Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Baby

This morning baby went into Cardiac Arrest… I called @ 7:50 to see how she was doing and no one answered the phone in ICU, so I figured I’d just call back in a little while I went to get in the shower and the female Dr. had called me and told me Baby went into cardiac arrest, she said they think either she threw another blood clot or she had a blood clot in her lung perhaps, (that would make the most sense to me because her heavy panting and her breathing was labored and the 104 fever I couldn’t explain) and the blood thinners loosened it and it traveled to her brain, or a piece had broke off and went to her heart they have no way of knowing they tried to shock her and resuscitate her but she was gone. She went quickly she said with no pain. She said Baby was almost normal and that she had actually lapped up some water on her own out of a bowl, and the swelling in her tongue went down and she was shocked, she stayed late to get the paper work faxed to Cornell University and Baby just seemed to be so much better that’s what is SO hard. I think that the Dr.’s felt they may be wrong and Cornell may be an option, but those GD blood clots! The problem is, the antibodies cause the blood cells to be sticky and clump together resulting in blood clots, I now know this disease is so uncontrollable and the up and down of hope and back and forth is torture and no matter how much money you have, no matter what top veterinarian medical team you have only god has the control and it’s in fates hands…the Dr. did explain it to me that out of all the animals that dogs immune systems are the worst they are extremely hyper and they are always trying to destroy it’s self, out of all the animals dogs rather pure breed or not they have hair trigger immune systems. I went up to Orchard Park and kissed her good bye, for me and for my mummy as she had asked me to, I got her collar, paid the 2,000 bill and went home. I will get her ashes in two weeks. I did ask if there was anyway for them to learn from Baby to please do so, to document she said they already have learned allot from Baby and every thing is documented. I wan to donate her meds and cookies and dog food as they are expensive and my heart goes out to regular every day blue collar Joes that have to pay to save their beloved fur babies and just don’t have it and the stress of having their back up against the wall. I’ll try to work out something somehow I will be researching funding for the studies of IMHA to find a cure and cause until the day I die! I hated god for doing this to her and us, and how could he, but then I realized that maybe this was Devine intervention because if I would have had her in the car on the road in the middle of nowhere and that happened that would be a nightmare come to reality, and something I would live with for the rest of my life! I don’t know how I’m going to live day to day without her but I have no choice HA I wish I could move, every place reminds me of her and I can’t bare to walk in the door after work and her not greet me, or ever take a nap with me or ever lay with her, or kiss her my heart is broke. I did hug and kiss her everyday, and whispered in her ear everyday that I loved her, I’m glad for that!

Brande tgee4@stny.rr.com

I am so very sorry for your loss! Baby knew you loved her. We just lost a pet 2 weeks ago and it is so very, very hard. I lost Stormie to AIHA and the 8th anniversary will be on Feb. 18. I will never forget her. Baby gave you a gift in that you didn't have to make that dreaded decision like I had to make with Stormie. It was the right thing to do but the guilt overwhelms you. I am sure Baby has met Stormie and they are swapping stories about their Moms. Take care. Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates

thank you so much it means the world to me, I'm so sorry for your loss. It gives me comfort to know I'm not alone.I'm finding it hard to go to bed without her, I feel like my daughter isn't home. like my child is gone.as tears stream down my face the hurt won't let me go to bed or wake up in peace.she's the first thing I tend to before bed, and when I wake up.no cookies or kisses tonight.

Brande Ny

Brande, I am so sorry for what you have had to go through. It is so heartbreaking to lose your best friend, just know that she knew how much you loved her. She is now in a place pain-free,running free with all the other babies we had to let go too soon. I know how hard it can be as it hasn't been long since I lost my Coco but it does get easier day by day. She will always be with you. I will be thinking of you, Kelly

Kelly Redding

Brande, I am so sorry for your loss. Perhaps Baby helped you out one last time as my Macy did last week (also passing away from cardiac arrest). I wish I could tell you that "you did all you could" and that would make it better. But, rest assured, no one could have loved Baby more or given Baby a better chance. It hurts like no other and I will pray for you. I am truly sorry... -Darren

Darren Long Beach

Oh Brande, I dreaded reading what I just read about Baby passing.....I was praying and hoping that this would end differently for you.....i'm so, so sorry for your loss and pain.....I've lost 3 of my wonderful dogs in the past 2 years....so I empathize and have the utmost compassion for what you're feeling right now......I commend you on wanting to help others with this miserable rotten disease( I feel the same way ). Remember, you and your dog/daughter shared a very special love and bond that no disease can ever take away or destroy....ever.....that kind of love is eternal, and we are all blessed to share it with our beloved angel-dogs.....you were a wonderful mom to Baby....the best.....and I'm sure she had more love and care than most dogs out there. When my dog Harley died I had a huge blanket made with a life-size picture of him on it.....I made a stuffed dog that looked just like Harley and brought it with me everywhere and slept with it every night......I put his pictures in every room all over my house....this helped me alot....I needed desperately to keep him close....perhaps you'll find some ways to help soften the terrible pain you're in....please take care of YOU.....Sincerely, Tammy and Cody

Tammy/Cody N.J.

Brande, I am so sorry for your loss. Baby knew that you loved her, take comfort in that. I know the feelings your going through now, I lost my boy to a clot at the very same clinic last fall. It wasnt easy, but do know that as time goes by the fun memories outweigh the ones of the last few days. It will get better with time. babys in a happier place now.

