Bull Arab X 7 years old with AIHA / blood transfusion

[jill]

Hi Lizzie , so sorry to hear about your lovely doggie , my dog Snoopy has AIHA to , but is improving all the time.Please listen to the advice the lovely ladys on this site give you, its second to none, im sure its saved my doggie.When Snoopy had his Transfusion , it took at least a day to make his blood level come up.Then he was put on , predonislone and Azthioporine, it takes a little while for the drugs to start working but give them time and they will, the main thing is to get him stable then carry on with the drugs, I know its hard they look awful they can be very lethargic but never give up hope, keep strong for your Lola, and arm yourself with as much information as you can from the site and people on here, we have all been through it , you can do it, thinking of you and lovely Lola love and hugs Jill and Snoopy xxxxx

[Sheena]

Hi Lizzy

A little message for when you wake up – hope you all got some rest – how is Lola? Been thinking about you constantly.

Love Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Lizzy]

Even though I took a Valium last night to get some rest, I was still listening and counting her resps! I feel like she doesn’t get quality sleep as her body is working so hard? She seems a little improved to me this morning but I’m very guarded as I know there are still many ups and downs to come. I am expecting she will require another blood transfusion to buy her more time for the azathioprine to kick in. What are the chances of one unit of 450ml doing the job? Her PCV was 24 post transfusion (up from 14-16). How quickly can these levels drop per day?
Thank you for thinking of me, it’s so very much appreciated xx

[Sheena]

Hi again Lizzie

No way to tell about blood transfusions – all dogs are different & some cope better than others at a low PCV. I can only guess one of your vets maybe talking about a few days because of the platelets being low as well. Platelets don’t live as long as red cells, BUT they are produced far more quickly & more easily, so the theory is they should get to more normal levels quicker than RBCs.

We have had lots of people on here who have dogs with Evans Syndrome – the treatment is the same, or very similar, so don’t feel things are worse for Lola at all.

I slept with my hand on Worzel’s chest for so long I don’t remember – a month at least. I never had a good night’s sleep for thinking he was struggling or even had died. It was truly horrible. I think I am describing what everyone else has experienced too. The first few weeks are dreadful.

Have a read of Karyn & Louis story when you can to be inspired, and anyone else who is going through this right now – you have lots of support here, you really do.

Love & hugs to you all & a special gentle cuddle for Lola

Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Vally]

Hi Lizzy, if Lola looks better to you, I’m really hoping thats a good sign. One thing about our dogs, they leave us to do the worrying and just act as they feel.

When does she get checked again?

Vally and Bingo
xxx

[Lizzy]

I knew everyone here would understand. You feel so physically and emotionally drained and it’s the not knowing that is the hardest!
She is getting her bloods checked again in an hour. I pray it’s good news. My parents are going to have her overnight while my partner and I try to get a nights rest. She’s having a sleep over with one of her dog best friends and it encourages her to eat, so that’s something! Thank you again for all your kind words and support. Nice to know you’re not alone x

[Vally]

Crossing everything Lizzy !!!

Vally & Bingo
xxx

[Lizzy]

We just got Lola’s bloods back. On the morning of transfusion (48 hours ago), her PCV was 24%, they are now at 18%. Is this normal? Or is this a huge drop in 48 hours? Again, very worried after feeling better about her having a transfusion. Thank-you x