Minnie update (Updated Sat pm)

[Kaz]

Oh god Di, I'm really upset for you and Bry - and poor little Minnie

I hope to goodness the drugs help her Keep fighting Minnie! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Diflower]

Sorry that article's awfully long, I'll try and copy and paste the relevant bits.
The term the vet used was 'Auto immune mediated haemolytic anaemia'.

"Springer spaniels are predisposed to immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia but the genetic basis of the disease is unknown. For some reason, antibodies are produced that attack the red blood cells causing anaemia that can be severe and fatal. It causes malaise, pain and distress that can last for weeks or months.
In animals affected with haemolytic anaemia the life span of their red blood cells (RBCs) is reduced: they are broken down more rapidly than the bone marrow can make replacements so that the number of red blood cells circulating drops below normal and this leads to disease.

Haemolytic anaemia can be caused by a variety of factors but the most common form– primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) - is due to a malfunction of the immune system.
The reason why the immune system starts to attack the red blood cells is unknown. It occurs most commonly in middle age dogs and is more likely to occur in females than males.

The haemolytic anaemia that results from this destruction of the red blood cells has serious effects in most affected dogs and may cause death of many, despite treatment. The effects include: damage to organs from lack of oxygen, widespread damage to tissue structure and function due to toxins associated with poor liver function, and abnormalities of blood clotting leading to blockage of blood vessels.

IMHA causes significant welfare problems lasting from days to weeks during the time when treatment is being attempted. Around 40-60% of dogs die from the disease in this time, either directly from the disease or due to euthanasia if treatment is ineffective or unavailable. Some dogs respond to treatment and recover but a significant proportion of these are at risk of further episodes of haemolysis and some die during these subsequent episodes. Long-term use of drugs may cause long-term welfare problems.
Springer spaniels are known to have a breed predisposition for IMHA but the genetic basis of this is unknown.
Drug treatments for IMHA include the administration of high-doses of corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic drugs."

[JoM]

Oh no Di....poor, poor Minnie...hoping so much that the drugs will work for her. Vibes are coming your way, along with lots of love to the three of you xxx

[Diflower]

Thanks Jo...I just can't believe how fast it's happened, our beautiful girl.

[JoM]

Was it just yesterday morning that it started Di? Thank goodness you managed to get her to the vet this morning.

[Kaz]

Thanks Jo...I just can't believe how fast it's happened, our beautiful girl.

.......................I don't know what to say

[Diflower]

Yes it was really just yesterday Jo that we were worried.
Sunday she had a bit of trouble with her tum, but was fine otherwise, and that's something that happens every few weeks.

[Lozzles]

Oh Di, I'm so, so sorry (((((((((((((Di))))))))))) Poor little Minnie. What a shock for you and Bb. Sending you love and healing thoughts for your beloved girl xxx

[debih]

I Di, I'm so very, very sorry.

Good on you for being so quick to get her to the vets and for the vet to pick up on it quickly. Keeping everything crossed that these drugs work for her - what an awful worry for you both.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Di, Bb and Minnie))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[miasmum]

Di I am so sorry to hear this. I hope she responds well to the treatment and is one of the lucky ones. There is no reason why she shouldn't be is there (oh I must get a hug smilie)

Love to all of you xxxx