[JudyKayTee]

My dog's (expensive) blood work came back yesterday. She does NOT have multiple myeloma BUT is severely anemic for reasons no one can explain. Her thyroid count was too low and she is on medication.

Her cholesterol should be in the mid-300's range. It was over 2,000.

Several Veterinarians have seen her and several more have reviewed her lab work. I'm researching but I find nothing.

She is, of course, on a very restrictive diet, and we will test again in 30 days.

She has basically been sick since November with what may or may not be Pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low thyroid, anemia, dehydration and now high cholesterol. She's a very picky eater, always has been, eats "wolf-like," every two or three days.

Does anyone have a suggestion, somewhere I can research?

For background she's a Gordon Setter/GSD, almost 8 years old, 90 pounds (a little over, but not too much).

I just don't know where else to go for answers.

[Wondergirl]

Is there a university near you with a vet school?

[JudyKayTee]

I'm thinking of taking her to Cornell.

She was really good yesterday. Not so good today. It's like being in the front seat on a roller coaster.

I can only imagine what she's going through.

[Wondergirl]

Stop at my mom's for warmed apple pie and ice cream.

Yes, Cornell would be a good choice. Springtime in the Finger Lakes... Do you need to give them advance warning that you're coming?

[ballengerb1]

There are lots of Cornells, even have one out by me but I know you are in upstate NY. Animal Health Diagnostic Center best place I have found in a quick search. What tests were done and was Addisons included?

[JudyKayTee]

There are lots of Cornells, even have one out by me but I know you are in upstate NY. Animal Health Diagnostic Center best place I have found in a quick search. What tests were done and was Addisons included?

I mean Cornell in NY. Tht's a good site - and, yes, Addisons was included in the test panel and subsequent testing.

I just spoke to the Vet and his biggest concern - or so it seems - is that she is very anemic but no one has found any blood in her abdomen or stool. She's been tested for worms and all that "common" stuff but nothing of any substance is showing up.

[ballengerb1]

Did he do a MRI and a Ultrasound? My local vet did not have the knowledge or equipment so he kept doing his $250 tests for 9 days before I went to a specialist who gave me some very bad news. Don't give up (know you won't) but keep looking for answers from Cornell. What has your vet prescribed so far for the anemia?

[JudyKayTee]

Yes to MRI and Ultrasound. You know the costs of these things, because you've been in my shoes but each time she's had to go on an IV it's been over a thousand dollars plus the MRI and Ultrasound plus the specialized blood tests.

No one is taking advantage of me - which can happen - but it's gotten very expensive.

I think you know she was my late husband's dog so this is doubly hard - I feel like I'm going to lose another piece of him. Does that make sense?

[Lucky098]

What about Autoimmunte Hemolytic Anemia?

[JudyKayTee]

What about Autoimmunte Hemolytic Anemia?

Wow - good call! The Vet did not mention this BUT she was much, much better when she was on prednisone, prescribed for "inflammation" and to increase her appetite.

Now I'm reading up on it like crazy.

[Lucky098]

Well.. if no one can find anything that is making her anemic, the only other thing would be her own body attacking her red blood cells...

[JudyKayTee]

Well.. if no one can find anything that is making her anemic, the only other thing would be her own body attacking her red blood cells....

I don't understand how three Veterinarians have actually examined her, plus several have reviewed her lab work and no one has suggested this. I thought they were saying that the anemia was being caused by blood loss and they couldn't find the cause of that loss.

Now this puts a whole new spin on things.

This is a good call and I may be indebted to you for life.

[Lucky098]

I hope you figure it out!

My thoughts are with you..

[JudyKayTee]

Thanks - I'm walking down every avenue. I left a message for my Vet re: your thoughts. He won't be in until Monday but it's given me something to think about.

Again - thanks.

[paleophlatus]

Very anemic, and no signs of blood loss... sounds like she is not making enough replacement RBC's, which will prove fatal faster than hypercholesterol. Also, the thyroid is involved in nearly all the functions of the body in one way or another. What you are seeing may be the result of two or more seemingly inconsequential events acting together to cause an otherwise unexplainable observation.

There are two basic types of anemia, and each has different causes and solutions... regenerative and non-rgenerative anemia. Blood loss causes the typical response... a regenerative response by the bone marrow, which is the site of new red cell production. Events that deplete or otherwise damage the erythrogenic capability of the marrow results in non-regnerative anemia. The normal RBC has a lifespan of about 3 months (If I remember right). NR anemia can develop as these old RBC's die and are not replaced, or if there is an, as yet, undiagnosed condition that is slowly destroying RBC's .

It's possibly time (or, past?) to do a bone marrow evaluation to see if she even making RBC's, or is just not making enough RBC's to meet demand.

If the Vet School at Cornell Univ. can't come up with an answer, we'll just have to throw out half the veterinary textbooks, I guess.

[LadySam]

I have little to add here except to say that my thoughts are with you right now. I've seen this many times with pets that belonged to beloved family members and it not an easy place to be.
I know you will do all that you can for her.
I really hope you get an answer soon. For her sake and yours.
Gd bless you.

[JudyKayTee]

Thank you all for your thoughts, advice, kind words - I have many things to discuss with my Vet.

As it happens, she's "pretty good" today, but she's very quiet. No big improvement.

Can't wait until the office opens tomorrow!