Imha - steroid treatment or not??

[BoyMeetsWorld]

Our 10 year old boxer (a rescue) has had severe skin allergies as long as we've known him so it's likely he's always had an underlying immune issue.

Yesterday he collapsed & has now been at the vets overnight, diagnosed with IMHA and red blood count of 18.

They want to try him on steroid treatment (prednisone??) but I've read there are some awful side effects of this & prognosis isn't great anyway.

He's an old dog & not overly healthy at his best. He's had a v happy 2 years since we rescued him being spoilt rotten. Should we go down the steroids route or is it kinder to have him pts? My DH & little boys would be devastated.

Does anybody have any experience?

Thanks.

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

What a horrible situation for you OP. My sympathies.

I don't have experience of IMHA (or indeed dogs!) but our moggy has been on pred for the last eighteen months due to a chronic inflammatory gut problem. It's a low dose admittedly, but we haven't seen any unpleasant side effects other than him being demandingly hungry more often. It isn't a cure but keeps his condition under control and has restored him to a happy, healthy cat, whereas he was miserable and losing weight to a dangerous degree before. The choice was try this treatment or PTS and we're so glad we gave this a chance. Our vet sees him every six months to check him over before authorising the repeat prescription but I'm fairly certain he'll be on steroids till he dies.

In our case, he is an older animal, but if the alternative is being PTS I would at least ask the vet about the dosage needed, and their professional opinion of potential effects on his quality of life. It might allow him several more years with you, but quality of life is key I think.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[BoyMeetsWorld]

Choice taken away from us...darling doggies' red blood count kept falling overnight and he had to be PTS this morning :( RIP woof

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

Really sorry to hear that Boy. Poor pup. Hope he's off chasing rabbits in the sky.