Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - ZEKE

Thank you all for you emails and your support for myself and my beloved Lab ZEKE, recently diagnosed. See link to RESULTS OF AIHA.Visited the vet yesterday and his RBC was still 16.2! No improvement but at least he does not need a transfusion yet! He had a good night and is eating more. Our vet says she can only give Prednisone for 4 days and has started on imuran. I am a little concerned after reading "protocaol for treatment" Can ayone assist, do most vets ob ject to be given info from te net? I dont want to upset her but I do want the best treatment possible. Terry

TERRY SPAIN

Hi Terry, Just a quick note.. Why does your vet object to giving pred for only 4 days? It is the cornerstone treatment for this disease, and as much as i have come to hate its side effects, it has saved Kents life - twice. I know when Kent became ill and i printed a bunch of stuff for him from Meisha's hope and from dr. dodds, he was not thrilled. I think all vets feel that they have training and well, we dont. What i explained to my vet is that I was worried about one life, Kents, and that because he was so busy with so many dogs, i was trying to help to make sure Kent would get what he needed. Still, one must be very tactful. I would ask your vet what her experience is in treating dogs with this, then I would show her Dr. Dodds protocol, or similar, and ask her what she objects to in it? Sometimes they have a reason, but forget to explain it to the dog owners. Imuran can take time to kick in, and pred for 4 days plus imuran may not be useful - but I am NOT a vet. I would definitely get a second opinion, try to find a specialist experienced in this disease, and lastly get another vet if yours does not have experience inthis or is not willing to look at other protocols or work with oter vets.. Please post your progress, Best wishes Christine and Kent

Christine Fl

Thank you. Not surprising I am a little mixed up! I am in Spain but although i am trying I connot speak the language. My vet has treated this before and seems to know what she is doing! She does speak some english! We are obviously using Spanish drugs. She stopped GENOXAL but has continued DACORTIN (which, looking on the net, is PRED). I am so mixed up. What "side effects" are you talking about? ZEKE seems to be breathing very quickly. I assume this is due to lack of oxygen due to the anemia.

TERRY SPAIN

For anyone following our progress. Zeke had another good night although his breathing seemed very rapid. At least while he is breathing he is with us! His tiolet is much firmer and he woke up this morning wanting to eat (more like his old self). Still drinking plenty. Can anyone assist? Is there anything we can do to assist whilst they are breathing so rapidly, it must be a strain! Reading this forum and other articles relating to AIHA I notice that the "first few day" are critical. Zeke has made it through from being diagnosed last Tuesday. Can anyone give me an idea of how long those "first few days" are? I would say a week... Vets on Tuesday for another blood test. Lets hope!! Thank you all again for you concern and help. Terry and ZEKE

TERRY SPAIN

Now that I cn sit down and think for a minute I thought that I would like to inform all who are concerned about Zekes treatment. He is haveing. FLAGYL, 250mg, two tablets every 12 hours (only 5 days) This is METRONIDAZOLE for treatment against bacteria. It was thought, at first, that the anemia was due to a tick bite. DACORTIN 30mg, two tablets every 12 hours. This is PREDINOSE, the standard drug. GENOXAL 50mg, 2 and 1/2 tablts reducing to 1 and 1/2 tablets daily (only for 4 days). This is CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE. Apparently a cancer treating drug. This, along with FLAGYL was presribed initially witout knowing the cause and was a precaution. He also has URBAL suspension and OMEPRAZONE 40mg to protect his stomach. We have always fed Zeke dried food as he does not tolerate tinned or natural food. We now mix his normal food with Advance Lamb and Rice on our vets advice to ensure he is eating well. Our vet seems to know what she is doing! Any comments or suggestions welcome. Terry, Carol and of course ZEKE

