AIHA or IMHA

• 10-11-2009 5:48 PM

  In reply to rwbeagles

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  Re: AIHA or IMHA Reply Contact I wanted to give an update, if anything for reason of down the line, if and *when* another mommy goes thru this and feels freaked out its here to look back on.  Mopsy's sores look REALLY good, they are dried up and healing.  Her discharge is down to nothing.  Something definitely happened overnite, and I think the worse of it ran its course.  The tshirt HELPED so much.  Callie, YOU ROCK !  I am getting some onesies to keep on her until its completely cleared up and there is zero risk of infection. No temperature, color is good, I'm going to take her into the vet tomorrow to check her.  I feel confident that I am knowledgable enough to know if something is wrong, I'm pretty bonded to her and can just tell. Davis is 3 hours away, we have another emergency vet here in town that is awesome, I don't feel the need to take her in just yet, her body is looking good, we just cleaned them, and applied the topical that my vet gave me when she saw her first sore, I put a clean fresh onesie on her and cut a hole for her tail and front.  Its white and boring, I need to get some cuteness going, I cut down all her hair with scissors that I cleaned with alcohol.   I'm feeding her water, and giving her the milk thistle, the discharge has decreased, she went potty, everything looks good.   Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-11-2009 8:07 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: AIHA or IMHA Reply Contact Good update and good logic.  It is a VERY fine line with this disease when to go to the vet and not.  And I don't want anyone to think I'm telling Norcalmom that she's a ditz or anything -- but I know only TOO well, there are a lot of folks who read this who never ever post.  And It bears saying that if your dog is suddenly showing some signs of serious problem -- VET if you can't reasonably bring some resolution otherwise. Now, trimming the coat, in this case, probably helped a ton because it was an irritant.  And sometimes just bathing will help skin problems (because it gets rid of some of that staph).  Which is why we all try to suggest "things we've done" along with "go to the vet" encouragement. White onzies ARE BORING!!  But that slicky paint that's in the little plastic squeeze bottles (make sure it says washable -- can you tell the voice of SAD experience when you hear it *SHEESH*) -- but you can do SUCH cute stuff with it.  I'm about to make Tink a pair of "wings" for (dare I say it -- I hate Oct. 31) the next visit to Give Kids the World.  But I'll take shirts and decorate them with hand drawn slicky paint leaves of all sorts of colors, and their names and and and and AND .... It's fun. It also helps "mom" destress sometimes!!  Man -- we NEED it!! "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-11-2009 8:19 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact  Callie,  I appreciate your advice, but your experience and everyone's here is different.  I am just going to keep her with my vet, I like her, and she has handled Mopsy quite fine in crisis, and now beyond.  I don't see a reason to go to a vet school, for lab tests, and/or maintenance.  I'll just stick with what is working.  Which is, my vet and her office here. As for my boyfriends teacher, it is *very* fair that I ask, because, actually, they *request* that we bring our dogs in for tests, for learning purposes, and for the new vets to become familiar with what is out here, this is an excellent opportunity for someone to learn more about IMHA.   