Guest post by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD
Yes, my dog has Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and survived three hemolytic episodes in his five years of life. Unfortunately, IMHA is a disease requiring significant time, effort, and financial resources to treat. Being my dog’s veterinarian, I am fortunate to have access to laboratory resources, treatment facilities, and experienced specialists to guide me through the diagnostic and management process.
Cardiff is a Welsh Terrier with breeding origins in Washington state. I really love the breed, and was anticipating the possibility he may develop other, more common, illness related to his breed (Hypothyroidism, Seizure Disorder, Atopic Dermatitis, other). Actually, Cardiff was a gift “to us” from an ex significant other who, surprised me with this 3 month old, brown and black ball of fur who has shaped my veterinary practice and outlook on life.
Fortunately, Cardiff was not sick from the start.
He was remarkably healthy through his puppyhood and his illness had a rapid onset at two and a half years of age.
My normally vigorous buddy suddenly became very lethargic, had pale gums, started breathing at a faster rate, produced dark yellow urine, and exhibited a decreased appetite.
My first thought was that Cardiff had contracted Leptospirosis, as he had spent time the previous summer in Washington and could have been exposed to the nasty spirochete bacteria through water contaminated with feces or urine from a wild animal.
As the internal medicine specialist with whom I work guided me through the extensive diagnostic workup (blood and urine testing, urinalysis, xrays, and ultrasound), the diagnosis of primary IMHA was ultimately reached.
But he overcame adversity and gradually returned to his energetic self.
After having knocked Cardiff’s IMHA into remission twice before, experience gave me a sense of confidence in treating his third episode at the end of 2009. At the same time, I was frustrated that Cardiff was feeling unwell and had to endure the long journey back to his normal state of health. All three episodes required thorough medical workups to look for underlying causes, yet the treatments were very similar.
With the most recent episode, I delved deeper into the problem from a Chinese medicine perspective and established a treatment plan based on an integration of western and eastern practice modalities.
Please read Part 2 of this article (coming soon) to learn more about Cardiff's integrative treatment.
Copyright of this article is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
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You can read more about Cardiff on Dr. Patrick's blog as he reports on his treatment of this life threatening health condition, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA).
Yes, Dr. Patrick uses acupuncture on his own pet. He completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) basic course (2006) and he is now a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA).
He earned this certification after he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (1999) and completed an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C (2000).
Why does he believe so strongly in acupuncture for your pets, especially as a pain management tool? Because combining both Western and Eastern treatments can produce a better outcome for your pets.
Dr. Patrick also works with local Los Angeles rescue organizations to help those pets that have been given a second chance to live healthier lives, and he is currently sharing his pet care knowledge at his Los Angeles Pet Care Examiner column.
Further reading:
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperthyroid
Seizure Disorders
Atopic Dermatitis
Your Dog And Leptospirosis
When my dog, Cardiff, first got sick I didn’t anticipate that he was afflicted with one of the most severe, often fatal, illness seen in veterinary practice.
Yes, my dog has Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and survived three hemolytic episodes in his five years of life. Unfortunately, IMHA is a disease requiring significant time, effort, and financial resources to treat. Being my dog’s veterinarian, I am fortunate to have access to laboratory resources, treatment facilities, and experienced specialists to guide me through the diagnostic and management process.
Cardiff is a Welsh Terrier with breeding origins in Washington state. I really love the breed, and was anticipating the possibility he may develop other, more common, illness related to his breed (Hypothyroidism, Seizure Disorder, Atopic Dermatitis, other). Actually, Cardiff was a gift “to us” from an ex significant other who, surprised me with this 3 month old, brown and black ball of fur who has shaped my veterinary practice and outlook on life.
Fortunately, Cardiff was not sick from the start.
He was remarkably healthy through his puppyhood and his illness had a rapid onset at two and a half years of age.
My normally vigorous buddy suddenly became very lethargic, had pale gums, started breathing at a faster rate, produced dark yellow urine, and exhibited a decreased appetite.
My first thought was that Cardiff had contracted Leptospirosis, as he had spent time the previous summer in Washington and could have been exposed to the nasty spirochete bacteria through water contaminated with feces or urine from a wild animal.
As the internal medicine specialist with whom I work guided me through the extensive diagnostic workup (blood and urine testing, urinalysis, xrays, and ultrasound), the diagnosis of primary IMHA was ultimately reached.
I was concerned that I would not have the companionship of my buddy when he was a senior dog.
But he overcame adversity and gradually returned to his energetic self.
After having knocked Cardiff’s IMHA into remission twice before, experience gave me a sense of confidence in treating his third episode at the end of 2009. At the same time, I was frustrated that Cardiff was feeling unwell and had to endure the long journey back to his normal state of health. All three episodes required thorough medical workups to look for underlying causes, yet the treatments were very similar.
With the most recent episode, I delved deeper into the problem from a Chinese medicine perspective and established a treatment plan based on an integration of western and eastern practice modalities.
Please read Part 2 of this article (coming soon) to learn more about Cardiff's integrative treatment.
Copyright of this article is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
***
You can read more about Cardiff on Dr. Patrick's blog as he reports on his treatment of this life threatening health condition, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA).
Yes, Dr. Patrick uses acupuncture on his own pet. He completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) basic course (2006) and he is now a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA).
He earned this certification after he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (1999) and completed an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C (2000).
Why does he believe so strongly in acupuncture for your pets, especially as a pain management tool? Because combining both Western and Eastern treatments can produce a better outcome for your pets.
Dr. Patrick also works with local Los Angeles rescue organizations to help those pets that have been given a second chance to live healthier lives, and he is currently sharing his pet care knowledge at his Los Angeles Pet Care Examiner column.
Further reading:
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperthyroid
Seizure Disorders
Atopic Dermatitis
Your Dog And Leptospirosis
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