Tons of Troubles

Art is an eight year old male neutered mini poodle. He first came to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital on January 3, 2003 for lethargy.

Assessment revealed that he Art was very anemic, had abnormal electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, and chloride), as well as heart disease. Because Art was critically ill, he was hospitalized for four days at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital.

During his hospitalization, Art had blood tests performed which revealed that he had immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA—his immune system is attacking his own red blood cells) as well as Addison's disease (his adrenal glands are not producing adequate levels of glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids).

Evaluation of his chest (xrays and echocardiogram) showed that he had mitral valve disease, which is a common heart ailment in older dogs. He received a blood transfusion and was started on medications for his anemia, Addison's disease, and heart disease.

Art has responded well to therapy and his immune system has stopped attacking his red blood cells. He is on a low dose of prednisone for his IMHA. He is receiving supplemental steroids for his Addison's disease. Conveniently, prednisone supplies the glucocorticoids. He receives an injection of mineralocorticoids once every 25 days. He is also on medications for his heart disease (lasix and enalapril).

Though it sounds like Art has many problems, they are all under control. Art will need life-long heart medication and mineralocorticoid therapy. Art is now back to being top dog in his household and spends much of his day bossing around his big brother, a German Shepherd who weighs 8 times as much as Art!