Honey

[samantha]

I am so sorry Lynda that you are having to go through this. My Indigo was so very healthy and active and I think that is why it took her close to 5-6 months to fight this and start getting back to her old self. My vet said her being so healthy helped her but also hurt her because it took so much medication to suppress her immune system. Hold out hope. I hope you are giving her something to protect her tummy from ulcers because of the medication? My Indigo got weekly injections of testosterone and also Epogen that seemed to help jump start her RBC.

[admin]

Hi Lynda

Don’t worry about the drug names – Enrox (enrofloxacin) is equivalent to Baytril – internet searches will find anything! I’m sorry to see the biopsy wound is a problem -wounds are difficult with this disease – Worzel’s leg didn’t heal up for months because of the prednisolone, until we were able to slowly lower the dose.

I used to live near Oxford in the UK & moved to France 7 years ago. I had a nightmare over here with my rubbish French when Worzel was ill until I found a specialist who had trained in the at Cornell Uni, USA & could therefore speak perfect English – what a relief, I can tell you!

I like the sound of your vets – they seem very enthusiastic & caring, which is such a weight off your mind. Great to see they’ve got tummy protection covered too.
I do think it’s a good idea to contact Dr Dodds though, as the others have suggested – I did – just e-mailed her & she was happy to do an information “consultation” on the internet, no problem. I think the charge is about $100 these days & it is well worth paying as she is (in my opinion & many others on here) one of the most knowledgeable people in the world on IMHA. My specialist was more than happy for me to do that & to speak to her as well & I think your vet sounds like the kind of person who would be willing to to the same. She thought that Worzel should be on cyclosporine, rather than azathioprine, but told me to keep going for a few weeks to see if it worked. I know she could advise you & your vet as to what to do next – she also advocates the use of thyroxine, as it encourages red blood cell production. This has also been a turning point for some dogs to produce reticulocytes. BUT most importantly for me & you, she is NUTS about greyhounds AND an IMHA expert – you must look at her website – she rescues loads from the racetracks & rehomes them too. I have a soft spot for greyhounds & lurchers too.
See http://www.hemopet.org/

I know what you mean about the energy levels, Lynda. Greyhounds are just amazing sweet creatures who love to run like the wind, then be lazy & slob around on the settee! I am praying that you hear a loud cry from the vets saying “Reticulocytes, Reticulocytes!” very soon, then you can celebrate with a bottle of something bubbly. If I were I would get Honey on another drug as soon as you can – it can make all the difference.

Any questions or help you need, just ask.

All our very best wishes for lots of reticulocytes to appear soon
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie
xxxx

[admin]

Hi Lynda

Welcome, although I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this with your Honey. Some of the immunosuppressant drugs used to treat IMHA do suppress the bone marrow as a side effect. I found this difficult to understand. Have you discussed this with your vet? As has been mentioned, cyclosporine (Atopica) is another drug which is often used in the treatment of IMHA, and I wonder whether your vet has mentioned this at all? Do you see an internal medicine specialist? As Vally mentioned, it may well be worth contacting Dr Dodds for her suggestions. I’m sorry for all the questions!

I’m sure this is very draining for you all, and I quite agree with your vet that it is very frustrating. There is hope though, as you can see by some of the amazing stories here.

Hang in there. Sending you and the lovely Honey very best wishes and get well soon vibes.

Mary and Mable x

[lynda]

Hi to everyone – and so many thanks for all the positive thoughts and vibes! We can feel them all the way to Shropshire! Honey is feeling a little better after her last transfusion, so she sends a woof!

[samantha]

I also concur with contacting Dr. Dodds. She sent paper work over and my vet used it as somewhat of a guide when working through options to treat Indigo. So glad she is feeling better. I sure hope it continues!

[Patrice]

Enrofloxacin is the British brand name for fluoroquinolone, a veterinary drug. This antibiotic is called Baytril in the US. Ciprofloxacin is similar to this as well.

It is a broad spectrum antibiotic. This means it can be given when the exact agent of infection (bacteria) may not be identified yet or in cases where there might be more than one agent.

The risks of using a broad spectrum is that an organism might develop resistance to the antibiotic. The benefit is that treatment can begin sooner and cover the “what ifs” when trying to determine the cause.

Side effects can include an allergic reaction, stomach upset and diarrhea. Blindness is a rare side effect (esp in cats) as are seizures.
my best, patrice

[Linda]

Hi Lynda. Glad Honey seems a bit better today. I love her picture – a beautiful girl indeed!

All everyone has said here is right on target – they know. My AIHA pup, Sadie, would not be here today had I not found them.

I had never heard of AIHA/IMHA, prior to Sadie’s collapse. On that day, over a year ago, the roller coaster ride started. Today, Sadie is doing quite well. Please don’t get discouraged. Hang in there. AIHA/IMHA can be beat!!

And please contact Dr. Dodds. She is awesome about getting back to you and talking with your vets – a true wealth of information. She helped me so much with Sadie and it was this group that told me to contact her. I was floored with her personal caring and attention. And when my vet called her at 5:30AM (he forgot about the time difference between California and Florida!), she was extremely gracious and helpful. She truly cares. Her contact info in on the website that Sheena sent, e-mail and phone.

Please stay with us and keep us posted. We are here for you and Honey

Love and hugs, Linda and Sadie

[admin]

Hi Lynda,
what a beautiful girl your Honey! She is smooth as honey:) You have already gotten lots of great advice, no need for me to repeat it all. one thing I always remember that I was told, this disease is not a sprint but a marathon! Take it one day at a time be confident around Honey, let her know you are convinced she will get better. Yes Dr. Dodds would certainly be an excellent vet to consult. Our vet loved to talk to her and everybody can learn from her.

Best wishes,

Brigitte