Sweet 8 y/o shihpoo named clifton

[Sarah]

I am just learning about AIHA today because my dog is gravely ill following an influenza vaccination. He is currently at the emergency vet receiving blood transfusions. I feel devastated. The doctor mentioned his elevated risk of blood clotting. I’m so scared and have barely slept.

[Vally]

Hi Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear about Clifton. He’s where he needs to be right now and I know you’re terrified. We’ve all been there too.

The clotting risk is correct, but I’m sure your vets have put Clifton on anti clotting medication to take care of this risk. The first days are the worst and you’ll see Clifton looking worse before the medication can help him to recover.

Any questions, please just ask.

Big hugs.
Vally

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. He is undergoing his second round of transfusion this afternoon and steroid treatment has started. It is comforting to know that he is where he needs to be. We hope to be able to visit him tomorrow.

[Vally]

Sarah, you may notice that after the transfusion, his blood levels will be suddenly good, but then they may drop again. This is because the transfusion is only given to buy time for the drugs to start working. The steroid treatment may take a little time to kick in.

[Sarah]

Thanks again so much for your insights. I truly appreciate them. He was admitted last night around 7 pm and his levels were at 18%. After the first transfusion they rose to ~21% and have remained steady through the daytime *without* a second transfusion. (I thought they’d already started it.) The doctor advised that we should expect a second transfusion tomorrow when he’s checked in the morning.