Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Amazing Toqua doing great

Well, starting anew thread - one with a happier undertone. Monday morning. Toqua is doing so well I am almost in disbelief! We brought her home Saturday afternoon. Emily, the vet tech, just couldn't believe her. Giving her a bath to clean her up before we took her home she was trying to jump off the table! Everyone has just been so surprised by her will to live. One bad thing Saturday - they said to feed her A LOT, so I did. Not even thinking about what a full belly would feel like for her. So, we had a rough half hour; I felt so bad. Realized after that feed her lots means small bits frequently, not all at once. I was pretty scared that I had hurt her. She hasn't needed the pain pills, I have only given her three!! Last night she finally pooped, phew. And that sparkle in her eyes came back. This morning she is seeming almost like her self. The dopey drugs have finally worn off; she isn't walking around drunk anymore. I am just so amazed, and so happy that I made this decision. Even if I only get to spend a few more months with her. At first I was upset to "know" how long, or short she would have, I see it now as a blessing. To know how special every day is with her. Fingers crossed that she continues to fight and surprise everyone. As Emily said, miracles happen every day! So, we did ask about the doggy blood donor. And, it really was a dog, on a table beside her. Blood comes out, goes through a filter into a bag, then out the other end, into Toqua still warm. So, the criteria are: 80 lbs, young and healthy, and all vaccinations up to date. So, I am thinking that my Finley fits all those, and I would love to have him be a donor. I feel that we need to help someone else, as the Belgian shepherd helped us! They told me that they were all so happy to see her pull through, and be doing so well so fast. And gave me kudos for going as far as I did. Most owners wouldn't. How could I not? I had the money to do it. So, they comped us over $400.00 on the bill because of this. I'm sure her success and recovery is because of everyone's thoughts and prayers during the last few days. Thank you all, and I will continue to keep you all informed. Cheers!! (from a very happy lady!)

Jessi BC

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am really happy Toqua is doing so well!! Isn't it great to see them feeling better?? I pray the mass they found turns out to be nothing serious.

Jennifer

Oh Jessi!! I am so incredibly happy for you and your Sweet Tough Toqua. She is home where she belongs. I just knew she would come through the procedure just fine. Enjoy your girl. Lots of hugs and warm thoughts coming your way, Teresa

Teresa va

That is wonderful news!!! I was very happy to read the Toqua was doing so well after her surgery. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

Great news!!! Toqua is one tough girl. Jessi, you have certainly done everything in your power. Now it is up to Toqua to heal and stay healthy as long as possible. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

WOOOO HOOOO for Toqua! That's absolutely fantastic news to hear! She sure is a fighter girl. Did you get the biopsy results back yet? I'll be hoping and praying for good results. Congrats, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

They said a week for the biopsy results, so hopefully by Friday. I've been warned that it didn't look good, and they did tell me, when I went to pick her up, that she is on "borrowed time". So, waiting for the results, and preparing for less than great news. Hoping she continues to shock everyone. In the mean time I am enjoying the time off work, getting to spend all day with her. Taking her to see our vet tomorrow, just for a check up. I think he should be the one to rip off the fentanol patch. Then she won't be upset with me. :) She seemed to be feeling a little more pain today, probably because the good hospital drugs have finally worn off. But she has a great appetite, everything is moving fine. She is really wanting to be outside. The weather has been so warm the last couple days. Our yard is still pretty muddy, though, so I have been taking her blanket out and sitting on the patio with her. Quality time. She loves the breeze. But she puts her nose in the air and stares longingly out at the park across the street. Soon enough she'll get to run. I find I am still checking on her every five minutes. When she's out of my sight; I am constantly looking for her. Her belly is getting a little itchy. Luckily she can't reach it, with her feet or her mouth. It's right down the middle, so when she does the funny stand-up-and-itch-my-belly-with-my-hind-leg scratch she only gets the sides, and she can't bend enough to get it with her mouth. Still giving her a towel gurtle at night, just in case. Anyone have any better ideas for covering an abdomen? I'll ask Dr. Stover tomorrow, maybe they have something. I really don't want to have to use a cone head if I don't have to. I find the towel slides out of position by morning, and I don't want it to bunch up and bother her. Her incision is really long, most of her poor belly! At least they gave her staples instead of stitches. At least I found through my own experience that stitches get way tighter, and are harder to remove than staples. Hope it's the same for her. Our 75 lbs bouncing puppy has been so gentle and great with her. He nuzzles up to her, and just wants to be close to her. It's so sweet. He loves his Toqua!! I am so proud of him, cause he's usually quite brainless. His nickname is Dough-head. :) later!!