TERRY SPAIN

Hi Terry, I don't think i can comment too much on the treatment you are describing - i think Patrice knows MUCH more about these drugs than i do, and maybe she will chime in re your drugs. As far as side effects of prednisone go, please look at Meisha's hope website, and also you can check marvistavet.com - good for explanations of drugs etc. Side effects for Kent from prednisone included much increased appetite and thirst - always have alot of water for them to drink. They have to poo and pee much more often than they ever did, in my experience. In the beginning i was walking Kent every two hours. Now its 4 or 5 times a day - more normal for him. Panting is common, and i can tell you i used to just sit there and panic watching him lying down and panting and breathing heavy. I called the vet often at night, and he assured me, over and over, its par for the course - as the pred is reduced, so is the panting etc. Also, pred is hard on the body in general, and Kent experienced liver problems - his liver swelled to 3 times normal size and that is why he is on liver support diet and supplements, and they have helped him very much. Is Zeke taking the equivalent of sucralfate and or pepcid a/c? Might ask your vet aboutthese as they coat the stomach and prevent acid accumulation that can lead to ulcers, noticable when the stool has tarry bits in it or becomes very dark/black. Kent was on flagyl for a while and it played havoc with him. He is off it now, and takes probiotic to keep his good gut bacteria in place - it seems to help. Okay, thats all i can contribute right now, but you may want to post breed, weight, test results, etc. So we can all better help. Also, keep a journal or spreadsheet or something to help figure out drugs, how they affect Zeke, strange behaviours, food, etc. Kent first would eat anything at all, massive amounts, and gained 5 lbs. Now he is extremely fussy and eats only what he wants, when he wants, and is losing a little weight slowly. Christine and Kent

Christine Fl

Thanks Christine. Zeke is a 10 year old Lab. He was going to be a guide dog puppy but I dont think he wanted to work! He recently had an operation to repair a broken tendon in his right rear leg. There was a problem with the op and he had to have another. He was recovering from this and was about to have his stitches out when we went to the vet and found AIHA! When he had the op he was 38-39Kg and the vet hosp said that he needed to lose 6-8Kg. When wieghed after the diagnosis he was 32Kg. He had a typical hearty Lab appetite, which thankfully he is getting back! My vet says it is extremely important to eat well. He does drink and pee a lot but no extra poo! Yes he is on Omeprazol and a white suspension liquid to line the stomach. His blood test on 29.4.08 was ALT...41 U/L...NORMAL BUN...11 mg/dl.NORMAL GLU...102......NORMAL HCT...16.3%....LOW...ANEMIA HGB...4.7%.....LOW MCHC..28.8.....LOW WBC....8.......NORMAL LM.....2.9.....NORMAL PLT....811.....HIGH. His last HCT blood was 16.2 Thanks again. Terry, Carol and ZEKE

TERRY SPAIN

ZEKES RBC was 11! He is waiting a transfusion tonite. The vet is also checking his spleen! We have everything crossed!

TERRY SPAIN

Terry,i just wanted to say i hope all goes well with zekes blood transfusion tonight,this illness is so awful isnt it,dont be afraid to reccomend anythinh to your vets,you are just showing your concern and your vet surely wouldnt begrudge you that,all the best. mark.

mark lincoln darlington

Thanks Mark, Our vet seeems to know about this disease. She is giving all the meds shown in the protocol, it is just in a different language. We are all hoping for the best! Terry

TERRY SPAIN

ZEKE is back from a transfusion which the vet says went well. He is eating and drinking loads, nice to have him home. He is now on PREDNISONE 50mg, 4 tablets every day. PREDNISONE 10mg, 2 tablets every day. IMUREL 1 and a half tablets every day. Along with the antacids to coat his stomach. It looks like we are really attacking this disease because he MUST maintain his RBC after the transfusion. Dont know what that was but he has a little more colour to his eyes and gums. We have everything crossed. Even the vet was crying today! Terry, Carol and ZEKE

TERRY SPAIN

Terry i just wanted to say that im pleased Zekes blood transfusion went well and fingers crossed he starts to make a recovery now,hope you keep posting to keep everybody updated on Zeke,take care. mark.

mark lincoln darlington

Terry, I am so glad Zeke's transfusion went well. It will take a few days for it all to kick in, but I am happy your vet is caring and Zeke is feeling better. Give him lots of love and hugs, and keep posting. Let us know his hematocrit and dont worry if it drops a point or two over the next few days - it sometimes does this before it goes up again. Keep a good eye on him, lots of hugs, give him lots of goodies. Christine and Kent - Kent sends a high five paws up!

