Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - WE MADE IT!!!!

Buster is off of all meds and is doing great. All of his tests were in the normal range. His PCV was at 48 and his liver looks good. His white count was a little high, but he also has a rash on his back that the vet thinks is causing that. I am having a little anxiety about the antibiotic the vet gave Buster for his rash. The reason, the vets think, that Buster got IMHA in the first place is that about 2 weeks before he was given an antibiotic for a skin rash. I am so very grateful at how this has turned out for Buster so far, but I am wondering how long before I stop the insane worry. We are going on a vacation in three weeks and Buster is going with us, I'm to afraid to leave him with anyone else. What if he has another reaction to the antibiotic? I am driving him nuts, poor boy, checking him every couple of hours still. How does everyone else deal with this. Will I ever be able to leave him alone? I guess I should just be grateful that I can bother the heck out of him. AND I AM SO VERY GRATEFUL!! Thanks to all Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

Hi Ronda, Great news about Buster but I do know how you feel. Archie has been off his medication for a couple of months now, I could have told you how many minutes a few weeks ago but I have stopped checking his gums every day now so there is hope for you too... Hope you can enjoy your holiday. Sue and Archie

Sue Cambs UK

We were off meds for 2 months. Starting looking at her gums again and they got pail again, so we are back on the meds.. so keep checking the gums and as soon as you think they dont look the same get in for a pcv test. This is a long crazy process.

Pam IL

Rhonda, Yippee for you and Buster! Hopefully the antibiotics will clear up the rash with no ill effects. Positive vibes being sent your way. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Ronda, Congratulations to you and Buster! That is wonderful news and I am so happy things are going well! Here's to continued good health. Sam & Millie. PS - the paranoia is normal! :) However it does get easier (at least it has for me) - nearly 2 years into this with Millie, and I have really relaxed - I can't even remember the last time I checked her gums! Might have to do that tonight! :)

Samantha Geelong

Thanks for the encouragement. I am taking Buster back to U of I teaching clinic next Wednesday to try and find out what the trigger to all of his skin problems is. At the moment he is a total mess. Wish us luck Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

Congrats!! Doing the happy dance for you :) I wonder if there is a natural alternative to the antibiotic, considering there may have been a previous reaction? Well, I'm no one to give advice about paranoia (you can see my other thread about that one, some wonderful posts from those here). Thanks to that great advice, I'm doing better - so I'm sure it'll get better for you too. Time and support seem to be key factors. Best wishes, Jen.

Jen San Francisco

That's great to hear Ronda! Buster is really lucky to have such a wonderfull doggy mom there for him. Keep up the good work. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

All I want to say is YEAAHHH, BUSTER!!!!!! Wonderful news!!! So nice to read some positive stories today on VetNet!!! Maureen and Mercedes PS- The paranoia will pass in time. I don't check Mercedes nearly as much as I did!

Maureen BC Canada

Hi Ronda, I am hoping and praying all goes well. Let us know how Buster is doing. So nice to hear he is off his meds! I would feel the same way about the antibiotics too.

debbie N.B. Canada

Ronda, what are you using for an antibiotic? I really think you should get the vet to do a culture and sensitivity on the skin...that way they can figure out the right antibiotic for it. Have they recommended anything for cleaning it...a shampoo or cleanser or something? Just wondering....is it *just* a rash or is it an infection??? Hair falling out at all??? Are you using fish oils at all??? Keep us posted. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Rhonda, so glad to hear the news, I posted awhile back about a certain antiboitic can cause IAHA, and now I can't remember what which family it was, Johnny posted on it so hopefully he know. My other dogs skin is a mess, the vet thinks its a staph but did not culture, the first antibiotic they put him on made him very sick, and his skin in a few days looked so much better. They switched him to a milder one and it stopped healing we are hopign iwt will get better. I woul recommend getting it cultured. Laurie

Laurie CA

I know that Smz Tmp has AIHA listed as a side affect. I refused it when my Vet prescribed it for one of my dogs.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Thanks everyone for your concern. Well, they did a culture and Buster does have a skin infection. He is on antibiotic for 30 days and antibiotic shampoo twice a week for 30 days. They also recommended Benadryl for his allergies for now. The vets said they can't do a skin allergy test until the infection is healed. This is a different class of antibiotic so they think this one should be ok for him, not cause IMHA. I watch him like a hawk, so if he acts at all different I am ready to take him back. Other than the skin problem, he is happy and active. Wish us lots of luck. Ronda and Buster

Ronda Illinois

This thread was discussed between 05/10/2010 and 18/10/2010

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