jessi BC

Yay for Toqua! Im excited by this news, and I do hope everything is okay - seems to me Toqua is a survivor. You may need a bucket-head to go with the dough-head. :) Lots of healing thoughts coming your way from Oz.

Silka Melbourne Australia

Jessi, My fingers are still crossed that the biopsy results will Not be bad. You also should hold onto hope and the fact that veterinary medicine has came a far way when it comes to treatments. A long time ago many of the diseases our precious canines were inflicted with left little or no options as far as quality of life. From being on this forum for years and also being a dog/animal lover myself I realized that these horrible illnesses not not discriminate as far as age, breed etc. Both of my boys are at the Bridge now but my AIHA boy Jacob was diagnosed at 7 and went on to live for 6 yrs, despite being given a "GRAVE" prognosis.The vets suggested euthanasia from the get go. I know this is not what is going on with your girl but my point is that there is always hope. Despite what the prognosis is for your girl, I know you will love her every second of every day. Any of us, human or canine, can leave this world at any given time so the best we can is live for the day....the moment. Toqua and her bro "Dough-head" (hehe!) are very fortunate to have you as their mama. And I know you feel the same to have them. They enrich our lives like no other. While caring for your girl, please remember to take care of yourself. Please give Toqua and her bro lots of hugs and kisses from all of us here on the forum. Teresa

Teresa va

Jessi, so glad to hear Toqua is feeling so good. As for the itching stitches, I could not bring myself to put a cone on Wylie so Made a shirt for her so she couldnt get to the stitches. Take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Jessi, When Cassie was spayed we used two men's medium white v-neck (lightweight) t-shirts. One goes to the front, legs into the arms and v below the neck. The second shirt goes on backwards, the v in the appropriate place for "duties." And the back legs go into the sleeves. Then we carefully duct taped around the middle of her body, combining the two shirts together so that it covered her incision bandages. Veterinary doesn't really go in and change dressings too soon after a surgery so this worked fairly well. This is for an 80 pound dog. Size down the t-shirts for a smaller dog. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

We are crossing our fingers that the results aren't as bad as the experts think, but not holding our breath. Thanks for the t-shirt idea. I'll give it a try. I know canine medicine has come a long way. The evidence is in my two local vets. The 30 yr vet said put her down, and the new vet knew of the options available to us. I do not want to prolong her life if it means having her around for a few extra months doped out on drugs. As much as I cannot even fathom life without her, I am not that selfish. I know of a few people who have kept their dogs around MUCH longer than the poor animals should have been because the owner could not face life without them. But, I will not do that to her. I promised her that. So, we will just continue to enjoy every moment with her (she could get away with murder right now, spoiled girl), and I just pray that she makes that decision so I don't have to.

Jessi BC

Hello. Toqua continues to recover, and she is getting back to being the Little Rat (her nickname) she has always been - standing up on the shelf to get the cat food, getting into the milk bone box, etc. Caught her up on the sofa (a no-no in our house) twice yesterday!! Incision doesn't seem to be bothering her too much. Had Dr. Stover remove her fentanol patch, so I wouldn't be the bad guy. Took him 2 rips to get it off. OUCH!! He was really pleased that I had left that for him. He checked her out, and was so happy to see her doing so well. Just wondering if anyone can answer this, I forgot to ask Dr. Stover. They are saying that this growth they took out is a tumor. But, none of the blood work we had done (think we are up to 4 blood tests in the past 2 weeks) presented cancer. Would they not have seen something to suggest cancer during any of these blood tests? Her white blood cells were elevated, with a high pecentage of young WBC's which they told me suggested cancer was NOT an issue? I know I need to talk with the vet about this, hopefully we will hear from Dr. Davies tomorrow with the biopsy results. In the meantime, any thoughts?