Christine Fl

Thanks Christine and Mark. Zeke had a good nite but is just so lethagic. He just lays down and sleeps all day long. Sometimes it is the deepest sleep I have ever seen in a dog! His gums were a little pinker after the transfusion so I am just hoping that the meds work. It is such a hard time seeing Zeke with no life in him. He was so full of life before! at least his tail NEVER stops wagging! We are giving him plenty of TLC, he sleeps next to my bed. He doesnt need goodies because his appetite is back to normal. We do give him a chew after taking his meds just to reward him. Thanks again for all your encouragement and support. Back to the vets on Friday for a check up, bloods next week. I just want to see some change!!!!! All the best. Terry, Carol and ZEKE.

TERRY SPAIN

Terry and Carol I know how difficult this is right now but it sounds like you have a great vet and that Zeke is a fighter. Sometimes it takes some dogs a while and many transfusions to get things going hopefully this one will do the trick. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Penny Our vet will only give one transfusion! Not sure why but we will ask if needed, but it seems that this is his last hope! Has anybody else been here where the vet recommends only one transfussion? In the meantime he is fighting and so are we. Terry

TERRY SPAIN

tery ,i hope zeke is ok. my dog bonnie is ill with this horrible thing ,too. she is on 6 prednisolone tablets twice a day ,and having b12 jabs every 5 days . she has picked up blood was down to 20 ,but has now got up to 24 in 2 weeks . blood donor was found but not needed as yet. she is breathing so rapid ,you thing her heart would be warn out. the vet will only get 1 transfussion without the blood being matched ,if that doesn't take the have to hope zeke blood group matched with a donor .i am praying for your dog as i pray for mine . polly

polly whithorn scotland

Hi Terry and Zeke, Yes, you can expect zeke to need ALOT of sleep - its normal - a major transfusion and also low red blood cells equal low oxygen equal low energy. He's in there, though, dont worry about that! He will surpise you one day, i can almost promise you that. Kent has had two transfusions and cannot have another due to his age and the possible side effects - i dont fully understand it but two vets have said this. I think they worry about blood clots and stress, whether their bodies can handle the procedure. But having said that, i would ask your vet what her concern is with that - and ask her to be specific so you can weigh in on the risks. Two transfusions is not unusual. Lots of hugs to Zeke, just let him rest, he will come around. a little thing, but i find ice in kents water bowl is generally well appreciated as opposed to just water. They do get so thirsty on pred.. Keep posting, Best, Christine and Kent

Christine Fl

Polly, thanks for your interest and support. I cant help you much because its just over a week since Zeke was diagnosed! I just know what you must be going through! This is a marvellous site and gives lots of interesting information and support. How long has polly been ill? Zeke slept all day, he must really need it. Lets hope that he is fighting as well. We are looking for some improvement in the colour of his gums but at the moment there is no change..so long as it is no worse!!! My thought an encouragement are with all those in the same situation that we find ourselves in. I will post tomorrow after a visit to ths vet. Unfortunately our vet is Spanish and does not speak good English but we will try to find out the reason for only one transfusion (if needed) I am as ever hopefull! Terry, Carol and ZEKE.

TERRY SPAIN

Terry...they can only give your dog one transfusion without any worry that there will be a reaction. If a second is required, they need to crossmatch the blood to be certain there is no reactionto the blood type the give. Your vet may not have access to any blood products and thus only one transfusion. If you do need a second you will have to find a vet that has the ability to do the crossmatch and the access to donor dogs for the blood. Good luck, Ron

Ron B San Mateo

Terry -- good luck to you and to Zeke. He does sound like quite the fighter. Please continue to keep us posted.

