Wendy427 (Columbus, Oh, Usa) on 05/31/2012

I'm posting this because my dog was recently diagnosed with IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia). It can also be called AIHA (Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia). The symptoms are not generally recognizable, AND vets basically do not know why dogs contract this nor is there a definitive cure.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a vet. Any vet/medical terminology below is my paraphrasing from my vets' info and instructions.

On 4/21/2012, my dog, Lacey was lethargic, not eating much (a little, yes), seemed to be pooing normally, yet peeing a little more than usual. The next morning she didn't want to get up from her bed to go out for her first pee of the morning. I thought that she was just tired.

So, I went to work. When I returned home 8 hours later, I let her out into my backyard for her to pee, and something told me to check her gums. Well, I did, and they were STARK WHITE! I knew this was really wrong!

I rushed her to the vet immediately. The vet took her temp which was on the "high end of normal", took X-Rays which were clear, and blood was drawn.

The next day I got the blood test results back: Liver & kidneys were fine, but her red blood cells were somewhat large. Believes she was mildly anemic. On her CBC, the hematocrit (HCT - the number of red blood cells) was 30% (I think the norm is 40%-50%).

Then the vet went into more detail: She thought Lacey may have immune mediated hemolytic anemia. But she needed more info from the lab to get a count of her immature red blood cells to check to see if her bone marrow creation of red blood cells was working OK. (obviously I was paraphrasing from my quick hand-written notes, but that's the gist).

I suggested an ultrasound, and she definitely agreed. On 4/24 she had the ultrasound (to also check for bleeding, tumors, etc. ) and that was fine.

So, the vet put her on Prednizone (the dose is specific to your dog's weight). The vet may also want to do a test for tick borne diseases (TBD) because those symptoms can mimic IMHA/AIHA.

The vet said that due to the meds, she'll be peeing and eating MUCH more.

On 4/25, I decided to get a second opinion at the OSU (Ohio State University) Vet Clinic. The vet there did another CBC.

OSU confirmed the IMHA! Lacey's meds were slightly tweaked; still on the pred and doxycycline (an antibiotic just in case), and on 1/4 Aspirin (the 81mg size) and Prilosec OTC once a day. The 1/4 aspirin decreases platelet function and helps prevent clot formation which is a complication of IMHA.

Her HCT had gotten down to 20. OSU's discharge papers were full of medical terms and counts; I won't even attempt to paraphrase them here.

A recommendation is that Lacey NOT be vaccinated (Rabies titers is OK) or at least have the vacs spaced out over a period of time. This is due to the prednizone compromising her immune system.

On 4/27 her gums were a little more pink and her HCT had risen to 28 which was GOOD!

So, for the whole month of May 2012, Lacey has continually improved. I continue to give her the prednizone and other meds. I also took her to a holistic vet who prescribed a few other things, which I am convinced are actually accelerating her better health!

As of 5/30/12, Lacey's last 2 HCT tests (red blood cell count) have been holding steady at 38. If her next HCT in a month holds steady or rises (which is good), she'll start being weened VERY slowly off the prednizone. This prednizone weening process is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT; you can't take the dog of pred cold-turkey or they may have a relapse.

In general she's really feeling MUCH better. Can go for longer walks, insists on chasing voles (look like black mice) , and generally has an upbeat attitude!

She had developed a cyst on her leg due to her compromised immune system, but even now, it has diminished considerably since I've been regularly swabbing it with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (learned about on this site, plus giving her turmeric! ), although she still needs to wear an e-collar to prevent licking it. Good thing it can come off during eating and walks!

The only thing that's probably a bit bothersome for her now is her back legs are fairly week; she can't jump up on the bed/sofa. But this is only due to the prednizone side effects.

Other than that, she's doing pretty good!

So, hope this info is helpful for anyone whose dog may be experiencing the symptoms of IMHA/AIHA.

For more detailed info on IMHA/AIHA visit the Meishas Hope site:

http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/