Hector

[Hope]

Hi Clara –
I’ve been catching up on your posts on the forums and I first want to say.. Thank you so much for being a hero to one of those poor babies. There’s a special place you know where for people that abuse animals and you are so awesome to be his new forever mom.
From the very limited I understand, hypothyroidism is very basically a poorly functioning thyroid gland, which regulates the body’s metabolic functions as well as blood cell formations. It can either be a result of thyroiditis (chronic inflammation of the thyroid) or not. Either way, pups with hypothyroidism seem to deal with a lot of chronic infections, especially like ear and skin infections. So I would assume the immune system is always kind of “irritated” because of these chronic infections.. And that could contribute to the immune system overreacting and IMHA resulting.. That’s really really simplified. My pup Steve has had off and on ear infections for years.. He’s been on ear cleaners, steroids, everything and as soon as we stop the regimen, they come back. He’s also had a pretty persistent skin rash on his groin/lower abdomen for years for which we were given allergy pills and sprays. When he was diagnosed with IMHA everyone suggested I talk to Dr. Dodds and have him tested. He came back negative for thyroiditis but probable positive for hypothyroidism. So now he’s on medication twice a day and his PCV went up 2% within a few days of starting it (it had been hanging at the same number for weeks prior). Our vet was really hesitant at first about sending Bloodwork out because most labs don’t take into account the meds our dogs are on (the Pred screws with the thyroid hormone levels) and the breed and age of dogs but the amazing Dr. Dodds does. After he saw Dr. Dodds report (which she sent to him within 48 hours) he agreed to try Steve on medication.
As for Bloodwork, out of house tests will come back with evidence of spherocytes, agglutination, hemolysis and other factors like platelet levels that can tell someone seasoned in looking at lab work the risk of clotting.. A lot of the moderators on here are really good at looking at lab work. From the get go I have been paranoid about the clotting risks and I was really thrilled that our vet started Steve on both aspirin and Lovenox injections even though the latter cost a small fortune every few weeks.. If hector isn’t on something you might really want to talk to your vet about it. Our first vet didn’t think it was normal protocol but she also admitted she was out of her depth, which I appreciated. as soon as we switched to our amazing internist, he added the two anti-clotting drugs — that’s his personal protocol (the aspirin and injections) and I’m so happy he did.

Hugs to y’all!
Hope and Steve

[admin]

Dearest Claire, I just wanted to pipe in and let you know I’m so glad you’re so diligently staying with us here. It’s a tremendous war against this horrible IMHA/AIHA and figuring it all out is the main battle. You have the greatest advice here. I also saw you on FB and was so hoping you’d wright. Along with everyone else, sorry for the reason, but SO glad you’re here.

About the slippery elm cocktail – I had Sadie on that too for a while. It was great, but messed with her tummy (everything messed with her tummy – still does). I had to taper it and eventually went back to Sucralfate, and then Pepcid. I continue to give her a tad of slippery elm powder in her food occasionally, but the other ingredients had an adverse reaction. Just telling you this, because as you know I’m sure, supplements can get to them sometimes.

And Michael Vick and his horror – so glad you’ve brought Hector into your home and heart. You have been incredibly diligent and loving – your goodness outweighs Vick. Thank you wonderful lady. Hector is the luckiest of pups.

My best to you and huge, enormous hugs to Hector,

Linda and Sadie

[admin]

PS – so sorry I misspelled your name Clara.

Linda and Sadie (whom types much better than me!)

[admin]

Hi Clara

We have just watched that video of Hector & the other sweet dogs – my belief has always been that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. This proves it beyond doubt & it should be compulsory viewing for anyone under the misapprehension that pit bulls (in the UK Staffordshire bull terriers or Staffies) are bad. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I hope everyone will watch it. It’s lovely to “meet” Hector on film too, plus his other doggie brothers & sisters.

Regarding your question about clotting, an early test & a couple of the most recent tests would be fine. Clotting risks show up (Hope explained it very well) and also any abnormal red blood cells (or other cells) on a blood smear (pathology) are extremely useful & give good clues as to what is going on. They can often point you in the right direction towards the possible cause of the anaemia, but not always, sadly. Any clues are a bonus though!

Please feel free to send us them privately or via the urgent advice (in blue bar at the top of the page). My dog Worzel did not need anti-clotting meds because his haemolysis was not intravascular, i.e. not in the bloodstream, and I couldn’t understand this for the life of me at the beginning! His problem was actually in the bone marrow, which meant he had a very rare form of a rare disease. There is such a lot to understand & you have the added complication of the babesia to deal with. Whatever we can do to help, just ask.

Give that beautiful boy a big cuddle from us – and your other pooches too
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxx

[admin]

Hi Clara

How are you and Hector getting on?

I’m sorry I probably wasn’t very clear about the clotting issue. The reason I mention it as others have said, is that abnormal clotting is the leading cause of death in dogs with IMHA, and so in most cases, anti-clotting medication is essential alongside the immunosuppression. What I am unsure of, however, is whether it is a risk for Hector. I know you mentioned that he has “late stage erythroid maturation arrest”, but I do not know exactly how this could impact on clotting. Hopefully your vet is well aware of this risk though and would have started Hector on the clotting meds if he needed them. I think that’s what Sheena was saying. It’s just something to be aware of and to ask about.

Anyway, sending lots of positive vibes your way and hoping that Hector is feeling a little brighter today.

Mary and Mable x

[Clara]

I just uploaded a thousand files (nearly!) to the “Urgent Advice” section. I am hoping someone can see something that we have been missing. I will be contacting Dr. Dodds Monday and Hector is getting acupuncture and bloodwork on Tuesday. He isn’t doing very well. I’m not sure if I said this yet, but we finally got a diagnosis for the terrible GI stuff that Hector and Angus have been experiencing. Coccidia. Plain old coccidia. So all four dogs started Albon 5 days ago. Hector is still acting like he feels terrible. His gums are chronically pale so I have no idea when to freak out about the paleness. I feel like we’re losing our dog.

[Vally]

Clara, it’s such a complicated case, I think having Dr Dodds on your side asap is the way to go.

Love Vally & Bingo

PS Just watched the video (at work shhhhhh). I can only say wow. He’s such a lucky boy to have been saved from that place and to have found his home with you guys.

[Clara]

Okay, I contacted Dr. Dodds. Some questions I would like to have answered from you fine ladies:
1. Is Hector’s anemia regenerative?
2. Does he have clotting issues?
3. How do I make Hector better? =)