Jessi BC

Little Rat...LOL! Glad to hear the little rat is feeling so good! :) Diagnosing cancer isn't always as straightforward as one would think. Often times it'll get overlooked in tests unless they're looking for something specific from symptoms. Sometimes if a CBC shows abnormally shaped cells or too many/few of certain cells it could point to a cancer of sorts but in your case they likely figured that with all the symptoms Toqua was showing they automatically assumed an anemia. All signs pointed to this...only thing was they didn't know right away what was causing it. That's where the ultrasound/radiographs came in. Another reason why all newly diagnosed dogs should have these tests done! So yeah, blood tests can't really be a diagnostic tool for cancer but they can sometimes give the doctors a *clue* as to what's going on in the body. If your doctors would have been able to look at a blood test (CBC) and tell you that Toqua had a cancerous tumor then you'd have yourself one heck of a good doctor! Anyhow, I'm thrilled also to hear she's raiding the bone box and getting on the couch!!! She must think she's in SPECIAL mode now...too cute! Sending you some more good vibes for good results from the biopsy. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

She could get away with murder right now!!

Jessi BC

Well, still no news on the biopsy results. Called the vet today to see if we can start increasing her activity. She has been house bound for the last week, and is not liking it too much the last couple days. Took her out about 10:30 last night and she went running out to her ball and wanted to play fetch. But, Border collies can't play ball in slow motion, so I couldn't let her. So happy to see that she is feeling so much better that she wants to!! Ended up speaking with Wendy; Wendy actually was an assistant during Toqua's surgery. Said I can start taking her out, on leash, for short walks. She will be so happy to go over to the park, pee at all her usual spots! :) I can also start to let her be out in the yard, she wants nothing more than to lay in the sun. Wendy was so happy to see that she was doing so well the day following surgery, and to hear that she is continuing to recover so quickly. It is so great to have strangers care so much about your animal, and to know that I did make the right decision for my girl.

Jessi BC

Jessi, How nerve racking the wait must be! It sounds like Toqua is recovering well from the surgery. I am glad she is getting out and soaking up the sun. You are such a good doggy Mom!

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jessi, still thinking of Toqua! My fingers (& paws) are crossed for the results tomorrow. HUGS, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Although Toqua was not diagnosed AIHA it is such a comfort to know that you all still welcome me. It has been such a great outlet for me, both for knowledge, and getting my thoughts out - saved me from stewing in my negative thoughts. Thanks!

Jessi BC

Jessi, After I lost my Salome to AIHA her sister Delilah was diagnosed with Pancreatic Insulinoma and everyone joined in to help support me through her treatment and unfortunately her loss too. This is what is great about this board you become a family. I am hoping that Toqua surprises everyone and is soon on the road to recovery.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hey Jessi! Just thinking of you and Toqua.............hope you get good news today! Hugs, Teresa

Teresa va

Well, just got the call I have been dreading and anticipating. It is sadly confirmed. Toqua has hemangiosarcomas - cancer affecting the blood vessels. Risk of occurance is high, and quick. Most within a month or two. Dr. Davies knows of one dog who lasted two years. Very rare. Chemo is an option, but does not cure, only prolongs life, and not for very long. Do I want to put her through 4 months of being sick? And what when it comes back, which it will, do I do? I know she is so strong, still seems to have a very strong will to live. Could she withstand going through that surgery again? I think that would be like tempting fate. Once lucky, twice a fool? She spoke more of watching for similar symptoms, pale gums, weakness, etc. Same as a few weeks ago. It is just so hard to envision that right now, she is doing so great. And knowing that this rebound is most certainly only temporary, it is killing me to think about going through it again. Until you get the phone call saying it is this, you can still hold onto a little bit of hope that it isn't that. This sucks!! I thought I'd be ready for it. Dr. Davies didn't really seem to recommend the chemo, either. She asked me if the cost (both the direct cost of the meds, and the time away from, plus travel) would be worth a poor prognosis. I just don't want to see her crash again. It was so scary, and awful. I just hope she continues to fight. I hope she defies the odds. I hope we get one last summer together. I hope she makes it to May (10 yrs of her companionship). I am sure that at one point everyone thinks this, and I am going to say it. It's not fair! She has been the greatest dog, and she doesn't deserve this! OK, that feels better.

