Pit Diagnosed with AIHA

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

Patrice has done an amazing job (she always does) explaining the blood results – it’s looking much, much better on the latest one & I’m really pleased Sassy is SAASSSSSYYYYY!!! The Denamarin Vally suggests will soon bring down those liver enzymes. Most of us have had this problem with our dogs on these drugs – your vet is right – & that Denamarin is the best treatment to get them back to normal.

Keep an eye on that eye! Glad to hear the vet says it is nothing to worry about.

Congratulations on the PCV – 39.93 means a lovely big 40 really.

Love Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

Super duper news on the PCV front! Way to go, Sassy! You are so right to watch for the small signs of improvement. These animals tell us such a lot themselves and you were right all along. She’s a star!

I’m so glad to hear you are sleeping better after all this time too :)

How is the eye? This is fairly common in cats who are not feeling well, but I’m unfamiliar with it in dogs. I hope it’s also improving.

Keep it up, Sassy girl!

Mary and Mable x

[Alyssa]

The eye is about the same, not getting worse at least!

Unfortunately I’ve noticed Sassy is getting a rash on her belly. Rather than just describe it I’ve taken some high res photos for you guys to look at. Is this something I must put her on more meds for, or may clear up on it’s own? Anything holistic I can use?
I did just get off the phone with the vet and she says we can try watching it before putting her on more meds. That it’s common and will sometimes clear on it’s own. This is without a visual exam though, just a phone call. She does not think it could be allergies because of how many steroids she is on, and she’s never had allergies before (nor a rash)

It doesn’t seem to be itching at all. She hasn’t messed with it at all, and because of where it is, I’ve been gently cleaning/drying it since I noticed – it seems to be where her skin usually sits together. She’s got a lot of loose skin on her belly now, where I am sure moisture can get trapped. But, she doesn’t react at all when I touch it.

Here are the photos:
http://i.imgur.com/mLToA0x.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/y7WPgKz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FTboNxa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/0PrYr5a.jpg

Mostly it seems to be red splotches, the photo of the pimple looking ones are the only ones I see.

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

I’m sorry to see Sassy now has this rash. I’m really not sure what it is although I am hoping the others may have some idea. Is it where she’s been shaved? Is the rash in patches or is it widespread?
Just a thought, but if it’s in skin folds where the skin is moist and warm, it could be some sort of fungal/yeast infection. Such infections are more common with immunosuppression, and also following antibiotics. I may be way out though, it’s just a guess. Would it be possible for you to take Sassy to the vet, or to email your vet the photos?

I hope someone will be able to give you some better advice soon.

Mary and Mable x

[Vally]

Alyssa, looks like it may be a staph infection. See
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/staph-infection/

If that’s the case, may need antibiotics. Adam has just been through this with his staffie. May need checking. Patrice also mentions shampoos in Adams’ thread. Have a look at that.

Love Vally & Bingo

[Alyssa]

She wasn’t shaved on her belly, so it’s not around her shaved areas (just her two forearms were shaved). What you see on the photos is the only area the rash is in; about mid chest down to the thighs, but not around the groin at all.

I just ordered some Chlorhexidine Spray to try. Of course, if it gets any worse or she starts itching at all, I’ll be off to the vet to get more medication/antibiotics. I did speak with her today about it, and she agreed we can wait a little bit to see if it will clear on it’s own. Right now it is a pretty small section and mostly it’s red splotches, they don’t even look raised. Just that small patch of 3-4 pustules.

Would a gentle wash wish salty water be beneficial? Neosporin?

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

I agree with Vally – this does look like staph & the vet needs to see it before it gets worse. Have a good read of Patrice’s explanation to Adam as Vally suggests. The chlorhexidine will help, but you will need some antibiotics because of the immuno-suppressants stopping the body keeping it under control – cephalexin is the best one for staph. This is very common when dogs are being treated for AIHA, so don’t you go worrying too much – it’s easily sorted.

Let us know what the vets say.

Love Sheena x

[Alyssa]

Just an update on the rash – not sure what is helping but it looks significantly better today! The red splotches are mostly pink now or gone completely. That little cluster of pimples is completely gone – I couldn’t even really find where it was. All I’ve done while I wait on the chlorhexidine is wash with antibacterial soap, keep it really dry and apply a triple antibiotic since she doesn’t lick the area at all. Also did a gentle wash with baking soda and water on her belly last night & this morning.
Still going to use the chlorhexidine when it arrives and will get antibiotics if it doesn’t go away. But it looks drastically better overnight!
Could it be something similar to a heat rash, instead of staph?