Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia

[FelicityBennett]

Was wondering if anyone has experience of this. Our 9 month old puppy was diagnosed with this yesterday after dramatically becoming unwell in the morning. He has started on IV steroids and needs a blood transfusion today so has been kept in.
The vet said he’d be on high dose steroids for months if he responds ( obviously is a risk he doesn’t) .
Online searches reveal all horror stories where the dogs die and I know prognosis is uncertain but I was wondering if there are any success stories ? And if so how at risk of relapse . I will discuss with the vet but was interested in other experiences
Also how to manage an adolescent lab on high dose steroids !!

Sorry I have no experience of the condition.

I do however have experience of a dog on high steroid dosage. We were warned of the excessive thirst (and peeing) and hunger. But we weren't warned of behavioural changes. Our dog was definitely not himself, agitated, hyper alert etc. Watch out for the hunger. During that time he ate a rag (unknown to us) and it got stuck in his intestine requiring emergency surgery. It was out of character for him and looking back I am sure it was because of the hunger and behaviour changes from the steroids.

Fingers crossed and hope your dog improves

Hi. I have experience if this but unfortunately it was not a success story. I won't tell you the details unless you want me to because I know exactly how you're feeling. I just hope your pup responds to the treatment and you get a positive outcome. 🤞

Our cocker spaniel has this at the age of 5yrs. She is now almost 11 so it can be treated. It was very stressful, but she recovered following a prolonged course of prednisolone. I don’t where in the country you are, but we saw a vet at the RVC in Hertfordshire who is an expert in the condition. He also advised that we give her clopidogrel as many deaths occur from blood clots. Wishing your puppy all the best - it’s awful to see them so ill.

Thank you all, don’t worry I have read a lot of the non success stories on line.
Thanks I was going to ask the vet about thrombotic prophylaxis as I’m not sure if he is on that yet .
We are in the north west so not near there sadly.
It’s the personality changes that worry me on steroids. We thought we were lucky as he a very laid back lovely lab .
Waiting for phone call to update us on his night. Weird him not being home. Amazing after only having 7 months how hard it can be.

Here he is

It's sucky.
I have had success with treating patients (blood transfusion, steroids, Ciclosporin and other immune suppressants) but so much depends on the individual response to therapy that outcomes are very unpredictable.
Sending positive thoughts

Thanks, just been rung and he had a stable night on steroids with slight haematuria.
He’s going ahead with the blood transfusion
I asked about thromboprophylaxis but they said not at present as he’s so anaemic

I am sorry to hear about this. I don't know about this condition but I have a dog on long term steroids. The thirst is a problem he does urinate a lot. The hunger is also an issue, he is constantly looking for food to steal. And he has a bit of a bloated appearance which makes me feel bad but I know it can't be helped. The steroids have also made him slightly less cheerful I would say than normal but the personality change is minor (especially given that we have no other choice!). So just wanted to reassure you about at least this aspect of things.

Thank you

How is he today OP??

Hi, he’s home , had blood transfusion yesterday and was eating and drinking so home today with follow up on Monday unless worse.
His bloods were better but likely due to blood , we just have to hope steroids work.
He’s very lethargic still but eating and drinking . He’s weeing everywhere again like a little puppy but presume that the steroids . Fingers crossed he stays stable

We are all very pleased to have him home though 😊 well apart from the cat 😂🙀

No experience of this in dogs but had a cat who lived for 10+ years with IMHA, using steroids to suppress the immune system and allow his blood cells to regenerate. It was an expensive and sometimes rocky road, but with close monitoring and treatment and an understanding owner and vet, it worked. And IMHA was not what led to him being PTS either. Excessive weight gain was an issue from fairly early on so we switched to a reduced calorie food so he could eat what he needed to and not balloon quite so much. Happy to answer any questions you might have if at all helpful.