Please Help, Feline Hemolytic Anemia Options

[HeatherE]

Hello,
My name is Heather and I have a 2 year old kitty, Helix. From 6 months of age he has been struggling with asthma, which we have maintained using a steroid, Prednisone. Last Friday 6/30, he took a sudden turn and fell extremely ill. The vet couldn't even get enough blood for a panel to test. He was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia based on his symptoms and a low PVC (14%). We were told he wouldn't make it through the night. Five days later he is still here. He is eating drinking and using bathroom on his own, but we are still battling his severe anemia. He is on antibiotics just in case it was an infection that caused it and on a higher dose of steroid. I am begging for any advice, any insight, anything really about what to do. We have been feeding him liver and bone marrow stock. What else can we do? Please help me get my best friend back to me!

[moon_beam]

Hi, Heather, thank you so much for sharing with us your precious Helix's medical crisis. I can certainly understand how upset and frantic you are to try to help him come through this event. The fact he has survived five days now under your care is a testimony to your dedicated enduring love to help him. Have you considered a second opinion? This is not any negative reflection on your regular veterinary care provider, but perhaps a referral to a specialist might help. I know you are already doing everything in your power to take care of your precious Helix, and whatever you decide on his behalf will be the right decision.

Please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us, Heather. Please know your precious Helix and you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how he's doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[HeatherE]

moon_beam,
Thank you for your kind words, they truly made me feel a little bit better. I would like to get a second opinion but Helix is so weak, I'm afraid the distress from the car ride would kill him. It's such a difficult situation, I'm afraid all I can do is pray that whatever is going on inside his little body passes.
Thank you again, Heather

[LittleGirl's...]

Hi Heather,

How are things going now? I'm so sorry to hear about Helix's medical crisis. As moon_beam said, you are doing everything in your power.

I wonder whether a mild tranquilizer, prescribed by a vet, might be safe in the event you decide to seek a second opinion? (And, as moon_beam has said, WHATEVER you decide is truly in Helix's best interests. I understand about not wanting to put my cats through a *very stressful* car ride.)

Please keep us posted.

Sending you prayers of insight and comfort.

Kathy