Prayers for Jetta please

I'll keep Jetta in my prayers too.

 Oh my goodness, how scary!  Lots of paws crossed here, prayers from RI.

 Any info as to what caused this?

Definately good vibes for Jetta and you.

Both Pirate (SLR2Meg's) and Willow (Lori's) have had IMT for a form.  Pi's was related to the pheno he was taking for seizures and when it has that type of cause they call it pancytopenia.

IMT is low platelets.  IMHA (Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia) is where the body destroys it's own red blood cells.  A third variation is called Ryan's Syndrome -- where the body begins to attack both platelets and red blood.

There's a huge IMHA thread) like nearly 500 pages on here.  Feel free to jump in.  some of the words are different simply because you deal with red blood vs platelets, but many of the drugs are the same. 

My prayers are with you -- these diseases are very very difficult because of the long-term drug use.  Typically with IMT just pred is hopefully enough as an immune-suppressor.  After just a few days on the pred you should see Jetta's platelets begin to rise.

Let's put up the Candles Page for Jetta

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Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about sweet Jetta.  Definitely sending lots of strong healing vibes your way.  I had never heard of this diagnosis before joining the forum, but from what I've read here, I know it's a very scary diagnosis.  We'll keep you and Jetta in our thoughts and hope that early detection and drug therapy will help her rally quickly. 

calliecritturs

Pi's was related to the pheno he was taking for seizures and when it has that type of cause they call it pancytopenia.

calliecritturs

A third variation is called Ryan's Syndrome -- where the body begins to attack both platelets and red blood

Evans Syndrom! 

If I were you I'd recheck the blood within a couple/few days and if no significant rise in platelets ask to add cyclosporine to the mix.  Works really well for this and doesn't destroy the immune system in the process.  Expensive drug though!

Any ideas what triggered this?  Poisons/toxins/drugs/TICK disease?

Keep absolutely CALM for the time being.  Even small bumps can cause big problems...at least until the platelets get above 50,000.

I'll send some healing vibes out to Jetta! 

Thanks so much everyone, and thanks for lighting a candle for Jetta <3

  In the meantime we are keeping her quiet and calm (difficult with 2 other dogs!).  She is definitely lethargic. I am carrying her out to potty because she doesn't want to walk very much.  But the vet said she is not anemic, so that's good.

She is also on doxycycline *just in case* it is tick-related, but her vet doesn't seem to think that is the case. I have no idea what triggered this. Her next appointment is Thursday, and I hope she shows some improvement.

jettababy

She is definitely lethargic.

Did they do a full Blood Panel?  CBC and full Chemistry?  I'd try to get her in sooner than Thursday if it were me.

I'm going to say "ditto" to everything John just said.  (and duh -- Evan's nor Ryans -- John there is a reason for my brain short-circuit tonight - that's for catching that)

Pred can make them feel .... weird.  It can make them moody.  "lethargic" not usually.  Altho she's feeling weak. 

If she's not improved by morning - I'm going to suggest you go to the next level.  this is a holiday "week" -- and finding a decent vet on Wednesday is NOT going to be easy. 

I"m concerned about the doxy -- I had not good experience with that with Billy -- within 36 hours of him being on it he crashed HORRIBLY.  He was responding to the pred alone -- they added the doxy and the bottom dropped out big time. (It's given to humans often as an immune-*stimulant* -- no joke!!).  I would associate anemia with tick disease but NOT low platelets.  hmmm

In my message to you I suggested you find out about what it takes to get her in to your state's vet school (or another state's if it's closer - usually there is no "rules" about what state you are from - just do what is close).  Vet schools tend to be FAR cheaper than specialists.  Usually you can self-refer.  (you can usually go in the middle of the night if you have to)

Johnny&Tessy

Pancytopenia is actually a lowering (or depression) of ALL cellular elements of the blood....whites, reds and platelets.  Very VERY rare to see Immune mediated or auto-immune cases and most often when we do it's due to misdiagnosis.  Most often a result of myellosuppresion at the pre-cursor level.

Pancytopenia also is often specifically tied to phenobarbitol.  The pheno actually causes the immune-mediated part of it somehow.  This was a long time ago John (even before the thread started) -- Pi's been doing both regular seizure meds (KBr) and TCVM herbs for a long time -- she's the one I took up to the Chi Institute.  They couldn't control his seizures well at all and Dr. Xie himself examined Pi.  In Pirate's case it was mostly platelets, with some low red blood but mostly it was platelets according to Megan (but his platelets literally went to zero)

 Hello. Sending lots of good vibes your way.  My dog, Blue, had the same issue triggered by vaccines.  He is on day #2 of no meds, after five months on prednisone.  Below are three links about the condition, and our situation.  Please post here, or on the IMHA thread in this forum, or e-mail me, if you have any questions at all.  No question is too basic.  Best, Keka

Very helpful website as an overview on ITP, and many other related issues (prednisone, skin issues, etc.):  http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_imha.html

Blue's diagnosis history:  http://community.dog.com/forums/p/90432/965975.aspx#965975 

Blue's initial testing regimen:  http://community.dog.com/forums/p/90432/972325.aspx#972325

Jetta's Mom/Dad , let me know where you live (if you want to email instead of post here that's fine) and I'll send the vet school info for you--often the best option with these types of diseases. Hugs for you and Jetta.

Wow, there seems to be a lot of people on here with dogs with similar issues :-( I'm sorry you all had to go through this as I am realizing how horrible this disease is.

Jetta is seemingly much improved today. Still drowsy, but she is the kind of lap dog that sleeps most of the day even when she is perfectly healthy! So sometimes it's hard to tell. But she is back to following me around the house instead of laying still.   She is *very* hungry, so i'm feeding her snacks basically whenever she asks for it. I don't mind the weight gain, I just want her to keep her strength up.

BigBlueDog thanks for the links. I've spent a good part of yesterday reading journal articles about this disease and it is always good to hear success stories and read about what other people have done for their dogs.

Kate I live in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri so if vet school treatment is necessary I will go to the University of Missouri. I am very familiar with the MU vet school and oddly enough I am actually starting vet school there this fall. Apparently Jetta is testing me a bit early....I'm not supposed to deal with stuff like this till I reach clinicals! lol

I will keep you guys posted on how she does this week. Thanks for the support, and i'm keeping those of you with dogs who have ITP or AIHA  in my thoughts too.