You are right, I am extremely bonded to Mopsy, and I know that what I am doing, without a drop of doubt, is *our* right path.  Her liver was just checked a few days ago, and it came back fine.  As for her antibiotics, I would *never* just dole out them to her, without any instructions from my doctor, ever.  That's crazy.  I will mention the antibiotic that you mentioned her to my vet, and see what she thinks, and just in case she is not familiar with it. It has been my experience that, without credentials, or education, formal training, proof, studies, etc., that I need to get the best information from the source.  We are all excellent examples of that, but none of us are vets, none of us have formal training, and none of us can tell another exactly what to do with their pet, because simply.  We are not vets.  We can recommend, and *share* our own unique experiences, but, nothing we do is wrong because of our own doing, we all follow the advice of the professionals, which are, the doctors and the vets, their clinics, and the practices.  Everything else, is second and optional.  But hey, thats just *my* opinion. btw, I ran out and bought Mopsy some cute onesies at Target.  Very cute, her sores are just about all dried up, so boy am I glad I didn't rush her to UC Davis in the middle of the night for these.  I will continue to monitor her, refer to the vet medical books that my honey has here and take her temp, thank goodness for him and all of his formal training, he has been such a godsent :)   Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-11-2009 11:11 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact Norcalmom: Her liver was just checked a few days ago, and it came back fine. Sorry -- it hot you said the liver was a bit elevated ... that happens, but it can also herald some skin challenges too.  Norcalmom: As for her antibiotics, I would *never* just dole out them to her, without any instructions from my doctor, ever.  That's crazy. Pleae don't misunderstand -- I not in any way trying to "accuse" you -- the only reason I mentioned it is simply because we so often have lurkers on the board who never ever post.  And I've often heard people say "oh, well I've got this left over and maybe I'll try that and save a vet visit ..." You're right -- that IS crazy, but people do it and I was just trying to impress on anyone lurking not to do that.  You'd already said that you were going to take her to the vet on Monday. I wasn't doubting that at all. The Baytrill was just an example.  (and man, it was one I hadn't heard about either until it was discussed several pages ago) You are absolutely right -- NONE OF US ARE VETS.  That's why so many of us say over and over and over again to go to the vet if you are in any doubt whatsoever.  For some folks new to this disease, it can be tough to understand why those of us experienced in this disease talk so much about seeking veterinary help *constantly*.  But it's because we *can't* know everything about this disease. I'm so glad Mopsy is doing better today.  (tell me what size you bought Mopsey and I'll see if any of the ones I haven't used yet would be the right size). "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-12-2009 1:35 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Smokie's Mom Joined on 08-11-2009 Posts 39 Points 5