Jessi BC

Dear Jessi, I am so sorry about the bad news. You are so right, it is totally not fair. I know about that one just all too well. One thing to remember, Toqua does not know how sick she is and how many months the vets give her. For her it is just one day at a time. She still has lots of quality of life and enjoys every day. Maybe a lesson for us to learn? This will no doubt be very hard for you, harder than for Toqua. I know you will have some more good times together. Just make the most of it and enjoy that girl. You are the love of her life and she knows it! Thinking of you, best wishes, Brigite

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, Your comment really hit me (in a good way) - Toqua does not know how sick she is and how many months the vets give her. Very true. Thanks.

Jessi BC

Jessi, so sorry to hear you got the news you didn't want. I'm sure you will do what's best for Toqua! I couldn't have said it any better than Brigitte so I won't even try. If you do decide to treat this perhaps you could do some of the experimental treatments or look more into them. I can't remember the website but didn't I leave a link in a previous response? I'm going to be keeping Toqua in my thoughts and prayers and am going to send her some extra GOOD LUCK vibes. Take care, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jessi, I am so sorry that the news was not better. It is so hard trying to decide what is right and fair. I have to remember what our Vet said when our Salome was fighting the AIHA. It finally became clear that we had reached the point of "we were doing it for us, not her" I think you need to keep that in the back of your mind. It is so difficult to try to know when enough is enough but I feel our dogs let us know. For now hang onto miracles can happen and love each day to the fullest. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I knew things probably wouldn't go the way I wanted them to, but until that phone call I could pretend that the worst was over, and Toqua would fully recover, live to be very old and very grey. Chemo gives a life expectancy of 5-7 months. Without 1-2 months. So, I put her through 4 months of chemo, and I still get 2 months of a happy dog. So, those 4 months of chemo cancel themselves out in my mind. I don't want her to be sick for 4 months. The past three weeks has added years to both our lives. It would be too much for us. I am just absolutely heart broken over this. I promised her that I would not be selfish and keep her living in pain. It will be the hardest thing I will ever do, but the last thing I want is for her to suffer. I just hope that she goes to sleep one night and doesn't wake up. Sounds like she will most likely crash like she did a few weeks ago. So, I guess that will be my sign. I just hope that she has some fight left in her, and she surpasses the prognosis. Thanks for all the well wishes, and kind thoughts.

Jessi BC

Hi Jessi, I am so sorry to hear this news, I was hoping it would be better. I really admire the decision you are making for Toqua, you are such a strong person to put her needs first... we desperately want more time with our precious babies, but at what cost to them? I hope I can be as strong as you when I am faced with the same decision. I am sure you and Toqua will make many happy memories (as you have been doing) over the next few months, and she sounds like a fighter, so I am sure she will do better than her prognosis. Toqua doesn't know what's going on, and she will continue to love and live each day to it's fullest. Thinking of you both, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

That comment just keeps repeating in my head - Toqua doesn't know how sick she is. She really doesn't. Today she gave the neighbours a "roo-roo". She says hi to every one; she hasn't given anyone a roo-roo in a few weeks now. And, I got a little smile when I got home, another quirk of hers I haven't seen lately. So, she continues to do better. Her back end is still somewhat weak, but she just had major surgery a week ago. So, I am not take it, just yet, as a sign that the weakness is returning. She gets her staples out on Saturday. I am sure Dr. Stover will give her a good check. I think I am coming off to be a lot stronger than I am actually feeling. Editing. I have time to re-read what I have written and delete. A fair bit of that is going on right now. :) It is much, much, much easier said than done. I just can't believe we are here, and it takes every ounce of strength I have to not curl up in a ball and sob. I dread the thought of taking her on her last truck ride, but Toqua doesn't know how sick she is. That is a huge comfort to me. And she is getting goofy again. Her energy and zest for life are increasing everyday. As long as the tail is wagging!!!!

