#1
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Imha
Hi, it is my first post and it is a really tough one. My 9 yr old cockapoo was diagnosed with Immune mediated Hemolyitc Anemia yesterday. He was perfectly fine 4 days ago and now he is at the vets with a red blood cell count of 12 %. We started him on Prednisone Monday, but between then and this morning, he vomitted so much that the vet does not feel any was ingested.
I am so upset right now, he was fine, just fine 4 days ago. The maddening thing is that they are unable to determine the cause of this disease, however they believe it is due to his vaccinations 3 weeks ago. Is there anyone else here that has gone through this with their dog? The longterm outlook even if he does make it through the next few days is not at all promising. I do not want to put him through blood transfusions and strong meds the rest of his life........... The next 24 hours for him will hopefully show us where he stands. I am so shocked that a routine vaccine could be the cause. Any suggestions (or prayers) would be great. Thanks, Karen |
#2
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I believe this is what Sways_bodyguard has been fighting in his dog Sway. Here's the thread: http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread....ways_bodyguard Last update I read, Sway was doing pretty good.
I have no advice to offer, Karensdogs, just wanted to give you a and wish you and your dog all the best. If prayers will help, you have them!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#3
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Thanks so much for the hugs and kind words. I did read sways thread, it is a little overwhelming at the moment. I am still in a bit of shock. I am waiting on a call from the vet to find out how he is tonight. When I left him today he was not the same dog at all........wish us luck.
Karen |
#4
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I have nothing to offer in the way of suggestions as I have no experience with IMHA. I only know how difficult it is when your dog is ill and my heart goes out to you. What a scary thought that routine vaccinations could be the cause of this disease. I am wishing your dog all the best and sending prayers and hugs for both of you...
__________________
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Mahatma Gandhi My loyal menagerie... (all neutered, spayed, and gelded...and YOU aren't safe either!) Ruben (Bullmastiff) Emmy (Miniature Pinscher) Petie (Miniature Pinscher) Shadow (Miniature Pinscher) Zoe (APBT) Tito (Paint Gelding) Francesca (Miniature Horse Filly) Vincenzo (APHA gelding) Lots of fishies...... |
#5
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Best of luck to you and Buster, Karen . Hoping the vet has some better news for you soon .
__________________
"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." -Will Durant |
#6
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Karen,all I can offer is and for beautiful Buster
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#7
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Thanks for the well wish everyone, it's truly appreciated. More bad news today unfortunately.....Buster's red blood count dropped to 8 % and his breathing is very rapid. He also vomitted again last night they said.
The vet called me this morning to ask my permission to start him on a chemotherapy drug called Azathioprine. From the research I've gathered it seems to have some positive results when used in combination with the Prednisone. I have to try this.........but I must say, that if these 2 drugs do not work, I do not want him to suffer. I am so upset about the fact that he is having a hard time just breathing........imagine the poor guy....... I am off with the kids to go and visit him, at least we can do that. Not sure if I want to see him so lethargic..........but I have to go, I miss him way too much. Let's hope this works............fingers crossed. Karen This is my Buster for those who haven't seen him yet........just one month ago..... |
#8
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Aww Karen,he is such a sweety,your heart must be breaking,hopefully his treatment will help
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#9
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I am crossing my fingers for you... Your boy is adorable, I hope he gets through this and gets back home where he belongs.
__________________
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Mahatma Gandhi My loyal menagerie... (all neutered, spayed, and gelded...and YOU aren't safe either!) Ruben (Bullmastiff) Emmy (Miniature Pinscher) Petie (Miniature Pinscher) Shadow (Miniature Pinscher) Zoe (APBT) Tito (Paint Gelding) Francesca (Miniature Horse Filly) Vincenzo (APHA gelding) Lots of fishies...... |
#10
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that the treatment works!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#11
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Karen,
I am so sorry for what you are going through and I understand. My little guy has also been experiencing low red blood cell counts. The steroids are making a differfence for him. If your little buddy is vomitting why do they not switch to injectible prednisone? Have you questioned why the vomitting? Is that part of the IMHA? Prednisone does work fast, but two days isn't very long even for prednisone to reverse the dammage. (especially if he can't keep it down) If they do have to transfuse it does not necessarily mean a lifetime of tansfusions. Maybe just buy time for meds to start doing their job. This may be of interest to you and may shed a little light for you. Many chemotherapy drugs are also used to treat autoimmune disorders. I have Crohn's disease which is autoimmune. I have been on both prednisone and Azathioprine (also known as Imuran). Azathioprine does take up to 6 weeks to kick in. Har and I will keep our fingers and paws for you. |
#12
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Hi Nicker, thanks so much for the support. They did switch Buster to injections on Wednesday thank Goodness. I went to see him yesterday at lunch and he was awful, breathing was so rapid and he couldn't even walk. However, we went back at dinner last night and he was soooooooo excited so see us! He was walking, wagging the tail, giving kisses!! What a difference from lunchtime. He was still breathing fast though. So I'm hoping he is responding to the meds now..........no more vomitting thankfully. He is still being kept at the vets because he is on an IV for fluids. He gets a blood test today at 8 am and I am praying for a higher count. Keep your fingers crossed. I do know that it takes time for all meds to kick in.........thanks so much for your thoughts, I will keep you posted as soon as I get the results today. I just want to bring him home.............
