Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - 3 weeks since Toqua's surgery

It has been three weeks since Toqua had her surgery, and 5 since this all began. It is scary to think that she may have already spent half the time they gave her. But I find as each day comes, and she continues to improve the fear of losing her is waning. While she continues to get back her health, I continue to get back my mind. We are now pred free, completely drug free. It's all Toqua now. The one thing I am holding a faint hope on is the fact that visceral hemangiosarcomas is usually spleen or liver associated (when in the abdomen), but with Toqua it was a renal (kidney) association. Both my vet and the surgeon have made note of that. It's strange. So, the hope is that maybe because she is being an oddball about this (typical Toqua) we will have her for more than the 1-2 months they gave her. I am not holding my breath, though. But i have had my time to go through the range of emotions we deal with when caring for a sick pet, and I am prepared. Although I still feel that Toqua and I have been cheated, I am prepared emotionally. Dr. Stover said if she started to crash again we could put her on pred to "lift her up", but that would only give us an extra few days, and that would be selfish. I told him thank you, but I have prepared myself that when she does start to go downhill that will be it. As much as I would love to hang on to every last second I can with her, I need to draw the line. There has to be a point when we say good bye. Otherwise, it would not be fair to Toqua and her memory. On Thursday night I found myself not wanting to take Toqua on her late night walk - it was the weekend, and "I can take her tomorrow". She was just staring at me, and I thought wait, what am I saying? I shouldn't think that. I should take her out every day that I can because if something happened tomorrow I would be kicking myself! So, we went out for our late night stroll. We have had a great Easter long weekend. Finally got to take her out for an off-leash walk on Saturday. This was also the first walk taking both dogs out together since this all began. Her eyes got so bright when she realized the truck ride was to our fave walking area, not the vet!! Off she went running through the trees, following her nose. She did tire rather fast, but this was her first chance to really run again. Back end was fine. Then about 100m from the truck they both decided to go into this one mud puddle. It was gooey mud, no water. Both in up to their elbows!! They soil here is clay based. When it gets wet it turns to a gooey slime mud! So they were both looking like they had grey thigh-high boots on, lol (Toqua is brindle and Fin is black). So, I put the jerks into the truck, and left them out in the yard until their "boots" dried. Figured I could just brush it off once it dried. I was wrong. Once it dried it was like they were wearing concrete boots! So, one at a time into the tub. Toqua is great in the tub. But Fin, 80lbs of muddy wet dog trying to get out!! What a mess my bathroom was afterwards. Worth every drop (of mud)! The tail's still wagging!

Jessi BC

Glad to read that Toqua is enjoying herself and feeling good. Try not to think about the future too much and live in the present just like Toqua does. Enjoy your special dog. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

You have a beautiful outlook - Toqua is lucky to have you for her mom. Glad to hear you are having some fun together!

Jennifer

Jessi, you're a remarkable woman!!! I'm sure Toqua is feeling extra special lately. I'm sitting here giggling over thinking of the mess you had to clean up!!! :) Thanks for sharing the stories with us. Toqua has got my continued thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jessi, Glad your dogs got out to an enjoyable afternoon even if they ended up with concrete boots. Live each day to the fullest and know that Toqua is loving life.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I have seen such a change in Toqua in the last couple days. Getting back to her neurotic Border collie ways!! Today on our walk she spent most of the time running off ahead of me, as per usual. Even yesterday she was lagging a fair way behind by the time we were close to home. That is something that I am not used to. So, I was happy to have a better day. Every day is better than the previous, still. Two days ago she made the mistake of wading too deep and letting her moon belly dip into the cold river. I watched her yesterday and she remembered. When she did decide to get a little deeper, she sucked her belly up and stretched her legs. It was pretty funny, but her belly stayed dry. Well, today there must have been something good down over a bank, she went down, Fin followed, Fin came back up wet (the river is a deep pool with no real beach at this spot), and Toqua came back soaked. From her neck down. her whole back, even her tail. Drenched!! Toqua does love water, but only during the hot summers. Fin is the one who would swim in December if everything wasn't under ice. I could tell by her attitude that she had fallen in. So, I pointed my finger at her and laughed - she is a very sensitive girl, and hates being laughed at or yelled at around others (dogs and people). For a short time it was the good ol' days. Take care.

Jessi BC

I am sure all these great times are helping both of you. Toqua is living the good doggy life to the fullest.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Glad Toqua is still doing well, and giving you some laughs. Dogs have such a gift for doing that. :)

Jennifer

Hi Jessi I am so glad Toqua is doing well and is still full of life. Continued thoughts to you both from us for continued good health for as long as possible. Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Great to read that Toqua sounds on the mend

Sue Cambridgeshire UK

This thread was discussed between 05/04/2010 and 13/04/2010

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