Dewey, the Dachshund

[Vally]

Posting Marla’s email and responses here…

I have a 4 yo dachshund that was diagnosed with IMHA on May 20. His red blood count was at 12. By Friday evening he crashed to 8 and needed a transfusion. We took him home next day with levels at 19. On Monday blood work showed levels were up to 19.7. He is on prednisone 7.5mg twice daily. Took him in today for a check and levels fell to 17. The vet doesn’t seem too worried but I am devastated! Is this normal for levels to fluctuate or should they be going up continually for my dog to recover? Please help me with any advice or support. I don’t want to lose him.

[Vally]

Hi Marla,

I’m so sorry your boy is sick, but I’m glad you’ve found the forum.

First of all, yes the levels do fluctuate, but most importantly the transfusion is only there to buy time for the drugs to start to work, so after a transfusion the levels should shoot up and then you’ll often see them start to fall. Once the drugs start to kick in, the body should respond and hopefully stop the red blood destruction. That can take several days.

Often if the prednisone is not enough, and that often is the case, a second drug is needed to boost it. Cyclosporine (Atopica) is often the drug of choice as it’s side effects are not as harsh as others.

Can you give us some more information about your boy?

Well first of all, what is his name?

What does he weigh?

Do you have a copy of his blood results? It’s a great idea to post them here as there are some people who can help you to understand what’s happening (I’m not one of them).

Is you boy home with you? Are there any other drugs he’s using besides prednisone? Stomach protection is always a good idea as the prednisone can damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers.

Also aspirin is often needed to avoid any blood clots.

If stomach protection or aspirin have not been arranged, it’s a really good idea to check with your vet.

If you can post on the forum, that’s always best, as more people will see and be around to answer any questions. If you need help getting a post on, let me know, I’d be happy to set it up for you.

Sorry for the long email, and I’ve left out a lot I’m sure. Just wanted to answer quickly. We’re in all different parts of the world, so different time zones, so there’s always someone about. I’m in Australia, so this is my midday.

Ask anything at all.

Big hugs, Vally

[Vally]

Marla’s reply…

Thank you so much for the reply!
Yes he is at home with me. The vet wants to see and check his levels again on Monday. Dewey is 4 years old and otherwise in perfect health all other levels are good.

Today however, the white cells were slightly elevated. Dewey weighs 8.4 kg increased from 8.3 kg from the 20th to today. He is also on SameLQ (s-adenosyl) to coat the liver. He’s quite perky and appetite is great. But his gums are still pale. So is prednisone giving me false hope? I’m actually physically sick writing this to you. He is my first dog and is my whole world -I can’t lose him!! Unfortunately we live in a small town and if needed he cannot receive another transfusion since we don’t know his blood type. The vet said we only have one shot with this and have already used this up! Please post this to a forum I need some sort of miracle! I’m afraid I’m watching my baby die before my eyes!!!
Marla

[Vally]

First of all the prednisone is NOT false hope at all. It’s the drug that is helping to re-set Dewey’s body, which has gone out of whack for the moment.

This can happen for a number of reasons, and sometimes we never know what has caused it. Has Dewey had any injections lately, any insect bites? Ticks are a known cause too. Do you know if Dewey was checked for tick disease?

Do you have a copy of his blood results? If not, ask the vet for a copy. They are yours so don’t be nervous asking for them. I always said it helped me to understand what was happening. Please do that and post them either using the Urgent Advice again, or you can just email them to me if you like and I’ll pass them around.

Yes, the vet is right, before a second lot of blood can be used, the blood type must be matched. First time, that’s not the case. What city/country do you live in?

If the blood has dropped on Monday, I would ask for a second drug to be used as well. As I mentioned before cyclosporine is often used with prednisone to get this under control.

If Dewey is perky and his appetite is good, that’s actually really good. The way they act tells a lot. Yes until his red blood count goes up, his gums will be pale, however, always check his gums when he’s a bit more perky too, because when they’re sleeping or resting, they are always going to be paler.

Prednisone has a lot of side effects too. You’re probably seeing them. Increased appetite (tick), increased drinking and peeing, panting, tiredness (keep Dewer quiet for now – I’d avoid all walks for a while).

Vally & Bingo (diagnosed Nov 2011, in remission)
xxx

[admin]

Hi Marla

I’m so glad you found us – we have all been through this horrible illness too, so you have support from each & every one of us. There is a lot to take in when you first hear the diagnosis & I was overwhelmed myself. But I was determined to get Worzel better. It will be a long fight, Marla, but they can get better with the right treatment.

Vally & Patrice have given you great advice. I would like to emphasise that your vets need to look hard for the cause of this – the trigger. It is important to eliminate the cause, if possible. Sometimes, we never do find out why it happened, but some dogs have perhaps contracted a tick disease or other infection – that was what happened to my dog. I would also recommend that an additional immuno-suppressant, preferably cyclosporine, be added to the treatment, also stomach protection – vital because the drugs such as prednisone & so on are very harsh on the tummy – the last thing you want is a bleed in the GI tract. Denamarin is also important – it will protect the liver from the drugs & provide building blocks for new blood cells.

It would be very useful to us if you can send the blood tests & blood smear results to us via the Urgent Advice link.

I was also feeling hopeless at times, thinking Worzel was going to die & wondering if I was doing the right thing. Getting Worzel specialist help & finding this wonderful group of people were the best things I could have done. My wonderful specialist here in France was very happy to work with Dr Jean Dodds (Patrice has mentioned her fantastic organisation) if necessary. She is truly a big help to us all – most of us have consulted with her at one time or another.

Don’t get despondent, please, Marla – although this disease is serious, most dogs do recover & go into remission. Keep positive for sweet Dewey – he will feel your positive vibes.

I do understand how much there is to take in & it’s not easy – Patrice has done some great videos for the site which explain things very well.

Sending you loads of supporting hugs & a gentle cuddle for Dewey – he is BEAUTIFUL.
Sheena, Worzel (diagnosed with bone marrow failure Dec 2012, in remission) & his hairy friend Ollie xxxxx

[Linda]

Hi Marla. Dewey is darling!

I sent you an e-mail, but will write on the forum going forward. This benefits all.

Of course, so sorry you are dealing with all this with Dewey. Please know that dogs AND cats do survive this disease. I know it is all overwhelming right now. I was a deer in the headlights when Sadie was diagnosed. The people in this forum pulled us both through. Their advice is spot on and their knowledge and references are the best. We are all here for you.

How does Dewey seem to be doing today? I understand he goes in tomorrow, Monday, for more blood work, right? And possibly another transfusion?

Sadie did not require a transfusion, but there are there are many fur parents on this forum that their pups did require transfusions and they know the ropes.

It seems like so much to learn all at once. And I know how devastated you are to watch your precious Dewey go through this. But let’s work together and get your little guy back to health.

Sending love and huge supportive hugs,

Linda

[Marla]

are any of my special lady friends around!! I been trying to get in touch with someone before Dewey s appointment! Please if someone is around let me know!!!!!

[admin]

Hi Marla

I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier. How are things going? Dewey is absolutely gorgeous! I do hope you had positive news today

Best wishes,

Mary and Mable x