Karen |
#13
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For Buster,that he'll be able to come home soon and get better
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#14
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That's great news, Karen! for continued improvement!
And keep up the good work, Buster! You'll be home with mom again in no time!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#15
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Hi all,
Buster's count is at 10 today, 2 up from yesterday. I really don't know what to expect at this point.......they are keeping him at the clinic still. I just miss him so. My other dog Wags misses him too.........I am not going to get excited about his count going up just yet because 10 is still extrememy low. I am just hoping that as the days pass, the meds will really kick in. Thanks for your support, I will keep you updated. |
#16
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As long as he continues to improve, well, that's great! 2% is 2%! It might be slow, but he's going in the right direction.
Stay positive and take it one day at a time.
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#17
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2% a day sounds pretty good to me. Anything up is good! I don't know exactly how low my dog started out at. There was a problem at the lab they sent his blood work to (they can do red blood cells in house but a complete CBC needs to get sent away) so we never got results until 1.5 weeks later. He was at 20% 1.5 weeks before starting the prednisone and had been at 30% one week prior to that. After 5 days on prednisone he was up to 28%. One week later he was up yo 35%. What I am getting at is that it seems that my dog averages just over 1% increase a day. Since Buster has really only been on the prednisone two days (we won't count the days he couldn't keep it down) I think that is a great start! Harley and I will keep on crossing fingers and paws for you and Buster.
Buster is adorable by the way. Nicole |
#18
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Thanks so much for your story, it gives me hope for Buster! I went in to see him tonight, I tried to feed him, even brought home made roasted chicken, he took only a few little bites, then turned his nose. He seemed really sad, he really wants to come home I can tell. Tomorrow I am going to insist that he come home, he's been there for 4 days........I could tell he was stressed. Hopefully his counts will go up some more tomorrow. Wish us luck.
Karen |
#19
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It is so hard leaving them there in the hospital. I know what that is like too. In June Harley spent 3 days there and then came home for 2 and was back in for another 4. It got so lonely at home without him.
My thoughts are with you. Good luck with tomorrow's blood work. We go for blood work again on Tuesday. I am hoping then that we start to wean off of the prednisone. |
#20
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From my Buster to your Buster.....GET WELL SOON!!!!
(strange post as I also had a Harley who went to the bridge on aug 11th 2007......just odd to see both "buster" and "Harley" mentioned in the same post.) If your Buster is like mine, he will pull through......2% at a time!!!!!
__________________
RIP Harley Sept 7/02 - Aug 11/07 Buster (6 yr old Tzu/Bichon) ************************************** Don't let someone become a priority in your life when you are just an option in their life. |
#21
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I am really sorry to hear about Buster. :sad:
Even though his count has gone up to 12% that is still pretty low.....has your vet suggested a blood transfusion? |
#22
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Ill fight till the end
My dog angel was a extremely strong wonderful american bulldog. Over the course of three days she started to detoriate. I thoufgt she was only under the weather. When she refused to get up i knew something was wrong. I took her to an emergency care facility. They imediately tested her blood and found her blood count at 17. She was on the verge of death. Large dogs need higher blood counts to survive. Where as smaller dogs can live eith lower levels. We immediately gave her blood transfusions. It took three to stabilize her. While at the vet her levels climbed to 27. She is know at home fighting everyday. Her blood level is know at 31. Unfortunately the predisone we are using to keep her alive is also causing severe muscle atrophy. We are at the point where we are lowering the predisone and praying she holds her blood count. This dog has been a guardian of are family since we rescued her and we owe her the world. This disease is horrible striking without warning. I pray for everyone who has lost dogs and is fighting this disease. All i can ask is that we all pray for are pets well being. I view everyday I have gained with Angel as a blessing. My prayers are with u and buster. Also I have begun giving my dog some kombucha tea with her water and will let u know if this helps.
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#23
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Another thing i would like to say is the reason you hurt so much is because yo are such a good person.
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