Hi, I brought both of my dachshunds in for a routine dental cleaning
last week, and in the process of doing an exam the vet found that in my
9-year old female that her gums were very pale. After doing a
preliminary blood test found that she was significantly anemic, and
requested a more thourough blood exam. At that time he said that 2
things could be happening....either she was not producing the right
amound of red blood cells, or that some parasite or illness was robbing
them from her (I believe this is what he said?).

Anyway, yesterday I picked up some oral iron supplement and doxycycline
for her. I assumed that they had thought that she had some kind of
internal parasite and I was somewhat relieved. But last evening after
the blood results were explained to them by a specialist they left a
message on my machine saying I needed to contact them ASAP, and that
she could be in danger. I called this morning and they wanted me to go
to an emergency vet clinic to do some other tests. They said it could
be a parasite, or a autoimmune problem but could not tell without more
tests.

I just spent close to 4 grand on my other dachshund for disc surgery,
and am not thrilled about rushing into more debt as my financial
situation is fairly grim right now and I am having health issues as
well. My question is this. When I go into the specialist, what
questions should I ask? Also, should I have them rule out first things
like a parasite, etc., before they start giving ultrasounds and bone
marrow tests as they suggested? I am really worried but do not want to
get thousands more in debt if I can help it.

Has anyone else here experienced a similar problem with their dog(s)
and what were some of the outcomes? She seems to be OK and has a
healthy appetite and seems to be playful and does not seem to be on her
deathbed by any means. Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions.


CTV

"Cartrivision1" wrote in message
oups.com...
.. After doing a
preliminary blood test found that she was significantly anemic, and
requested a more thourough blood exam. At that time he said that 2
things could be happening....either she was not producing the right
amound of red blood cells, or that some parasite or illness was robbing
them from her (I believe this is what he said?).

Anyway, yesterday I picked up some oral iron supplement and doxycycline
for her. I assumed that they had thought that she had some kind of
internal parasite and I was somewhat relieved. But last evening after
the blood results were explained to them by a specialist they left a
message on my machine saying I needed to contact them ASAP, and that
she could be in danger. I called this morning and they wanted me to go
to an emergency vet clinic to do some other tests. They said it could
be a parasite, or a autoimmune problem but could not tell without more
tests.

When I go into the specialist, what
questions should I ask? Also, should I have them rule out first things
like a parasite, etc., before they start giving ultrasounds and bone
marrow tests as they suggested? I am really worried but do not want to
get thousands more in debt if I can help it.

..............since they gave you doxy, they may be suspecting tick disease.
You could have tick titers run, but if your dog responds to doxy, then you
can assume it may be tick disease. Another possibility is autoimmune
hemolytic anemia. Is there any skin bruising or dark areas? No other
symptoms - tiredness, fevers in the last few months, etc.? Was kidney and
liver functin OK (from bloodwork they did)?

........as far as talking with the specialist, ask for a list of what they
think it might be (these are called diagnostic differentials). Then ask
what the tests are for each suspected illness. Take notes while they're
talking to you. It is impossible to know what the answer is - they may not
know either. Which may mean they go from one test to the other without
answers. Make sure you get a copy of the bloodwork and all tests run.

hoping for the best
buglady
take out the dog before replying

buglady wrote:
.............since they gave you doxy, they may be suspecting tick
disease.
You could have tick titers run, but if your dog responds to doxy,
then you
can assume it may be tick disease. Another possibility is autoimmune
hemolytic anemia. Is there any skin bruising or dark areas? No
other
symptoms - tiredness, fevers in the last few months, etc.? Was
kidney and
liver functin OK (from bloodwork they did)?

.......as far as talking with the specialist, ask for a list of what
they
think it might be (these are called diagnostic differentials). Then
ask
what the tests are for each suspected illness. Take notes while
they're
talking to you. It is impossible to know what the answer is - they
may not
know either. Which may mean they go from one test to the other
without
answers. Make sure you get a copy of the bloodwork and all tests
run.


Hi, thanks for the reply. My dog did seem to have slight fatigue over
the last few months, as well as a couple of small dime-sized areas of
hair loss where her skin seemed to be darker and scaly compared to the
rest of her skin. I did mention the later to both vets I have talked
to and they did not make any connection.

I will try and ask a lot of questions tomorrow when I go in. It seems
like they always assume the worst and start running lots of
tests.....as if people had unlimited funds or something! Anyway, she
seems to be OK and has good energy, but I am trying to rest her as much
as possible per their orders.


thanks
CTV