Blue American Staffy just diagnosed with AIHA – Page 2

Keymaster

In most healthy dogs basophil s are rarely seen in any number on the CBC. But they are often increased in dogs who have allergies. In a young dog it could be common to see the genetic expression of allergies quite early in life. (Been there done that)

There is another rarer reason for elevated basophil but I am not one to jump too far ahead too quickly.

I’ve seen a number of dogs with a history of severe allergies (canine atophy: inhaled allergies) go on to develop autoimmune conditions including AIHA, IMHA , bone marrow failure etc. And those dogs can have elevated basophils.

Chance, who was my Giant Schnauzer, and for whom I made this site in memory of, had terrible allergies as a young dog and developed profound bone marrow failure when he was about 8. His life was at great risk because he not only stopped making RBC, he also couldn’t make some of his protective Wbc. He survived. You can read all Our Stories on this website.

I have a background and degree in physical therapy. While not directly applicable to veterinary science, my knowledge of human medicine and my ability to absorb tons of medical material quickly have been of great help in studying veterinary hematology. Eventually I had to study many different veterinary disciplines to get a rounded view of what happens when dogs develop these serious blood disorders. I don’t have any veterinary clinical background , other than what i pick up when my own dogs are at the vet, but I do have a vet as a resource who helps me with clinical application of the signs and symptoms I see in the dogs on this forum when I am stumped. I am always careful and research thoroughly when I prepare information about these conditions.

What I have explained to you is just the tip of iceberg in terms of what I think should be happening for Storm right now for diagnosis and treatment.

Valley is also an owner of a dog that survived a very serious case of AIHA. Bingo lived a long happy life after he recovered . Vally gives back tirelessly to help owners. She admits her lack of knowledge in some areas, but she has amazed me in her ability to absorb all this complicated terminology and now she is quite an expert. I admire her gifts very much. This site could not go on without her constant dedication. And truly, all owners become fluid in the medical terms after treating their own dog.

I believe in educating the owners enough so they can make educated decisions, not based on emotionally charged stressful moments in time.

My best Patrice

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