From:
ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2008-03-07 22:03:37 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re:Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is not common in ferrets. I have only seen one,
although I've consulted on another recently. The trick is to suppress the
immune system enough to control the body's attacking of it's own red cells, while
still allowing the immune system to protect against infection. I've treated
bunches of dogs with it, with good success, and feel that the important thing
is to suppress the immune system pretty thoroughly in the beginning of the
treatment (high doses of pred, Imuran as needed and I use it in most cases),
while treating any infections that may come along with antibiotics. The goal of
treatment is to get the autoimmune disease into remission, and the length of
time remission lasts is a very individual thing. I'm currently on the second
round of treating a dog who was in remission (no meds at all) for almost a year.
I would be very unwilling to give any type of "length of life" prediction
with this disease, either short or long. It all depends on the response to
treatment.
Good luck with your little one.
Dr. Ruth
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