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Another thing, you could do an Owners Consultation with Dr Jean Dodds. Many of us here have done that, me included. She’s a lovely lady. If you have blood test results you can send them to her and she’ll give you an advice. Her consultation is $150 US, and once she has responded to you, you can email her back with further questions at no additional charge.
On the same page as the previous link, but it’s here again, and it’s the second item (on my screen)
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/hemopetresources
Hi Terri, I’m so sorry to hear about your girl. Is she home with you?
The drugs take time to work, and that’s what I think you’re seeing. The blood transfusions just keep her going long enough for the drugs to start working. The blood transfusion isn’t doing anything to stop the destruction of the disease.
It’s not unusual to see a drop after a blood transfusion either, again, because the destruction of the red blood cells is still happening.
What are the doses of the drugs you’re giving and what does your dog weigh.
If you have a look at Hemopet Resourcdes, you’ll see Dr Jean Dodd’s recommendation for treatment. She’s an expert in this disease. It’s the one labeled Dr Dodds IMHA Disease and Bone Marrow Failure.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/hemopetresources
I just want to make sure the drug dosages are correct.
My boy, Bingo, didn’t respond instantly – it took about 3 or 4 weeks before he started to improve. He was put on Cyclosporine which was what turned him around and he started responding. It’s another drug which targets the actual cells doing the damage.
Have they checked her thyroid? Do you have any idea what may have triggered the disease? Had she had any shots lately? Any stings or bites? Has she been tested for tick disease. All of these are important because they could be the original cause of the problem.
Ask anything Terri. I’m in Australia, so different time zone most likely, but I do keep an eye out.
My best, Vally
Allan, I’m so very very sorry to hear this. I know you’re lost and heartbroken right now.
Your very special girl was so lucky to have you and yes to be held by you in her last moment.
Take all the time you need to grieve. When you feel up to it, and it may not be for a while yet, please go to our Bridge page and read it. It was written by one of the ladies on the forum and it will help you.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/the-bridge
My deepest condolences and a big hug.
Vally
Allan, this sounds great and I love the relationship you have with your vet team. So many time vets won’t listen to our concerns and ideas.
Hopefully Zoe will stay with those numbers and the prednisone can start to be reduced. That will help her lovely rear end. There’s no way around the side effects for now – but it is only temporary. Do what you’re doing.
How about a photo. Use the urgent advice to attach a photo to.
Regards, Vally
Hi Trina, I’m sorry you’re going through this again. My boy had a relapse twice, although it occurred while reducing meds, so was most likely a case of reducing too quickly.
He ended up remaining on a small dose of prednisone for life to protect him.
I note you’ve sent her discharge summary through but do you have a copy of her blood test results?
Prednisone has a million side effects. Hair loss is one of them.
Dr Jean Dodds, who we often ask for help from, recommends using thyroxine with all dogs being treated as it helps produce red cells. I would absolutely ask for thyroid to be checked.
Dr Dodds is also a specialist in thyroid testing. You could ask your regular vet to send bloods to her for checking. Her reports also offer breed and age-specific interpretation. You’ll find her information here. You can also do an owner consultation with her.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/hemopetresources
I know Dr Dodds also recommends the use of Pet Tinic, or the like as a vitamin.
As to the antibiotic, the drugs to be most avoided are cephalosporins, sulfa drugs & penicillins. Amoxicillin is a penicillin, so it’s not recommended for our dogs.
This is a list of the drugs which should be avoided, but as you will see, it’s a huge list:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/drugsantibiotics-can-trigger-aiha
I used to keep this list with me whenever I went to the vets.
If you can get a copy of the bloods, please send them through on the urgent advice.
Regards, Vally
![bingo-14-5_1200x775](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/bingo-14-5_1200x775.jpg?t=1462367720 "Vally\'s Bingo \\"Smile\\"")
![Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4.jpg?t=1409108782 "Brigitte\'s Cleo, Ripley, Enzo and Guest \\"Rockin\\"")
