Estrus as a relapse trigger?

[Pam]

My dog, Ella, is in remission from IMHA and doing very well. Her hematocrit is 45 and she’s off all medications. This is the best she’s felt since her IMHA diagnosis seven months ago.

And now she’s gone into season.

Should I be worried her estrus will cause a relapse of IMHA? Has anyone had this happen?

I’ve asked two of her vets about this, but neither had knowledge about estrus acting as a trigger.

Incidentally, Ella’s last season was early January and her IMHA diagnosis was exactly one month later.

I’m pretty nervous about this.

Naturally we watch her like hawks anyway but now I have this additional worry.

Pam

[Vally]

Hi Pam,

I’m thrilled to read that Ella is doing so well.

As to the estrus as a relapse, on Googling there does seem to be mention of it being a possible trigger, but at the same time, I’m reading that many studies suggest that middle-aged spayed female dogs are overrepresented in the affected population, so let’s see what others say.

No the worry never ever goes away does it.

My very best,
Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Pam,
I know of one female Standard Poodle, Mercedes, that was diagnosed with AIHA and Dr. Dodds suspected it was when she came into estrus. Consequently as soon a s she was better she was spayed. As Vally said, middle aged spayed females are over represented. However her AIHA dog is male, so was Patrice’s, Shauna’s and mine. Only Linda has a (I believe spayed) female, so go figure. I think there is more to it than the dog going into estrus, maybe something to do with the thyroid? My advice, don’t over think it. There is nothing you can do right now, she is in heat and you have to wait it out. Maybe it would be worth consulting Dr. Dodds if it would be a good idea to have Ella spayed? I know of one dog that had multiple relapses after stressful situations. She was given a small dose of prednisone when ever there was high stress involved, probably about 3-4 times a year. Aparently after this treatment the dog never had a relapse. Now I am not advocating this, saying it is a good idea or you should do this. Just something I heard and maybe it would be worth posting the question to Dr. Dodds. I don’t know if anybody else has heard of this being done. I know if there is any scientific testing behind this treatment, it was done under the care of a holistic vet.
Best wishes,
Brigitte