Auto-immune disorder

[dagz]

My Rott, Cubby, was not eating for days and his gums and tounge turned very pale. We brought him to the ER and they said that his hematocrit level was at 12% (normal is 40%) and he is very anemic and very unstable. They ruled out tumors and ruptured spleens as possibilities for the low hematocrit levels, so they suspect he has an auto-immune disorder which basically is destroying all of his red blood cells.

I'm very scared right now, and I was wondering if anyone out there has experience or knowledge of this disease? What are the long-term treatment plans? What will his life be like after he survives this?

[targonrotts]

how old?
did you go for a second opinion?other than the ER?
did he get ultrasound?
was more bloodwork sent out to test for auto-immune?any chance
of rat poison?

[dagz]

Cubby just turned 5. He's in the hospital right as we speak. They said his hematocrit increased just a bit (from 12 to 17%) after an infusion of red blood cells, but he is now alert, eating, and even going out to use the bathroom.

Blood work was sent to a lab and findings will come back later today.

They did an ultrasound and found nothing.

No rat poison around the house. Can fertilizer cause this? I fertilized in mid March, so it's been a long time.

[AdonisRotts]

So sorry to hear that. It really depends on what type of autoimmune disorder that they diagnose your puppy with. My 2nd rott Lexi has severe allergies and an autoimmune disorder but from what you describe a different type. Your puppies sounds much more severe. I imagine that they will put him on some type of steriods as one type of treatment, I have heard that some do occasional blood transfusions in that case. Regardless of the type of autoimmune disorder, they all cut short their life span. I know with humans that it depends on the age of onset and how strong the immune system is. I would really look into taking him to see a specialist. When initially researching Autoimmune disorders in dogs I had a hard time finding information, so you may have to read more about them in humans.
Keep us posted on his recovery

[dagz]

I will keep you posted.

I'm visiting him today. We all miss him dearly here at home.

I'm tired of crying and asking myself why I didn't bring him in sooner. I love him so much and I want to do whatever I can to help him. As with all Rotts, he's a big, muscular dog, but he was the most gentle and sweetest dog you'd ever meet.

[targonrotts]

i hope you get better news with the bloodwork.
it's alot like adonisrotts said with auto-immune.
i don't know if the fertilizer can play a part...but if you think of anything, bring it up to the vet.
good luck!
keep us posted.
yes, we love our dogs alot!

[BostonRott]

I doubt it was the fertilizer. Most fertilizers are organophosphates, which cause salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation and one more symptom that I can't remember (pnemonic: SLUDGE), as well as vomitting. The reaction starts soon after initial exposure.

There is something called hemolytic anemia, and it can be immune-mediated. Here is a good link on it, which also gives some test names that you may want to have them run, as well as treatment options.

http://www.vetinfo.com/dimhanemia.html

The hematocrit is a measure of the % of red blood cells in the total blood volume. I.e. how many rocks are in the glass of water. If a "normal" number is 40%, that means that RBC's should make up 40% of the total volume of the blood (i.e. your glass of water and rocks should be 40% rocks). Dropping down to 12% is a very critical drop, and problems arise because the dog can not get hte oxygen it needs. RBC's contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and brings it to the cells. It also then removes waste CO2 (carbon dioxide) and brings it to the lungs for disposal via breathing.

When hemoglobin levels are low (and typically a low Hg level corresponds to a low crit), the body can neither get the oxygen it needs at the cellular level, nor can it dispose of the waste CO2. This waste CO2 is very acidic, and can cuase a condition called acidosis which is dangerous.

I'm sorry this is not a happier post, but hopefully it will at least give you some info and understanding, and thus enable you to ask pertinent questions and proceed forward.

Prayers for you and Cubby. Don't beat yourself up for missing something, Rottweilers are VERY stoic (it's the one part of their nature that terrifies me) and typically won't let you know something is wrong until it's VERY wrong. Keep your chin up and try to be happy/upbeat around Cubby so that he doesn't worry even more when seeing you upset. It's not easy, but it will help him if you can pull it off.

[GraceAAA]

I am so sorry to hear about your Cubby.

Gretchen posted a very good link about IMHA...it is of such sudden onset and they go down so quickly...but not all dogs succumb to the disease. If Cubby pulls through this crisis (for which we are all praying) it is important to try to figure out what his triggers are...if he is infact diagnosed with IMHA. Many dogs suffer severe acute IMHA flare ups following vaccination, etc....so some things can be managed in that regard.

We have many survivors at the clinic at which we work...so we are all praying Cubby will be amongst those ones that get through this with his strength and your love.

[dagz]

Well, it's not looking too good right now. It seems that his platlets and hematocrit are still low. The doctor also said that his heart is pumping faster to compensate for these low levels.

However, he is still alert and still responsive. Whatever sliver of hope we still have I'll take it, but we are preparing for the inevitable, if it should turn that way.

It's a difficult situation to see one of your best friends in this position. I just don't want to see him suffer. He's a very good and noble dog, and I don't want him to spend the last days of his life struggling just to catch his breath.

I want Cubby to know that he's always loved, regardless of where he may be...

[targonrotts]

so sorry.
we all hope he pulls thru.
did it go up any?any regeneration in the cells?
have they done any transfusions?i hope he makes it..

[Vista]

Please see thread in Rainbow Bridge:

Cubby