Brenda VA

TERRY THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN ABOUT BONNIE .SHE TOOK ILL 3 WEEKS AGO,SLEEPING ALOT ,THEN YESTERDAY SHE GOT COLITIS AND POOR THING MADE A MESS ,TOOK BACK TO VET FOR YET ANOTHER JAB .HER NECK MUST BE SORE ,SHE'S HAD SO MANY ,SHE LOOKS BIT BRIGHTER TODAY ,GOOD LUCK WITH ZEKE ,POLLY

POLLY WHITHORN SCOTLAND

Zeke went to the vets today for a check up. The vet was very pleased with him. She felt his stomach and it was fine. She listened to his heart and that was fine. Most importantly she said that he had some colour in his gums. She said they were pink, not a normal colour pink but better than before the transfusion!!! That gives us hope. He is fast asleep as usual. Stil he must need it. No chang in his medication. Back next Tuesday for a blood test. Lets hope his PCV is up!!! My thoughts are with all the owners on this site who are struggling, with thier loved ones, against this horrible disease but there are success stories. Zeke is fighting!!! Terry, Carol and ZEKE

TERRY SPAIN

As I sit here and type I cant stop crying. It is two weeks since I first noticed any problems with Zeke. It will be two weeks on Tuesday since he was diagnosed. He is back on Tuesday for a blood test. This one CANNOT be low! He sleeps all day long and is showing no improvement except for the positive comments from the vet the other day about some colour in his gums. He walks around as if he has aged 20 years over the last few days. He is not the Zeke we all used know, but we still love him to bits! I cant help but feel that we are losing him bit by bit. I try to give him encouragement because I know it will help but I cant stop crying. I am sure he picks up on it. I have so many other problems at the moment. Please believe that I am REALLY trying, for ZEKE. Why dont we know more about this killer? Is there anything that we can do to prevent it? I do really hope so because I wouldnt wish this on anybody.

TERRY SPAIN

Terry - try and hang in there - I know how tough this is - I know how much you love Zeke and he knows it too. You are doing all you can - you are all in my thoughts, heart and prayers. Sherie

Sherie Saranac

Dear Terry -- I read your last post, and I want you to know that I believe you are trying. I think that part of the reason for your reaction right now is that it's really starting to sink in what a tough fight you have. And as you have read here, it is a REALLY TOUGH FIGHT. I know you are disturbed by the changes in Zeke, but he is tired because his body is not getting the oxygen it needs. When the immune system attacks the red blood cells, it is attacking the oxygen carriers. So, let's hope that the transfusion buys time and that the pred kicks in and his bone marrow makes new red blood cells. It's a good sign if his gums are staying pink. This disease is a killer, you've named it right. But dogs do survive, as you've seen on this website. Please hang in there and keep in touch with us. Let's hope that this transfusion and the pred are all that Zeke needs. If Zeke needs another transfusion, I hope the vet can find a donor dog.

Brenda VA

Terry, I think a lot of what you are feeling is part emotional and part a physical tiredness of this battle. It is an uphill battle. Try to enjoy every minute of time you have with Zeke. You might check with Dr. Dodds at Hemopet. She shelters greyhounds and their blood is universal. You also might want to start a new thread so more people will be inclined to look. Try to just take it a day at a time and don't get caught up in the numbers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I am sorry to say that Zeke lost his fight today. He just gave up. We took him to the vets and although we really didnt want to, we put him to sleep. At least he is not suffering any more. I will try to say more later but at the moment I am too upset.

TERRY SPAIN

Terry, I am so very saddened to hear of the death of your most beloved Zeke. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I urge you to visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Be assured you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Terry, I'm so sorry. Please take care of yourself. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Dear Terry, I am so sorry to hear about Zeke leaving you today. It is a tough, horrible, disease, and you did all that you could. Zeke knew this, and battled to the end. He is in a better place now, healthy and happy and waiting for you. Know that you did all that you could do for him, and he knew that and loved you for it. I am so sorry, Christine

Christine Fl

Terry, I just read your post about your beloved Zeke. I am so so sorry - my heart aches for you. I think we all know the fear and heartache and frustration and anger you have been going through - as well as the absolute exhaustion of dealing with this awful disease. Finding this form helped me realize I was not alone in all these emotions. You are in my thoughts and I hope you will find peace in knowing you did all that was humanly possible for Zeke.

Jeanne Texas

Terry and Carol, I am so very sorry that you have lost your dear Zeke. Words alone cannot convey the sincere sympathy I am sending. Know that you did everything within your power to try to beat this and that you will see your sweet boy again. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Terry. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our Trixie,less than 3 weeks ago, after a long battle. My thoughts and prayers are with you all Tricia

Tricia UK

This thread was discussed between 03/05/2008 and 12/05/2008

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