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact   Wow what a rollcoaster weekend you and Mopsy had, I am so glad she's doing better. Smokie and I went on a 4 mile walk on Sunday, we was a little tired but still was up and ready to go on our much shorter morning walk today. His eye (only 1 the other looks fine) doesn't look is ready but it is still a little cloudy and not shining write.  I don't know how to describe it other than normal animals eyes glow in the dark, this one doesn't seem to glow. He's still active, eating and drinking fine.  I'm calling the vet today to make an appointment tomorrow to get a PCV check done, I'll have them look at when we are there. I really feel like as long as he's "acting normal" I don't need to rush to the vet just yet.

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• 10-12-2009 3:39 PM

  In reply to Smokie's Mom

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact  Wow, congrats on the hike !  I know what a milestone that is for you especially when your walking buddy is sick, I'm so glad for you guys.  Mopsy actually had the cloudy eye thing a while back, I don't know if it is IMHA related, or maybe after her first outbreak.  I took her in, the vet said it was pigmentation overgrowing or something.  She prescribed Steriod eye drops (go figure), and a eye gel, she said her tear production was low.  After a few weeks on this, her eyes became clear and her tear production was normal.  Even the brown on her eyes had cleared up, her vet said she had never seen that before.  (Mopsy'ism) hah.   Dogs and their eyes, can be anything, Mopsy gets allergies just like me, I never knew they could get them, they gets stuffed up, eyes water, the whole bit.  Usually, when your dogs eyes glow in the dark (I know what you are talking about), its part of the dog getting older, it could be a cataract, or an infection in the eye. Mopsy is just here relaxing, her nose was sort of stuffed up last night (my room needs a good dusting), I gave her benedryl, took some myself and we went to sleep.  I'm waiting for her vet to call me back right now.  She has a big jelly lump on her shoulder, oh man, NOT looking forward to when that thing pops, ewww.  But, its the last big one on her.  Going to give her a bath in a little bit too,  The onesies I got her were 6-9 months, which fit, but I think the 12 months ones will fit better. Hope everyone had a great weekend.   Mopsy and Nina    Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-12-2009 8:16 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact Norcalmom: Mopsy actually had the cloudy eye thing a while back, I don't know if it is IMHA related, or maybe after her first outbreak.  I took her in, the vet said it was pigmentation overgrowing or something.  She prescribed Steriod eye drops (go figure), and a eye gel, she said her tear production was low.  After a few weeks on this, her eyes became clear and her tear production was normal.  Even the brown on her eyes had cleared up, her vet said she had never seen that before.  (Mopsy'ism) hah.    I'd bet this is another side effect that just isn't noticed.  Billy had something similar -- in fact one vet that looked at him was SURE he had a growth in his eye that was malignant (scared the tar outa ME).  But ... the mucous membranes around the eyes and the muzzle generally take a huge beating (at least Billy's did). And it's weird -- you know those eyedrops they give dogs with 'dry eye'??  Know what they are usually?  CYCLOSPORINE!!! Now -- it boggles my brain -- but cyclosporine put IN the eye increases tear production. BUT ... given orally it can cause dry eye and general drying of a lot of mucus membranes (particularly around the jowls, etc.) -- they told me that was typical when it happened to Billy. I just think it's weird - -that these drugs can cause stuff like this from Z to A and back again.  But Billy's eyes got SO dry while at the end stages of taking the cyclo that he literally lost the ability to 'blink' and I had to put artificial tears in his eyes all the time. (and no, they didn't want him to take cyclosporine eye drops) "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-12-2009 9:33 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  IMHA -Cyclo-mess Reply Contact This is exactly why this forum is so wonderful, its a library of documentation and resources for IMHA.  Mopsy's skin is getting better, drying up, the one icky one popped, and I cleaned it up, loose bandage and a cute onesie. I see one more on her, last one I think, she's drinking water and hopefully it will be the last one.  I large one on her belly (was almost the size of a golfball) is healing nicely. We should write a document, a list of all the side effects of the meds.  It just keeps coming and coming.  My vet is out on Mondays, so tomorrow I will get a call from her. Decided I am going to ditch this semester at school and play Mopsy Nurse until she is much better.     Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-12-2009 10:49 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact The skin stuff is horrific. for Billy it was skin and uti's.  For others it's the weakness and for some nausea and diarreha.  *sigh* (no make that **GIGANTIC SIGH**)  It's so frustrating for folks. I don't blame you for trying to lighten your own load -- I can *not* imagine having to perform well in academics and try to do this.  I had all I could do to keep my job (and my boss was UBER nice about all the missed time, etc.)  But trying to concentrate and do well (which is going to have an impact on the rest of your life ) ... wow -- the mind boggles.   (ps - I changed the title back to IMHA & AIHA so others can find it on a search -- the search feature on here leaves much to be desired and it is helpful to keep the title the same) "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-13-2009 10:20 AM

