Autoimmune disease in dogs?

Question

My 7-8 year old pit bull mix has ben lethargic lately. We noticed that she had a orange colored diarreah and would not drink or eat. Our vet told us that she likely has an autoimmune disease called IMHD, but I can't find anything on this disease on the internet. Right now she is critically ill with a low red blood cell count. She is on Doxycycline,Prednisone, & Imuran. Has anyone else had any experience with this disease in dogs who can offer some advice?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry and I hate to tell you this this, but I lost a dog many years ago because of this same disease. I even got a blood transfusion for her, but her red cell count didn't improve very much. When she was on the Prednisone, her blood cell count wasn't dropping as quickly, however after 14 days of different medications, I finally had to let her go because she was too weak to stand.

Now, keep in mind that this happened over 20 years ago and not as much was known as it is today about autoimmune disease, so I hope that things will work out differently for you than it did for me and you have many more months left to spend with her.

I wish I could have given you a story with a happy ending. Ironically, the dog I lost was a pit/lab mix and she was 9. She was a trooper until the end though, and now she's at the Rainbow Bridge.

I hope your story ends happily. I know what you're going through. I'm really, really sorry. Hopefully, someone else will have a better news, but I still think you should be prepared for whatever happens. She could have much more time left than my dog did, and I hope she does.

Best of luck and best wishes to you both and give your dog a tummy rub from me :-)

Answer 2

Ive generic various of canine on various of steroids from operating at a vet medical institution for over 10 years and under no circumstances one has ever had their personality replace because of the drugs. canine do although, get snarky in the experience that they are painful..per chance there is a few thing else occurring with him that the vet did not capture, or perchance he's annoyed about continually taking pills/having injections, yet there is not any way that a steroid like prednisone or vanectyl p or some thing can make it aggressive

Answer 3

Since 2003, I have lost two very beautiful and loving family members to this disease. Unfortunately, both cockers got sick very quickly and died within days of the diagnosis. We went through a blood transfusion and the medication. I finally had to ask myself if the pain and suffering was worth it, The first time I had the vet put the dog to sleep. The second time, the dog looked at me and I told him I knew he was fighting to stay alive for me and I would understand if he quit fighting because I knew he was tired. He looked at me, licked my face and then died.

Some breeds are more apt to get this disease--cockers are one of them. I love the breed. They make excellent companions and knowing what I may face, I continue to own cockers.

Good luck.

Answer 4

My daughter just lost her best friend last night. I took it away within 10 hours of showing of sign of the disease. It takes over fast and nothing they could do to say it.