<p>The dog went in for routine blood work, and the results showed a steep decline in red blood cells. The vet put him on an iron supplement (who knew that there was pup-Geritol?) but no improvement. So, now, post-xray, post ultrasound, post bone marrow biopsy, he is taking a hormone to try to get him to produce red blood cells, prednisone to suppress his immune system so that his body won’t destroy them, and iron to help in the process. Does anyone have any experience with this? I get the feeling from the vet that if this doesn’t work, it is not treatable. Oh, and he has NO symptoms of anything, and he is 11 years old.</p>
<p>Did your vet mention Evan’s disease/syndrome? It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the red blood cells and platelets. One of our dogs was diagnosed almost two years ago now. Hers came on very quickly within a few days (although the vet said that it’s possible there was a slow build up for weeks prior). She was extremely lethargic and unwilling to eat, having been pretty much fine the previous day. We went to our regular vet who suspected this when the blood results were examined and sent us straight from her office to a specialist at the Emerg. Vet Hospital close by. Our pup was very sick and they told us from the start that most will not survive. The treatment was expensive and we were able to pay so we told them to do whatever they could. She was in ICU there for a week, and had 2-3 blood transfusions. She was treated with Prednisone from the start, and is still on it in pill form. Her recovery was slow but within a few months, she was looking and feeling well. </p>
<p>Since coming home, she has been on the Prednisone, also Azathioprine, and a Pepcid for her stomach. The dosages have been decreased, and increased, according to her blood count numbers. Initially, she had to go in weekly, then every two weeks and now it’s once a month. She’s off the Azathioprine altogether and the Pred. is at its lowest dosage yet. A few months ago, our vet, who constantly researches this type of thing, found a vet somewhere in the U.S. who had had success with these patients by adding a 3mg tablet of Melatonin twice a day. We tried it and that’s when our pup’s numbers really improved and stabilized more consistently than they had in over a year. Whether it had anything to do with the Melatonin, we’ll never know for sure but she’s still taking it! </p>
<p>My recommendation is that you get a second opinion from a specialist and ask about the possibility of Evan’s. It’s also important not to vaccinate the dog until you know exactly what’s going on. Best of luck to you and your pup!</p>
<p>If your vet doesn’t know much about Evan’s or you have new information (like about the melatonin) don’t be afraid to pull the research yourself to show him.<br>
When my cat was very sick (melamine in the pet food–major recall) my vet was very happy to get my research so he could treat her better.</p>
<p>He’s already been to a specialist (hence the testing and biopsy), but I will phone him to inquire. Thanks for all your help.</p>