- Second Chance AIHA ›
- Forums ›
- AIHA Dog ›
- Border Collie X Diagnosed with AIHA
Hello Amy – so sorry to hear about JD. You must be so worried. Sounds like you are on track though, and doing the right things to try to battle this awful disease – and you are in good company here, as the others have noted.
Keep us all informed – it does seem like your vets are doing a good job, and so are you. We are all here to support you. Let’s hope you can tempt him to eat something soon, and that he starts to pick up. It is SOOOO distressing to see our beloved dogs so sick, and my heart goes out to you.
Thinking of you
Lynda B
I forgot to mention that JD ate relatively well Sunday and Monday. His appetite dropped Tuesday, we got him to eat a decent amount Tuesday night and it’s been a struggle since then.
Ravi Seshadri is the specialist we are seeing. He’s been involved in research related to AIHA.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00773.x/abstract
Good morning Amy,
I think you and JD are very lucky to have a top notch vet on your side. I know the not eating is stressful, but try and relax. Have you tried to make soup for JD? i used to cook some lean chicken, maybe turkey or chicken necks, you can also add some veggies. Usually dogs like that broth and at least this way he is getting some nutrition and fluids. You know how they say when we are sick, lots of fluids, lots of rest? Well that is true for dogs too. Try to hand feed little tasty bits as I mentioned before. Try and keep it as lean as possible and stay away from commercial food. I loved cooking for my dog, at least that way I could put something healthy into him not just those darn pills. Hang in there, as I said once the prednisone is kicking in he will get a voracious appetite. That should happen pretty soon. If it does not, I would think there is something else going on. Maybe he would need some anti nausea pills or maybe do a stool sample. Once JD starts eating try to get a hold of canned pumpkin, not pie filling just plain pumpkin. You can add a table spoon to his food and that will help with loose stools.
Best wishes
JD has a nodule on his spleen, about 1.8cm. It appears to be clearly defined and encapsulated.
Do we remove the mass?
Watch it to see if it grows?
Do a fine needle aspiration and take a chance that the 70% accuracy of the test is correct? If it’s benign watch it and if not remove it.
Hi again Amy
I’m so sorry JD has been vomiting – he must feel really rotten, poor chap. I’ve just looked at your critical care guy – he is obviously very highly qualified & knowledgeable – again, good hands to be in – when are you seeing him? I’m sure he will do everything possible to help you find out what’s going on. Maybe this is an infection that will need antibiotics & anti-nausea medication until he feels better.
Azathioprine can sometimes causes vomiting & diarrhoea, even pancreatitis during the early stages of treatment (this is treatable – don’t worry – there is a test your vets can do for pancreatitis if they suspect that). Even though it worked well for my Worzel, azathioprine does not suit all dogs & we have a few people on here whose dogs have not tolerated it well & had to change drug. If this happens, the vets may wish you to change to cyclosporine (atopica) which is used more often these days.
Amy, I really feel for you & hope you can get a minute to keep us all informed on how JD is doing – I will be thinking about you & your sweet boy.
Sending love & hugs
Sheena xxxx
Sorry Amy – just seen your latest post – I like the word encapsulated – always better to see that about any growth. Splenic nodules are pretty common, but because of the position you are in with the IMHA, I understand why you are very concerned. What do your vets recommend? I am not an expert on this – Patrice is your lady – her dog Chance (who this website is dedicated to) had splenic problems & I feel she can better advise you that I can.
In the meantime, here is an article that might help you
http://www.veterinaryradiology.net/153/splenic-nodules/
Is JD in hospital? You must be frantic.
Love Sheena x
Hi Amy, thinking of you and JD with paws crossed for the best outcome. Ashki had three surgeries during our fight with IMHA, two bone marrow biopsies and then a subdermal mass removal. He did well with them. The scariest was the first bone marrow biopsy, his PCV was 10. The second wasn’t much better, his PCV was 16. Ashki is young , he’s now 4, was 3 during those, and I think that helps.
I’m so glad you have such a wonderful specialist to work with. Sending you big hugs.
tamara and ashki xoxoxo
![bingo-14-5_1200x775](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/bingo-14-5_1200x775.jpg "Vally\'s Bingo \\"Smile\\"")
![Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4.jpg "Brigitte\'s Cleo, Ripley, Enzo and Guest \\"Rockin\\"")
