Still a long way to go but the furture looks bright for Madison. It takes awhile for medication to work, hang in there. Good luck to you and Eddie!!! Samantha & Madison

Samantha Australia

Hi Sam Like Patrice said, try and get a referral with a specialist in internal medicine asap. I left it 6 months before I got one and wish I'd done it earlier. I don't know if this one is anywhere near you. http://www.andersonsturgess.com/ Steph

Steph Gloucestershire UK

Dear Sam, Definitely hang in there with Eddie's treatment - don't We are nearly three weeks into our fight with IMHA, and things are looking up after being very grim. Millie had a PCV of 14 on diagnosis. She was immediately given a transfusion and increased to 27. We have had another test today (2.5 weeks after the transfusion), and finally after staying around 27 - progress to 33! The important thing to remember is that it takes time for the drugs to work. Around 5-7 days for Prednisone (the cornerstone of treatment for IMHA) and 6 weeks for Imuran (I'm not sure about Cyclosplorine, Millie does not have this in her treatment regime). So if you are seeing improvements no matter how small - Eddie is responding and that is a good sign. To beat this disease, you have to be patient and be vigilent to changes in Eddie - both good and bad. Read all you can so you can be informed and have input into Eddie's treatment. Good luck Sam, we are thinking of you and Eddie. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Australia

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply and give us advice and support. I'm very sad to tell you that Eddie died this morning. We're heartbroken.

Sam UK

Hi Sam Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Thinking of you through these difficult times. Steph

Steph Gloucestershire UK

Oh Sam, I am so sorry for your loss! I know just how you are feeling as it is a similar situation to when I lost my Holly, sudden and right out of nowhere leaving you questioning all you did and wondering why? It is an awful disease that strikes with lightening speed! Thinking of you and your family. Keri

Keri Lynn Wales

When Drago was diagnosed and put in the hospital she was in the same state. She was on an IV drip no interest in food, was having problems holding her urine. My vet told me to hang in there that it would take at least 7 days for the medicine to start to work. The vomiting of blood is a result of the drugs and your vet should put him on something for his stomach. My vet would only let me visit for 10 minutes a day because Drago would get excited when she saw me and he wanted her calm to save her strength. It is a long hard process but just keep in mind the dog will let you know when it is time to give up the fight. Till then I did everything humanly possible to help her. My thoughts are with you.

Sue PA

Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. It is extra hard to lose a dog to this disease. I hope in the coming days you will be able to remember all the good times with Eddie instead of these awful days. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Sam, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. It is hard to accept that our furry friends are with us for only a short time. They teach us so much and then just slip away. You had the fortune to have Eddie in your life for a few years and Eddy was fortunate to have you as a friend. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Sam, I am so sorry to hear about Eddie. You had so little time to understand what was happening. I wish it could have been different for you. Eddie has changed you and your family in many wonderful ways. Others may never know about him, but they will notice something very special about you. He lives on in your heart everyday. Please accept my deepest sympathy. patrice

Patrice NYS

Thanks again everyone, this is truely an amazing board full of such giving people. I know that many of you have an ongoing battle with this awful condition and although Eddie's fight was a short one it has opened my eyes to this disease. I won't forget your kind words or the fact that many of you are continuing your fight and I can't tell you how much I hope you win. I prayed last night that Eddie was either given a chance to pull through or given relief. This poem made me cry but is beautiful as well Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Sam UK

Hi Sam, So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you at this time Samantha & Madison

Samantha Australia

Dear Sam and Family: Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your dog Eddie. Feel comfort in knowing that you did everything you could for him and he is no longer in any pain. May your happy memories of Eddie help sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Sam, Most of us are unfortunately familiar with the Rainbow Bridge poem. I have also seen an excellent rendition of it put to video that will really make the tears fall. It does mean so much to those of us who have had to say goodbye to our dear pets/furbabies. I believe I will meet them all at the bridge when the time comes and that we will never be separated again. Until then we all need to continue to get the word out on this terrible disease and together we can make a difference! Sharing in your sorrow. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

So Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Eddie is in a painfree place now running with his favorite toy with a lot of new friends. Again my thoughts are with you. Be strong.

Sue PA

Sam -- I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dear Eddie to this horrible disease. You know that you did all that you could with the resources you had available. I hope your memories of your wonderful life with Eddie will comfort you and your family. Like others have said, it is so hard to lose a dog to this disease. Please take care.

Brenda VA

Dear Sam I am so sorry to hear about the sad loss of Eddie. I am trying to hold back the tears as I write this. You did your best for him. I had never heard of this disese until a week ago when my dog was diagnosed. Thinking of you and your family. Patsy

Patsy Day uk

Dear Sam, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Eddie, a very difficult for you right now. Please keep the good memories of Eddie within your hearts and just take one day at a time. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Dear Sam, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dear sweet Eddie. You did what you could and know that he is somewhere over Rainbow Bridge, forever in your heart. Nancy and Lindy

Nancy CO

This thread was discussed between 09/02/2009 and 20/02/2009

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