Hello all. I just joined this forum and I need all the help that I can get. Experience of people that are dealing or have dealt with this disease. Sasha got really sick on January 12, 2009 and was diagnozed with IMHA. She was hospitalized until Saturday, January 17, 2009 and received two blood transfusions. Her PCV was going up and down at the beginning but since her second blood transfusion it went to 27 then 25 then 27 again (that's when they released her) and yesterday check up at her vet gave us 35 (which I think it's really good). She is now eating, drinking a lot, peeing a lot but other than that she seems to be fine...not her normal self quite yet but almost there...My concern is the contraindications of medications she is on. She gets 15mg of prednisone and 1.6 ml of azathioprine. She weighs around 8 kg (16,6lbs) and she is a miniature schnauzer. She also takes a small dose of aspirine every night. We are hoping for the best but at the same time we are really worried since they say it takes long time for the dog to be ok again. Please anyone who has experience, your input would be greately appreciated. Oh yes and Sasha is 4 years old.

I hate unanswered posts- I cant help but wanted to say that I hope all goes well- my thoughts and prayers are with you

when it comes to meds with my crew the first thing I do is research as much as possible and get as educated as I can. If you can get another opinion - a good vet will not care and should encourage all questions

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers...she is doing really well so far so I hope it just continues that way...and the vet is answering my questions...I just wanted to talk to someone who might went through the same thing with their dogs and just have like a personal imput or something...that's all...but thank you so much for replying

Glad to hear it- some people wont get in a vets face (so to speak) and take what they say as gospel- since you were questioning the meds I just was encouraging you to make sure your gut was ok with whatever he said- keep me posted ok~!

Hi, Ok so this week check up her PCV is back to normal 42!!! Which is great but on my insisting they did a liver toxicity test (they wouldn't have done it if I didn't ask) and her liver enzimes are 4 times elevated so now she's taking some meds for her liver...they say it's nothing to really worry about...sasha is being her old self it's just that she is really hungry all the time and is peeing a lot and has lots of excidents around the house but until they start taking her of steriods that won't change...they said if her PCV is still the same or better in two weeks they'll slowly start taking her off the steriods...so keep your fingers crossed that sasha continues to improve

[lulusmom]

Originally Posted by 4paws-up

when it comes to meds with my crew the first thing I do is research as much as possible and get as educated as I can.

Ah, a person after my own heart. This is so terribly important. Not all vets are created equal and placing blind faith in any caretaker can have serious consequences for your pet. Everybody should make it a point to know all there is about any medication that they are putting in or on their dog.

It is almost a certainty that the steroids are causing the elevation in liver enzymes. Milk Thistle and SAM-e are great liver support supplements that can help bring those values down. Most vets carry their own version of SAM-e called Denosyl.

[lil mutt]

I Just visited this post... Glad to know that your dog is doing fine... take care of her...

Thank you so much!

[heatherglackin]

I know this post is from two years ago but I'm at a loss of what to do now. Our dog was diagnosed with imha last week on Wednesday. Her pvc was 10%. They gave her a blood transfusion and immediately started her on prednisone and doxycycline. She went back yesterday (wed) and her pvc went from (19 after transfusion) to 13%. He also put her on azathropine. Our vet told us to prepare to put her down in two to four days. She is only 2 years and 10 months... I'm 19 and I've never had to deal with something so horrible. She's breathing rapid and I'm scared! She is just like my child.. I don't know what I'd do without her! Please help me. Please. :'(

[cigwyllt]

What an awful situation to be in. I've never heard of the disease but at least here you have read about a positive prognosis. It might be a good idea to start a new thread - people are more likely to notice your post then.

[heatherglackin]

I can't figure out how to start a new thread..

[CorkyMax]

Sorry to hear about your little girl. I didn't know anything about IMHA so I put -- dogs IMHA --in my browser and it brought up a lot of sites. Maybe you can do the same and find out more of what to do, etc.

As it is very late for me--3:30am, I need to go to bed--dogs will have me up again in about 3 hrs--darn! I did copy this link but don't have the time right now to get into the other sites but it sounds like you should--I glanced over them.

IMHA In Dogs - Veterinarian Dog Care

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by heatherglackin

I can't figure out how to start a new thread..

To start a new thread: Go to the page (1st page)--(or see dog forum in upper left in the blue strip across page any page you are on)click on it where all the titles are for the different sections/forums---Find the title that best describes what you want to post---I would suggest one called Health and Nutrition or the Question one---I prefer the Health and Nutrition. Click on the heading of the section/forum you prefer and find the words New Thread--near top left side--click on it and start your post (Make sure you put a title in.