New and really needing AIHA Advice

Hi Julie,
I am sorry to hear about Naya. You were very smart to take her to the vets immediately after these symptoms. Good job Mom!

First I want to reassure you that this is not a cause for alarm. The PCV, packed cell volume (or hematocrit, which is a similar values) is a dynamic value and varies continuously over time in small amounts depending on many things such as the time of day, activity, dehydration, stress . In addition, it is not unusual for the PCV or HCT to decrease some after a transfusion.

Anemia is defined by a decrease in oxygen going to the body cells. When there are decreased numbers of red blood cells there is also a decrease in the value of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries the O2 to the cells. When we look at the severity of anemia, PCV values generally below 20% can be considered moderate to severe anemia, while 20-30% could generally be considered moderate. Values from 30-37% are mild. In most dogs the average normal value range is around 38-50%, some breeds have a bit different normal.

So a PCV of 31% is not severe, but mild, and quite acceptable considering where she was at just a few days ago.

Of more importance is to know if there is a diagnosed cause for the sudden anemia? AIHA and IMHA can arise from many different triggers and combinations of triggers. Some of these triggers are “treatable” (secondary) while sometimes the disease is considered primary, the body just lost tolerance to self, the immune system began attacking self, with no identifiable cause. A complete history is the best way to determine if all treatable triggers have been identified.

Can you tell us if the vet ruled out some of these conditions that might be treatable? At the top of my list is always if the vet checked for tick diseases. These diseases can contribute to IMHA and are treatable with antibiotics. There are other diagnostic tests that could also be done. Can you give us a history of what tests were done and what things did you notice about her in the weeks before this happened? Does she have allergies or digestive problems? What kinds of medications is she on or has been on previously? Recent vaccinations? Injuries, bee stings, snake bites?

Do you have any questions?
My best, patrice

Hi Julie and Naya, and welcome to the site.

Well your girl is certainly a fighter!!! Yes, do ask for a copy of blood tests and also her discharge papers maybe, as they usually have a good summary and send them through on the Urgent Advice at the top. Patrice is brilliant at understanding them.

Piroxicam is one of the drugs that can causes AIHA. Is the oncologist aware of what’s happening now? Just wondering if there are alternate meds that could be used. When you actually look at the list, you’ll see that there are many many drugs that can trigger drug induced anaemia. See this:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/drugsantibiotics-can-trigger-aiha/

For complicated cases, and I think your girl fits, Dr Jean Dodds is brilliant with the immune system. If it were me, I’d also do an owners consultation with her. It’s not terribly expensive (very worth it if you ask me) and once you’ve contacted her and she responds, you can email any further questions at no extra charge. The second box on this page:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/hemopetresources/

Ask anything at all Julie.

Vally

Julie,

I’m certain Naya is very happy to be home. It’s good to check bloods often in the early days. We were checking 3 times a week until Bingo started to steady up a bit.

And sorry, just need to correct my comment on the Piroxicam, whilst the drug can’t cause AIHA, it can cause very common allergic reactions, which can lead to hives, problems breathing, blood pressure can drop leading to white gums and collapse.

In addition this drug has severe cautions about using it with many of the common drugs we use to treat dogs with AIHA, in particular prednisone and cyclosporine. Like many NSAIDs, it can interfere with platelets and lead to bleeding.

Good luck on the next test.

Vally