  In reply to Smokie's Mom

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: Ulcers Pus Bubbles IMHA Reply Contact Smokie's Mom: Smokie and I went on a 4 mile walk on Sunday, we was a little tired but still was up and ready to go on our much shorter morning walk today. wow -- you're brave.  While Billy was on the immune-suppressors, because they do such weird stuff to the blood and because IMHA generally taxes the heart so hugely, my vets cautioned me that he could throw an embollism just walking across the floor and to restrict **any** exercise in a big big way until he was off the drugs.  They literally impressed on me that he should do nothing that really increases the heart rate until he was off the drugs.  Cyclo in particular causes the blood to almost "whirlpool" which is what causes all the heart attack/stroke risk  -- the blood just doesn't flow like it normally should. I can't remember what Smokie is taking -- but the aspirin that is mentioned so many times is one of the many things often added to help the heart because the consistency of the blood can go so awry.  Not trying to butt in -- just passing on what I've been told by at least four vets.  You might ask your vet's opinion at least?? "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-13-2009 5:40 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact  The skin is so icky, we have our vet appointment today at 3pm (in 25 mins), I told my vet about the cysts and skin stuff.  She seemed surprised, makes me wonder just how many of these IMHA babies she has in treatment, and if she's seen this before. Any idea or advice on what I should bring up? Mopsy's big cyst still hasn't popped, its the size of a small fist, above her shoulder blade.  I put compresses with heat and tea tree oil, soap on them, I cut up a towel and soaked all the sqaures in a bowl, then one by one, put them on her, then rinsed them, and kept heating it up and placing it, she must have loved it, she started snoring.  I'm afraid of the cost of the vet to even lance it and clean it out, the honey went to go and take care of the animals there so he's not here, but he said to have her explain exactly what needs to be done and he can do it (FOR FREE). The other sores on her are healing, but some new ones are oozy, just wiped them with antibacterial wipes, cotton in peroxide and cut away all hair.  Poor girl .. the onesies are a god sent. The weather is horrible outside, windy, rainy, and pouring down rain.. and I need to take her out in it.  It will be an adventure for sure. Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-13-2009 6:39 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,709 Points 500	Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact No advice but good luck.  The only thing I can say is for Willow's skin all they wanted me to do was bath her often--like 2x's a week with Selsun Blue or a prescription shampoo they suggested.  They wanted me to just leave it alone.  Hope it all goes well!  Let me know!! Lori
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• 10-13-2009 7:52 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 11,952 Points 3,770

  Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact I do suspect that large one likely needs to be lanced -- but that needs some serious supervision or instruction. You also might want to put white sheets (I keep saying "white" because white can be deep cleaned and bleached -- then run **another** cycle to wash the bleach out so it doesn't irritate her) on your sofa and on her bedding -- just to help you contain the staph. If you look on the atopica website you'll see that they admit that skin problems ARE a side effect.  It's not one they see all the time ... but honestly, if it's any consolation at all -- I'd rather deal with the skin problems than the UTI's.  Because the UTI's are hard on the **kidneys** (and cyclo is already hard enough on the kidneys) -- and that can mean shortening their lives.  But the skin problems are maintainable -- and even tho they are bad, disheartening, SORE, and really super difficult -- you aren't dealing with a thing that will ultimately cause death.  Does that make sense?  It's just that when you have kidney 'damage' -- it's irreversible.  But the skin WILL regrow.  The coat WILL regrow.  BUT at the same darned time --- the big scarey thing with skin problems is that it can leave her wide open to other nasty bacteria (like MRSA and pseudomonas) which, can really be as bad I guess. So .. *sigh* there is NO side effect from this that is easy to deal with.  Its' ALL terribly difficult. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

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• 10-13-2009 8:53 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Norcalmom Joined on 09-14-2009 Fremont, CA Posts 26 Points 10

  Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact  Hello Girls :)  The vet appointment went well.  The vet agreed, she said "med explosion" gotta love this doc. I told her of this forum, "what is it again" hah, we surmised.  "Support Group". She did lance the cyst (for free even), gave her some clavamox (which I know Mopsy tolerates well and has had before a bunch, once for a after surgery, etc.)  She's laying here just relaxing.  I'm glad she did, it got to the point where I felt so bad for my girl and couldn't even imagine the pain. Took her blood, etc., progressing forward, and I'll take this over the deadly stuff, so YES that makes huge sense ! Willow'smom, the doc didn't mention the baths, but I am thinking maybe she just thought I would, I told her I had been bathing her in nice teatree oil organic soap.  Right now I won't bathe her, Mopsy is DONE for today.  Everything got cleaned at the vets office.  I will change her onesie and clean the lanced boil, but other than that, going to try to keep her as mellow as possible. The weather is horrific !!  Making enchiladas and spanish rice .. enjoying the warm smell of the house and feeling really blessed right now.  Praying for all of you, how is everyone doing? Furbaby Mom and Lover

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• 10-13-2009 9:24 PM

  In reply to Norcalmom

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,709 Points 500	Re: IMHA & AIHA Reply Contact Sounds like Mopsy is holding her own nicely!! YAY!
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