Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Another Pup in the house named 'Butters'

I was not intending to have another pup in the house any time soon as Oliver just passed in September and I still mourn him and miss him terribly. Then my son became aware of a young 2 month old pup that wasn't being treated well and had received a fractured hind leg. Within a week of receiving the hind leg fracture, the poor pup got another fracture of the front leg, same side. My son couldn't stand it and took her away from her owner and rushed her to the vet. This was the end of October. She had to have orthopedic (?) surgery and have pins/screws placed into the front leg as the fractures were at the joint. My gawd. Poor little puppy. On top of that it was discovered she had puppy scabies as she was itching and scratching all over and was suffering from malnutrion. It has been almost a month since her surgery and she is doing much better. It has been a lot of work, time and money, again, but my son, bless him, could not let her suffer with a person who wasn't taking care of her. The vet isn't quite sure what her breed is, possibly border collie, mcnab, etc. She currently weighs 13 pounds. She has been very energetic and playful all things considered. A little worrisome though is about 2 days ago she started yelping when her left jaw was touched( when putting the collar off/on.) We no longer need to use the collar as she is no longer scratching/itching herself and/or scratching the leg she had surgery on. Now I have noticed she doesn't want to play with her toys or chew on her chew bones any longer. She is still eating, with provoking and drinking, pooping, peeing, etc. She went for a vet check-up today and the scabies are gone, she has no fever, but not a whole heck of a lot of energy all of a sudden. He thinks it may just be teething problems. When he tried to open her mouth she yelped so loud and cried. He said her teeth look fine and is a little perplexed as to why she is so sensitive with her jaw. I am trying to stay positive that it is just teething problems. I hope the worst of her medical problems are over and this isn't anything serious. Anyway, I wanted to let all of you know what is up in our household. I must admit I am a little apprehensive having another pup in the house as we went through hell with Oliver being sick and now this pup having so many medical problems. But you do what you have to do to help the babies. Any ideas on the jaw pain, please let me know. I hope it isn't serious :( Take care all of you and your pups too!

Mardi Northern Calif

Hi Mardi, seems to me your son has his mother's caring nature. I hope too that the jaw pain isnt too serious and wish you luck with the new addition. Keep us up to date with this wonderful rescue story - hope all goes well. Seems to me Oliver may have a hand in this too. Best wishes Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Thank you Silka. I totally think Oliver is behind this pup situation!!!! Love my Oliver. Butters had her second dose of vaccinations today, which has me on pins and needles and is probably another reason why she has been a slug today/this evening. I just need to remember to think positive. take care and thanks again.....There is a reason for everything and Butters was meant to come into a loving and caring home. We look to the future when she is healed and running amouk like a puppy should :)

Mardi Northern Calif

Hi Mardi, It sounds to me that Oliver sent you this baby knowing that you would take excellent care of her and help her get well- such a gift! I'm sure that she will make a total and complete recovery in your loving hands. There is an auto immune disease that affects the jaw of pups- the jaw will actually lose all of the muscle. It's called Masticatory Muscle Myositis. You might have the vet rule this out. It's treated similarly and is serious, but I don't think it's nearly as serious as AIHA. But, something to check for. Give that sweet new baby a kiss from all of us here. Thank you for rescuing this beautiful girl. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Mardi Congratulations on your addition!! I think Butter has found a great home, thanks to the kindness of you and your son. What Butter really needs right now is some TLC and good vet care, so it sounds like she found the perfect home. I can relate to the puppy thing, as I have an 8 week old foster golden, who was turned over to a shelter in KY by a breeder due to an eye condition (Entropion) since he could not sell her. Sometimes you really wonder about people. I will be sure to keep Butter in my prayers and please keep us updated on how she is doing. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Thanks everyone. She seems to be better this morning. Ate lots of food, likes the turkey from Thanksgiving and is jumping around playing more. Actually looked like she about to grab a toy. We will keep an eye on it and bring it up to the vet next week if it continues. I think it's passing though. Thanks again. You are also in my thoughts and prayers.

Mardi Northern Calif

Nice to see you have a new addition to your family Mardi. Hope the current problem/issue gets resolved. Sounds as if she's been through enough already. You could always give her some camomile tea to help if she seems to be in pain. Hoping and wishing for the best for her. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Mardi, Congrats on your new addition. It sounds like Butters was sent to you because she needed to know what a loving home is like. Hopefully her other complications will resolve themselves soon. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek

Thanks again everyone. It appears she is back to normal again. Playing, chewing on softer bones, playing with her toys/balls, etc. I suspect, thank goodness, she was just sore and is teething. She was a burst of energy today as she got a bath and another lime dip. That stuff STINKS. Last dose though. I will keep everyone posted. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

Yay! Im excited to read this good news.

Silka Melbourne Australia

So happy for you and your son Mardi and I pray that you have a long and happy life together with Butters,you all deserve it after your difficult period. Oliver will be furiously wagging his tail in delight that you and your son are smiling again,after all he believes he had the best family ever and so would want a fellow doggie to have the same!! Keep us updated on Butters. Take care Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Hello Mardi, I am so happy you have a furry friend to take care of again. Are these fractures because Butters was abused or was she in an accident. my first thought was that maybe she had an injury on the jaw. main thing she is feeling better and a happy pup for sure to be with you! Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Mardi -- Thanks for a Christmas season story. You and your son are wonderful, caring people to open your home to this suffering puppy. I agree that somehow, this puppy was sent to your home, because you would care for it and give it the life it deserved. May God bless you and may this puppy grow to a ripe old age with your love and care.

Brenda VA

Mardi, I'm so happy for you. Good for both of you for taking that poor little girl out of a horrible situation and giving her a second chance. I'm sure Oliver is looking down and smiling. Puppy love can be a great healing therapy - I know Amy was for me after Bronwyn died. Enjoy Butters, and all of that lovely puppy breath! :-) Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

I can't thank you all enough. Butters must have had a sore jaw because today, again, she is a bundle of energy and running all over the place. Her first leg was fractured as someone "apparently" stepped on it accidentally. Her second fracture was because, according to the previous owner, she got hit by a car. She was neglected and not taken care of period. I will try to get a picture of her online soon. She looks so much healthier and is a very gentle, smart, cute little pup.....Loves to snuggle. Oliver truly has something to do with this and I know he is still with us and putting out a helping "paw". God bless our furry,loving pups.

Mardi Northern Calif

Mardi, Butters story brings tears to my eyes. You and your son are special people to open your home and arms to a pup in need. Happy holidays! Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

You are a wonderful person to open your heart to that poor puppy. Sending hugs and kisses. - Robin

Robin NYS

So good to hear that Butters is getting better. Give him some hugs from Tessy & I. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 29/11/2009 and 03/12/2009

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