Beaujolais (known affectionately as Beau to his family and friends) is a 12-year-old neutered male toy poodle.  Beau was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia on August 17, 1998.  

The first signs of Beau’s illness were noticed as early as August 12th.  These signs consisted of lethargy, loss of appetite, and weakness.  These signs were thought to be from an epileptic seizure.  Beau had a history of such seizures in the past.  It was when we noticed the orange coloring and syrupy texture of Beau’s urine on Sunday, August 16th, we knew there was something more seriously wrong with Beau.  Beau was taken to his vet and was immediately referred to Tufts New England Veterinary School of Medicine where he was admitted to ICU on August 17th.  Beau had a pcv level of 18% and tested Coombs positive.  He was immediately put on a fluid IV (25 ml/hr) and 10 mg of dexamethasone and received a transfusion of Oxyglobin.  On August 18th, Beau's pcv had dropped to 14% and was started on 10 mg BID of prednisone.  By August 19th, Beau’s pcv had risen to 15% but his breathing had become more labored (probable pulmonary thromboembolism) and needed to be on oxygen.  He received his second transfusion of Oxyglobin during the day.  On August 20th, Beau received his third and final treatment of Oxyglobin.  His pcv was up to 16, but his breathing was much heavier and would have to remain on oxygen.  He was administered his first shot of Heparin (600 iu).  On August 21st, Beau was very despondent and he had vomited some blood.  His pcv had now climbed to 20% but he was still experiencing respiratory problems and was still on oxygen.  Carafate (sucralfate) was added to his medications for an ulcerated stomach.  On August 22nd, Beau's pcv had dropped to 15% and it was decided it was necessary to keep him in ICU.

By August 23rd Beau’s pcv was stable at 20 and he was released from the hospital with a list of the following medications: prednisone, 15 mg 2X/day, Carafate .5 gr 2X/day and Heparin (shots) 600 units 2X/day for 3 days and then 1X/day for 4 days.  At his check up on August 27th, Beau’s pcv was holding steady at 20, it was decided at this point that Imuran should also be added to the treatment regime at the dosage of 12.5 mg/day.  By the second week’s check up, on September 3rd, Beau’s pcv had risen to 22, he was now off the heparin but all other meds stayed the same.  Over the course of the next few months Beau’s pcv rose very slowly.  The medications were also reduced very slowly as well.  On November 30th Beau’s pcv had climbed to 35, the Imuran was discontinued that day and the prednisone was maintained at a level of 10 mg/day.  Over the next several months Beau’s PCV continued to climb very slowly and the prednisone was also reduced very slowly.  By June 5, 1999, the pcv had risen to 40.  It was decided at that time that Beau would remain on a maintenance dose of 2.5 mg prednisone twice per week to be given on Mondays and Thursdays.  At Beau’s last checkup on August 28th, his pcv was 42.  In addition to the maintenance dose of 2.5 mg of prednisone twice per week Beau also takes PetTabs and a glucosamine/chondroitin formula.  Prior to Beau’s illness, he had been on Heartgard Plus for heartworm protection.  This year he is taking Interceptor.  Beau has not had any vaccinations since the onset of his illness.  Our Tufts vet is providing documents each year for the state, so that we do not have to give him rabies vaccinations.  Beau is currently in excellent health.  Before his illness Beau was very energetic, constantly running and playing catch with his sheepskin toys.  Shortly after Beau returned home from ICU, he energy level was back at full speed.  In addition, after the onset of Beau’s illness, "he has become a real Mama’s Boy never wanting to leave my side." 

Beau had an accident in February 1999, from a jump and fractured his cranial cruciate ligament in his left rear leg.  After consultation with his vet and careful consideration, we decided to not have him undergo surgery.  No medication was necessary for this injury but Beau’s vet felt the glucosamine/chondroitin formula would help the injury heal fully.  Beau was kept quiet and very minimal activity until his leg has healed.  Within three months, Beau was using his leg again.  

In October 1999, a crew from the BBC visited Tufts to do a segment on Oxyglobin for a television show called "Tomorrow’s World.”  Beau was asked to be a part of the Oxyglobin feature.  Jim, Joan and Beau as well as Beau’s canine brother Chardy went to Tufts for the taping.  Beau was featured on the program having his blood drawn for the CBC and Joan spoke about how Oxyglobin had given Beau a better chance to survive.  

On November 27, 1999, Beau relapsed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.  At the time of his diagnosis, his platelet count was at 10,000 and his pcv level was 42%.  His dosage of prednisone was immediately increased to 30 mg given at two doses of 15 mg/day.  Within one week, his platelet count was up over 600,000 and in 4 more weeks, his prednisone was decreased to 20 mg/day.  In January 2000, his platelet count remained over 600,000 and the prednisone was reduced to 10 mg/day.  At his next scheduled visit, Beau's platelet count was well over 800,000 and his pcv was down to 38%.  We continued to have Beau checked every 4-5 weeks and in March, his platelet count was down to 647,000 (still above normal) and his pcv had dropped again to 35%.  His prednisone was decreased to 5 mg/day given in two doses.  In April 2000, Beau's pcv had remained at 35%, his platelet count was at 624,000, and his prednisone was decreased to 2.5 mg/day.  He had also dropped his weight to 15 1/2 pounds.  On June 3, Beau's platelet  count was at 600,000 and his pcv continued to drop to 33%.  We decreased his dosage of prednisone to 2.5 mg eod which he will remain on as a maintenance dose.  Beau then proceeded to have another mishap in June 2000.  He leaped off the bed again and fractured his other rear leg's cranial cruciate ligament.   

In July of 2000, Beau's platelet count was at 611,000 and a pcv of 38%.  At Beau's 8-week checkup, his pcv was back up to 40% and his platelets were at 585,000.  Beau's pcv continues to stay around 40% and his platelet count remains above the normal range (200-500,000). 

Now in 2002 Beau has celebrated his 14th birthday in July and the 4th anniversary as an AIHA survivor on August 17th.  Beau continues to do well and has accepted the challenge of a new canine brother, Teague. 

In March of 2002, Beau's hematocrit reading was at 39% and his platelet count remained slightly above the normal range.  He was again tested on August 18th and his hematocrit was 37% and platelets were again slightly above normal range.  

It is August, 2003, and Beau is now 15!  He is walking a little slower and not playing with the vigor of the past but he is doing well!  Teague keeps pushing him along and Beau loves his life!

Jim and I are thrilled with Beau's progress, it is well beyond what we expected.  We owe some of the credit to Teague who has helped Beau through the loss of his beloved pal Chardy and also helped to recapture some of his youth. 

We thank God for each day that we have shared and will continue sharing with Beau - our commitment of love, patience, and understanding.

 

On August 15, 2005 after 17 loving years Beau has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

Here is Beau's Memorial

 

For more information on AIHA go to > http://home.comcast.net/~joan.ogg/aiha_info.htm

For more Beau and Chardy pictures go to > http://home.comcast.net/~james.ogg/photo_dogs.htm

Teague has arrived and is training us!> http://home.comcast.net/~james.ogg/Teague.htm