Jessi BC

we are staple-free! only a couple didn't want to come out. dr. stover was sorry to hear the diagnosis. told me if she started to slip again we could put her back on pred to "lift her up again". but it would only be temporary, and i didn't like how she was when she was on the high dose. my feeling is that we will be thankful of every day we have her, and when she crashes that will most likely be it. kind of what i am preparing for. it sucks, but i don't want her to be all drugged up. on a lighter note she is doing great. i was worried because her back end is still weak, but dr. stover told me that when they have major blood loss, it does take a fair bit of time for the strength to come back. she is getting stronger every day. our walks are getting longer and longer. she was even doing a little running in the yard today. another thing i was concerned about was the eating. she is ravenously hungry - eating between 4 - 41/2 C per day (typically she eats about 21/4). but that is still because she the pred is in her system. 5 more days and we are done. her appetite has waned in the past couple days. she isn't putting on any weight, and everything is moving fine. her body is still healing.

Jessi BC

Live in the moment and enjoy each day to the fullest. It sounds like Toqua is enjoying her days as it should be. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Happy to hear amazing Toqua is doing great. Enjoy and treasure every minute with her. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Hey Jessi, I am glad Toqua is doing well. Enjoy every moment of these precious days with your girl. Keep us posted on how she is going. HUGS Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Another day to add to the tally. We had crazy weather today. Rain, wind, and snow in the afternoon! Toqua loves the snow. It was so nice to be able to let her out to enjoy it. Big wet flakes, she had a white blanket on when we came in!! Caught her up on the bed today when I was home for lunch. Did she get in crap? Of course not!! She could get away with murder right now. She did get the rock star treatment and was lifted off the bed. Spoiled girl!! She hasn't been able to get on our ridiculously high bed for a while now. Improvement!! I am trying really hard to not think about that mouthful of a word she was diagnosed with, but it is always there. It was a little hard to see her out in the snow and know that the odds are against her seeing another winter. But we are trying not to think that far ahead, and just stay in the moment, with her. I never thought in a million years I would be facing something like this with her. Me and everyone I know were convinced she'd be running full tilt until she was like 17! Border collies! :) Though, every day we are still seeing improvements. Bits and pieces of Toqua are coming back, and that is all positive. She's rolling around, on her back on the carpet behind me right now. Having a good back scritch and moaning. Must feel good to have all those staples out!! She is still being a jerk to Fin. That is worrying me. She has gone after him a couple times. I know she is a little extra cranky still, she still isn't 100% (oh, I hope she gets there!), but he is so sensitive, and he seems so sad that she still doesn't want to play. He just lies behind her and puts his nose under her. So sweet. The tail's still waggin'!

Jessi BC

Jessi, I'm loving these great updates!!! I don't blame you for giving her the rockstar treatment. Take each day as they come and enjoy every moment. Get the ole camera going and get lots of good pics. You always have to remember that miracles can and do happen. I'm keeping Toqua in my thoughts and prayers and hopefully this time next year I'll be saying the same thing! Thanks again for sharing the updates with us. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johnny, You bet the camera has been out every day!! Unfortunately Toqua hates having her picture taken. It must be the flash. As soon as she sees the camera she turns her head, and has this horribly sad look on her face!! But I am getting shots anyhow. Hoping that she gets well enough to make it up to our cliff so I can get one last pic of the two of us up there. She was up on the bed again today at lunch!! As soon as she disappeared from the kitchen I knew where she was. Before I could go in and lift her down, she came trotting out of the bedroom. So, she was able to jump down, too! She seems to be doing so great right now (I feel so bad saying that as a few people are mourning the loss of their beloved friends right now!). I just fear that as soon as I let my guard down (stop watching her every move) she will decline. 3 more days and we are completely off the pred. Hoping the ravenous appetite is soon to follow!! To everyone who has recently lost a friend. I am so sorry!! I know that you will all be there for me if and when that time comes. It is a great comfort to know you will all be there for support and kind words. Sometimes life just isn't fair!!

Jessi BC

This thread was discussed between 15/03/2010 and 30/03/2010

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