Just Diagnosed and starting treatment

[Sheena]

Hi Kristal

Couldn’t agree with Vally more – yes it’s vital to check for abnormal clotting – I apologise because I nag everyone about this until I see a test that proves they don’t need anti-clotting meds. Most dogs absolutely do need meds, few don’t.

I’m glad you’ve decided to find a vet who is more experienced with this disease – that can make a huge difference.

The pred dose is a bit low for her weight – it should be 1mg per pound at the start of treatment, so that would make 30mg – 15mg every 12 hours. Can you discuss this with the new vet? Plus you do need another drug – most people on here have used cyclosporine veryy successfully, but we do have fewer dogs on azathioprine (such as my boy). Azathioprine has potentially more dangerous side effects such as pancreatitis, so you have to watch them really carefully when you start the treatment for potential pancreatitis. Hence, cyclosporine is the preferred drug, certainly by Dr Dodds, and if I had known this at the time, I would have chosen it over azathioprine for sure, even though Worzel had no issues with it.

When you get a second, we would love to see a photo of Shelby – you can upload, then it takes about a day to appear. Also, upload any tests to the urgent advice as soon as you can – & don’t worry – Shelby will soon be getting the right treatment if your new vet is familiar with all these things. Also stomach protection please! Goodness, I nag don’t I?

Good luck with the new vet – we will all be thinking about you & lovely Shelby

Big hugs
Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Kristal]

A quick update. I did switch Shleby to a new vet and he placed her on the azathiopeone- after her PCV dropped from 19 to15. That was on Friday. Today I brought her in for another PCV test and she was down to 10% so as I am typing this she is getting s blood transfusion. The mentioned that they are going to remover her from the antibiotic that she is on will be starting dexamethasone.

I have no idea what to expect next ……. Feeling helpless and scared for our baby.

[Vally]

Hi Krystal, I’m so sorry she’s not well right now. The transfusion will help her feel a lot better. They shouldn’t transfuse past a PCV of 25. I’m sure they know this. I must admit I was always terrified of transfusions, but Sheena often says, and I know she’ll tell you, transfusions are nothing to be afraid of. They are just there to buy time for the drugs to start working. So you’ve given Shelby the best help she can get for now.

I’m glad they’ve started the azathioprine. Pretty much every dog that has AIHA needs a second immunosuppressant. It takes a bit of time for the drugs to work.

I understand helpless and scared, we all felt it and truly, it’s left an impact on all of us. That’s why we’re here.

Let us know when you get Shelby home again.

Love Vally & Bingo.

[Kristal]

Thanks Vally! Again I can’t tell you how helpful you have been. I just got the call that the transfusion is done (I live in ontario- its3.30 am) and her level is 23. The dr on call at the hospital said that we can go home tomorrow based on how things have gone. The current dr working on Shelby will be done his shift at 8:00 – are there any questions I should ask before she leaves?

I do want to ask him about clotting – my new vet didn’t put her on something and I know each of you have told me to ask about it.

[Vally]

Yes definitely ask about whether something is required for blood clotting. Also ask about stomach protection. The drugs are really harsh on the stomach.

Vally and Bingo
Xxx

[Karxlee]

Hi Kristal, we have been on this roller coaster since Christmas Day 2015, my Doberman Louis has been through the worst time and had 6 blood transfusions, so please don’t be afraid of them, they are life savers!
Unfortunately Louis got every side effect possible which caused more problems, but he is anot odd one so don’t worry about them.
The ladies on this forum are amazing, they will help you and Selby through this so please lean on them when you need to, rant when you need to, and never stop asking questions. Everyone on this forum know exactly what you are going through, some of us are still fighting this awful diease and it does feel like we take 1 step forward and 2 steps back at times.
I write a blog (as Louis, yes I’m a bit crackers lol) so if you get any free time you can follow the journey we have been on. http://louismynewlife.blogspot.co.uk

Louis’s PCV is currently 26% and is going up very very slowly, but it’s going up. We may never get him back to full health, but the fact that’s he’s sat at my feet, dreaming of chasing rabbits makes the choices we have had to make seem right now, never give up hope, even in the most darkest of times the strength our dogs show will never fail to amaze you..

One really really important thing to remember is you must also look after yourself, make sure you get sleep and eat propel, because Selby is going to need you at your fittest.
Take care and all our love, Karyn and Louis xx

[Sheena]

Hi Kristal

Oh goodness, I’m so pleased all went well with the transfusion – Shelby will feel better now. Karyn is certainly the expert on this as Louis has had quite a few! She is one amazing lady & shows us all that you can fight & get your dog out of trouble – she never, ever gave up on her beloved boy. Crackers? Absolutely not – she just loves Louis so very much.

Yes -please ask about the clotting issues – this is very important, especially after a transfusion, and the tummy protection as Vally says.

Can I mention the antibiotics please, just in case she needs some? There are 3 groups of antibiotics not safe for IMHA dogs:

Cephalosporins
Penicillins
Sulfa drugs

Sometimes these have to be used if they are the only antibiotic that will kill a specific bug, but usually we prefer to recommend doxycycline as we know it is safe for our dogs. It is particularly effective against tick-borne diseases. My dog Worzel had a a high dose course of doxycycline of 5ish weeks to kill off what we suspect was ehrlichiosis which triggered his bone marrow failure (as well as having a vaccination whilst he wasn’t 100% well – a huge mistake by me & our vets). So, basically I am saying an alternative antibiotic would be safer as the one you had was penicillin based – I’m glad they’ve stopped it! And if she needs another antibiotic, let us know & we’ll check it out for you.

If you can get hold of her blood work etc (anything & everything), we will gladly have a look & help you through this.

Hoping Shelby will soon be home with you & having a nice cuddle with her lovely family.

Much love
Sheena & the boys xxxx

PS Karyn is so right – you need to get some rest yourself – this is really hard work & very stressful. Take good care.

[Amy E]

I am so glad the transfusion went well. I know they are scary but they are so important to help our pups along their recovery. Please take the advice of Karyn and Sheena and now me- take care of yourself. You are no good to Shelby if you are worn to a nub. Coal’s RCV was down below 5% when she got her transfusion and she is doing beautifully. We are all here to help and lift you up during this scary and trying time. In previous posts I have likened this journey to a ride on a turbulent river and we are in the tiniest of rafts holding on for dear life. Please know that the river will calm at some point so hold on tight and soon you will be floating calmly along. Prayers for peace during this craziness.
Warmly,
Amy & Coal