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- Sorta new here — need advice on new AIHA diagnosis in hospitalized dog
The PTT is Partial thromboplastin time (PTT.) It is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It is used primarily to investigate unexplained bleeding or clotting.
The high results can mean:
1. Deficiency of blood clotting factors
2. von Willebrand’s disease (a disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting)
3. DIC Disseminated intravascular coagulation (a disease in which the proteins responsible for blood clotting are abnormally active)
my best, patrice
Waiting to hear from the head of the internal medicine department over there. He should be getting his exchange soon. They finally came out to talk to us, and answered all our questions. Apparently this machine for plasma exchanges is one of only five in teaching hospitals in the country! We got unlucky in that they said Ernie’s reaction to his IMHA is rare (the extremely high bilirubin levels) but lucky that we live near enough to take him there. In addition to removing the bilirubin build up, the exchange should help remove the antibodies (I think? I was tired) to hopefully give him a manual reset before the drugs kick in. They said he may need as many as three of these.
I did ask again about Von Willebrand’s and it isn’t a concern because they have seen no indication of bleeding issues. They say his high PTT is because his platelet count is low (43,000 — which doesn’t trigger any anxiety in me yet, having dealt with a pup whose count hovered around 15,000 for several days…).
If nothing else, we know we have done the right thing bringing him up to the big hospital, even though we can’t see him as often. We left him in the ICU, hooked up to a blood pressure monitor and heart rate monitor with two nurses by his side. It felt like he was human, which is how I view him. They actually said that the machine they use is “people medicine”.
Hoping Ernie is feeling better today – how did he get on? It sounds like he is in wonderful hands & getting spoiled rotten too.
I am assuming that his bilirubin is extra high as we do see high bilirubin during hemoloysis anyway, poor boy.
Let us know how his when you get a minute – thinking about you & hoping he’ll be back home very soon
Love Sheena x
Well, he is alive. His bilirubin was 90, highest they have seen at this hospital. He got a plasmacentesis last night. The machine had an alarm going off and they are hoping to get a tech in to repair it today, so in the mean time they did a manual plasmacentesis that took all night because he was starting to deteriorate neurologically and was almost totally non responsive. His vitals have all been good though, and they are hoping pulling all the bilirubin out will mean a turn around today. Waiting for a call, which is good because no news is good news. Thanks for your support.
Lauren, just letting you know I am so thinking of you, Ernie and your lovely family. You are amazing. Please, please, as Vally said, you are obviously very strong, stronger than you realize, and doing an awesome job with all you have had and now have, going on.
Sadie has a gall bladder mucos plug that could repute. She will not survive surgery to remove, as you know, it’s a grueling surgery. She has relapsed AIHA now four times. As I read about your dear Goose, I am reminded that Sadie could reputure and the consequences. So, now more than ever, each day is a gift.
I am so sorry you are now dealing with this unique situation with Ernie. But it sounds as though the vets and hospital staff are right on this. This is the best thing you could have done for Earnie. You are an awesome for family.
Everyone here has already given spit on advice. We are sending love and huge hang-in-there hugs,
Linda and Sadie 🐾
This is from Sheena:
My goodness, Lauren, Ernie has had a really tough time – glad to hear he is
more responsive now after the procedure. Hoping you will get positive news
very soon & they will get to the bottom of why his levels are extraordinarily
high.
My specialist here in France was a Cornell intern & did some research into
part of this article about bilirubin, hemolytic anemia, PSS & liver gall bladder
issues. You may not be in the mood to read it – maybe leave it for another
time – but here is the link in case you do:
(Links posted seperately below)
It’s lengthy but does give lots of info on diagnostics. I think your vets are
doing an awesome job & can probably explain what’s happening really well,
BUT I am a real “need to know everything ” Mum & like to read up on stuff –
not everyone has to be like that, but if you are, it might give you some
background info.
Crossing everything for Ernie
Sheena x
![bingo-14-5_1200x775](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/bingo-14-5_1200x775.jpg "Vally\'s Bingo \\"Smile\\"")
![Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4.jpg "Brigitte\'s Cleo, Ripley, Enzo and Guest \\"Rockin\\"")
