 The Meisha's Hope Bandanna |
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The Meisha's Hope Bandanna |
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When a dog is diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia/immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, its owner/caregiver is seldom prepared for dealing with such a serious life-threating illness. Many times their first question will be, what can I expect in terms of survival and quality of life for my dog.
The "Success Stories" page is presented in order to answer those questions. We hope to show owner/caregivers whose dogs have recently been diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia/immune-mediated hemolytic anemia that there is indeed hope. Over the coming months we will feature dogs who have been diagnosed with this disease and who are now living normal lives. Many of them have had no reoccurrence of the disease whatsoever. I hope you will be encouraged and filled with hope as you read these stories. I plan to change the stories on a monthly basis, so stop back often.
Chip is a 6 year old neutered male Cocker Spaniel owned by Lorrie of Red Bluff, CA. Chip was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia on April 15, 2009.
When Lorrie was asked to comment on Chip’s symptoms prior to his AIHA diagnosis she replied, “Chip’s illness came on very quickly, within 24-48 hours. He went from being a very happy and active dog who loved to play with his toys to being very lethargic and shaky. Chip acted like he had a belly ache or a doggy flu and had no interest in his toys, whatsoever. Later his gums became pale and jaundice set in. He also had rust colored stools which meant he was passing blood.
”I became very alarmed at Chip’s worsening condition and rushed him to his veterinarian the morning of April 15th. Blood work revealed Chip had a PCV of 13. I was told Chip was near death and would need to be hospitalized. Chip was hospitalized for 3 days, during which time he received a blood transfusion, IV fluids and was started on 50 mg of prednisone as well as the stomach coater/protector, Sucralfate. When Chip was released from the veterinary hospital, I was given instructions of when and how to administer the Sucralfate and prednisone. From April 15, 2009, the day of Chip’s AIHA diagnosis, until July Chip remained on Sucralfate and varying dosages of prednisone. During this time, we visited the veterinarian once per week for blood testing. In July, despite my 24/7 watchful care and vigilant administering of medications, Chip took a turn for the worse. He once again had low energy and his PCV decreased by a few points. My spirits dropped to an all-time low and I wondered if Chip would survive. My veterinarian referred me to a neighboring veterinary clinic that was equipped with x-ray and ultrasound equipment to screen Chip for cancer. Thankfully, it was determined that Chip did not have cancer. This veterinarian agreed with my veterinarian that Chip was battling AIHA and needed to continue his regime of Sucralfate and prednisone. Since prednisone can be very hard on the liver, Chip was also given 200 mg per day of SAMe, a supplement for liver health, while on prednisone. On July 30, 2009 Chip’s PCV reached 34.5. When Chip’s PCV rose to 38.1 on August 6, the veterinarian decided it was time to add Imuran to the treatment regimen and slowly wean Chip off prednisone, which was taking its toll on him. Thankfully, Chip’s PCV continued to rise and in early October, he reached and maintained a PCV of 45. We continued weaning Chip off prednisone and started to reduce the Imuran. By November 20, Chip was off all medications for the treatment of AIHA. One month later, blood testing revealed a PCV of 47 and it was determined that Chip was in remission from the disease.”
When Lorrie was asked to comment on the current state of Chip’s health she replied, “Chip is looking and feeling great and has been off all medications for over 2 years now. His PCV at his last blood check was 45. Chip has not received any vaccinations since he was diagnosed with AIHA and will not be vaccinated again. Our veterinarian wrote a letter to the license office of our town telling them that Chip cannot be vaccinated ever again because of his bout with AIHA. Chip’s fur is once again soft and thick. It had been dry and dull while on medications. Chip is back to being a very active, happy, loving and loyal dog, and even more 'glued’ to my side since his battle with AIHA. He, and his canine sister, Dale, will be 7 years old on February 22, 2012. Chip’s continuing life is a gift and I do not take that gift for granted. This experience has taught me to be more grateful every day for Chip’s health, as well as many other things in my life. I am so thankful and grateful to our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Sandra Flournoy of Antelope Veterinary Hospital and the entire staff there for their professional diagnosis, wonderful care, love and kindness shown to both Chip and me during the time he was so ill.”
The Meisha's Hope Award
Do you have a wonderful veterinarian who has gone beyond the call of duty in treating your AIHA/IMHA dog? If so nominate him or her for the 2012 Meisha's Hope Award. To learn more Click Here
New!! To read about the winner of the 2011 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
To read about the winner of the 2010 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
To read about the winner of the 2009 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
To read about the winner of the 2008 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
To read about the winner of the 2007 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
To read about the winner of the 2006 Meisha’s Hope Award and the Honorable Mention Nominees Click Here
Editor's Notes
To view more Success Stories, click below to visit the Success Stories archives.
If you have a dog or know of a dog who has survived AIHA/IMHA for at least one year and you would like their story told on this page please email me at jdickson@cloudnet.comBack to TOP of page All contents on this site Copyright © 1998 - 2012 Joanne Dickson. All rights reserved.