Why isn’t she making red blood cells yet?

[Kayasol]

Our sweet Kaya was diagnosed with AIHA on Feb 22nd. Our internal medicine specialist started her on Prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and a number of stomach protectants.

She was not tolerating the steroids very well and so our vet added mycophenolate and reduced the steroid dose about a week ago. She was able to hold on to her most recent blood transfusion and is holding steady around 20%. Sounds low, but my little girl has been adapting well. She has not ceased to amaze us with her desire to go on car rides and short walks. I saw her trot to the front door this morning. I won’t give up on her because of her strong will to live.

We are just short of a month since starting treatment. My biggest question is when will she start generating her own red blood cells? Is it possible she won’t?

[Vally]

Hi Kayasol, I’m sorry to hear about your girl. How old is Kaya??? Is she on any thyroid medication? Thyroid medication, whether they are hypothyroid or not, helps the marrow to produce red blood cells.

Mycophenolate is not my favourite as it can have lots of stomach problems. It seems to be the drug of choice lately though.

Was cyclosporine tried?

This is not the same as as cyclophosphamide. I read that cyclophosphamide is treatment for lymphomas, leukemias, carcinomas, and sarcomas.

There are better treatments for AIHA.

Ask anything.

Vally