Boston Terrier Ellie

[Lily]

A month and a half ago my 8 year old Boston Terrier Ellie was not herself. I took her to the emergency vet and they found her RBC to be low at 3.65. She was started on Prednisone 20mg twice a day. A week later she went to her normal vet who ruled out Lyme disease and common household toxins. Ellie was diagnosed her with AIHA. The way it was explained to me is Ellie’s body is producing new red blood cells but her body is attacking them. Ellie is now on her second week of Azathioprine 50 mg once daily. Ellie’s RBC was up some one week then down, up and just yesterday down to 22. The vet consulted with a specialist who suggested to give the Azathioprine 2 more weeks to work. I trust my vet and even m ore since she reached out to Dr. Reyes (specialist in Tampa) for guidance on treatment. Is there anything I can do at this point to help Ellies body from attacking her own baby red blood cells?

[Vally]

Hi Lily, I’m so sorry Ellie is not well right now.

First of all, it is early days and it can take a bit of time to see improvement. What does Ellie weigh? Also is she on any other drugs? Blood thinners? Clotting can be a problem. Also stomach protection, as prednisone is very hard on the stomach.

Has her thyroid been checked? Even dogs with a normal thyroid are often helped by taking thyroid medication.

The other thing I’d suggest is that if the Azathioprine is not helping, ask your vet to switch to Cyclosporine.

Ask anything at all. Happy to help.

My best, Vally

[Lily]

Hello Vally,

I appreciate your response. My heart is broken as I wish more can be done for Ellie during this waiting game. I know it is early and it takes time for medications to work.

Ellie currently weights 26 pounds. Prior to this issue she weighed about 25 pounds. So she hasn’t gained much weight but blown up quite a bit.

She is on a half of baby aspirin and an acid controller daily. Her thyroid was checked in February and was normal. Do you think thyroid medication could be beneficial now?

We are going on week three on Azathioprine. Ellie goes back tomorrow for labs. Her last lab check was 4 days ago. Vet wants to check before the weekend. If no improvement, I will ask about Cyclosporine.

Thank you for the recommendations. Will advise after the labs tomorrow.

[Vally]

Hi Lily, thyroid medication can help the marrow to produce red blood cells.

How did Ellie go with the blood test?

[Lily]

Hello Vally,

Ellie remained at 22. Happy it didn’t drop. Next appointment Friday. If no improvement Friday, I will discuss other options with the vet like adding thyroid medicine and or changing to Cyclosporine. Appreciate your guidance.

[Lily]

Weekly update on Ellie. RBC was up 6 today. Now at 28. Staying with same medications and labs again in a week. Her gums are starting to get some pink to them.

[Lily]

Weekly update on Ellie. RBC was down to 25. Same meds for another week as the Azathioprine should be at peak level next week….week 5.

[Vally]

Hi Lily, thank you for the update. The drop of 3 is not a concern as it can depend on how hydrated or dehydrated Ellie is when the blood is taken. The more hydrated, the lower the reading. It’s constant drops that are more of a concern.

Good luck with the next test.

Vally