We first knew something was wrong when Tyson, our 4-year-old rat terrier, stopped playing with his toys. At first we suspected that the kitten would soon grow out of the stage, or that our baby would be jealous and need more care. He began to spend more and more time curled up in bed with a blanket, he began to lose weight. Then suddenly he became cut off, when he became more violently excited. His legs gave way under him, and he lay on the ground for a short time, his face stunned.
We immediately called Tyson the veterinarian and it was set up. By the time Tyson got to the vet, he quickly became weaker and weaker. However, she noticed that Tyson’s gums were pale and that he had developed a heart murmur a few months before his last appointment. From these symptoms, however, it was immediately suspected that Tyson was anemic and some additional tests were needed.
Tyson had inhaled and even had x-rays taken to examine his spleen to see if he had ingested foreign bodies, such as pennies. The vet also tested stool samples for parasites and his urine tested positive for bacterial urinary tract infection. While the results We are waiting for these tests, Tyson antibiotic and steroid, valium is prescribed.
When all the results were tested, the diagnosis was clear. Tyson had anemia. Although we still do not know the cause, we do know the name of the disease. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA), also known as Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), can strike unexpectedly and also affects puppies, like our Terriers. Unfortunately, AIHA can be very serious for dogs, and it has prepared us for the worst. Tyson might not recover.
According to an article by veterinarian Wendy C. Brooks, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia causes a dog’s immune system to attack and destroy its own red blood cells. The spleen and liver are affected by the disease, and it is one of the symptoms of the disease in dogs. Eventually, the disease results in too few red cells oxygenated blood being left in the dog’s tissues, creating life. the situation was threatened. In fact, 20 to 80 percent of dogs afflicted with this disease will die from it.
Tyson continued to take valium for six months, having blood tests every two or three weeks to monitor his red blood cell count and his progress. There were some obstacles in the way, and once we were so tired and swollen that we wondered if we were doing it right, or if we were doing it right. A few weeks count the red blood cell count to drop only to get better the next week. As he improved, the dose of health gradually declined.
Six months after his initial diagnosis, Tyson continues to be in remission. He takes half a pill once a day now, but his improvement is obvious. Last week, he even picked up a game that he hasn’t played in months.
Despite the dire prognosis associated with an AIHA diagnosis, your dog can improve and do well, although there are no guarantees that the same disease will not recur. If your dog is diagnosed with AIHA, several websites provide information and support. Hope Meisha provides a list of resources for families with a dog hit by AIHA. In addition, VetNet has an active and helpful Q& Of the disease r.
Source:
The Pet Health Library, “Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia,” Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP.
