Poodle with AIHA

[poodlemaniac]

Our 11 year old toy poodle was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), also known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). She was in the hospital for a week and a half. Came home on Saturday with a box full of meds. One day she seems better and another she seems worse. Anyone have a dog with this illness and if so, is this the type of recovery process we can expect? Her PCV count is around 13-14 and were awaiting result to see if her bone marrow is producing red blood cells. Should know that maybe tomorrow. If she can pull through all this she will still have many months to get back to the way she was.

Thanks,
Andy

[bubbatd]

Wish I could help , besides good thoughts for you . Keep us posted .

[elegy]

yikes. has she had a blood transfusion?

poor pup. IMHA is so scary. i hope she will rally and make it through.

[poodlemaniac]

Originally Posted by elegy

yikes. has she had a blood transfusion?

poor pup. IMHA is so scary. i hope she will rally and make it through.

She's had 5 transfusions and if the results of her blood count don't go up then she'll have to go in tomorrow for another. I'm afraid that we might have to draw the line here pretty soon. Our vet bill was $6000 for her being in the hospital for a week and a half. All this just sucks because she was such an energetic little dog with a great personality.

[poodlesmom]

I am so sorry to hear of your furpal's problem! I'm not familiar with that condition. I will keep her in my thoughts & prayers!

[Delisay]

Andy, I know nothing about this, but found a site by a vet with some very interesting health info in general - some really interesting thinking on his part, so you may like to have a read and see if there's anything useful there for you. I suggest starting with 'The Answer' (pathomechanisms of immune-mediated diseases) on this page: http://dogtorj.tripod.com/id4.html

Good luck with your pooch - I hope she comes through well. (You could even contact the above vet for a quick opinion too.)

Del.

[elegy]

Originally Posted by poodlemaniac

She's had 5 transfusions and if the results of her blood count don't go up then she'll have to go in tomorrow for another. I'm afraid that we might have to draw the line here pretty soon. Our vet bill was $6000 for her being in the hospital for a week and a half. All this just sucks because she was such an energetic little dog with a great personality.

she's lucky to have owners that have been able to stick by her for as long as you have. a lot of people can't. AIHA is one of the scariest diseases out there. i'm so sorry you're having to go through this. i'll keep fingers crossed for you.

[StillandSilent]

I agree, a horrible disease. Unfortunatly, I lost my first dog to it almost 11 yrs ago. I know exactly what you are going through and you and your baby girl will remain in my thoughts.

[poodlemaniac]

Our Sophie's blood count yesterday went from 11 to 16 which is the highest it's been in a week. Her bone marrow production count is 300,000 which is up from 80,000 so we are extemely optimistic...cautious though. Another blood count probably on Monday. Plus she is eating just a little. Thanks for all the kinds words from everyone. This is one terrible disease.

Andy

[Delisay]

Andy, I just found this:

"In 1996, a study was published suggesting an association between vaccination and autoimmune disease, specifically autoimmune hemolytic anemia, an often fatal destruction of red blood cells. ...dogs may develop an autoimmune response after vaccination. Coupled with the knowledge that some vaccinations for viral diseases may protect for seven or more years, have caused some veterinarians and dog breeders alike to begin to ask, "Are we vaccinating too much?"

....April 2001 ....American Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board approved the Council on Biological Therapeutics new "Principles of Vaccination." ... state that "unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance and may increase the risk of adverse post-vaccination events." "

More info: http://spear-barkennels.com/Dog_Diseases.php

Hope that your girl is still improving and will be home very soon.

Del.