Mj ny

Dear Brande You are not alone, a few of us here lost our friends only in the past few weeks, and I am one of those, losing my best friend Riley. I am so sorry you lost Baby to this illness - everything you say is true; its such a balancing act to get the medications right which themselves cause such problems, let alone the illness itself, and yet there are success stories. Lets hope that with every loss they find a way to save 10 more. I was the only one at my vet clinic who had this problem, so I felt alone, except for this fantastic group who support those who they have never met. I dont know you, but I cried when I read your post. I had followed your story through Samantha. I almost cannot bring myself in here to read these stories - the pain is still raw, yet I still do. Too too sad - and my heart goes out to you at this time. Our bonds with our pets cannot be broken, ever. I always loved the way Patrice finished off her posts, and tonight I will steal that from her... I will be thinking of you tonight. Rest easy now Baby. Silka & Bonnie & (((Riley)))

Silka Melbourne Australia

Brande, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Baby. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I hope you will visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Thank you so much for your desire to want to be a part of finding answers to the many questions that surround AIHA/IMHA by helping to fund studies on the disease. You can do this by contributing to the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338 at Morris Animal Foundation. You can learn more about this Fund which only sponsors studies on Canine AIHA/IMHA by visiting these Web pages: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/special-campaigns/meishas-hope/ At the current time the Meisha’s Hope Fund is co sponsoring two studies on abnormal blood clotting in dogs with AIHA/IMHA, One of these studies is being done as a joint venture of The University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and is entitled “Comparison of Thromboprophylactic Therapies on Outcome and Hermodynamics in Canine Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia”. The second study is being doing at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and is called, “Tissue factor- a new approach to thrombosis in immune-mediated hemolytic anemia”. This study is now in its second year and is 'making much progress' according to the recent report (January 12, 2010) I received on it. On March 1, 2010 a new study on blood clotting in dogs with IMHA will be started at Colorado State University and this study will entirely be funded by the Meisha’s Hope Fund at MAF. One of the greatest things anyone who has a dog who has been diagnosed with AIHA/IMHA can do is help in the fight against this disease by donating to the Meisha’s Hope AIHA/IMHA Fund #338 at MAF. I am confident we WILL find answers to the many questions that surround AIHA/IMHA and what a glorious day that will be. But for this to happen, we do need to have the support of those whose dogs have been diagnosed with the disease. Brande, I truly do know you are in so much pain now. I remember the pain I felt when my dear Meisha died over 8 years ago. I thought I could never live through that pain but I did and I have grown stronger as a result of that pain. I will not kid you, you will have some very difficult days. But as time passes the pain will subside and all you will remember are all the good times you have been able to spend with Baby. I know that doesn’t seem possible now, but trust me, it will happen. Till then be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Dear Brande Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved Baby. You did everything that could possible be done and as many of us know sometimes it is just not enough. Most of us have been in the same place you are in now due to the loss of one of our beloved pets for one reason or another and we wondered how are we are going to get through this, how are we going to wake up each day and function but somehow we find the strength to carry on and the pain does lessen in time. Baby will now be with you forever and she will never be far apart and every time that you think of Baby she will always be in your heart. May you find the strength and courage to get through this difficult time and know that yes there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel you are in right now. R.I.P. Baby Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile pa

Brande, My heart goes out to you. All of us feel your pain and anguish. Have peace knowing that you did all that was possible and I sincerely grive with your loss. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Brande -- So sorry for your loss.... :( Rest in Peace Baby

Josh California

Brande, I am so very sorry to hear about Baby. It is incredibly hard to lose our beloved pups. I hope you find peace in knowing that you, along with the vets, did everything in your power to help your Sweet Girl and she knew that as well! God just needed her more. Allow yourself time to grieve. It will be tough but I hope in time the hole in your heart will be replaced with all the wonderful memories of your girl. Take care, Teresa (and my angel boys Jacob and Rocky) ****Rest in Peace Sweet Girl Baby****

Teresa va

Dear Brande, my sincere condolences on the loss of your Baby. You did everything possible. Cherish the memories and may they help to heal your broken heart. Please go on Joanne's website and to the grief and loss page. Reading this page helped me when I lost my boy just a moth ago. Making plans to do some fund raising for Meisha's hope also helped me to look forward. Rest in peace Baby, take care Brande, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Brande, my deepest sympathies and condolences goes to you and your family. It's never easy to have to say goodbye to a beloved furkid. Run fast and free at the bridge sweetheart. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Brande, I am so sorry for you loss. Take care of yourself and RIP Baby! Jaime

Jaime Parker

Brande, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult to come to grips with when you try so hard to save your dog and you can't. You will soon go through the "what ifs" try to let those go. No one has real answers yet of why some dogs respond and others don't. Know in your heart that you did everything you could and like most of us would have sold your soul for a different outcome. Baby will be with you always in you heart and your memories. She will be waiting for you at the bridge. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Brande: We are so sorry to hear that Baby passed away. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

So sorry to hear that your precious Baby passed away. You can live with knowing that your did everything possible, and that she was in very good care, and some things we have no control over. My thoughts are with you. Julie.

Julie Australia

Brandi - I'm so sorry to hear Baby didn't make it - My heart hurts for you. I'll be thinking of you and Baby - that you find comfort in all the sweet memories and that Baby is feeling good now, playing and keeping up with you from Heaven.

Lisa TX

Dear Brande -- I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dear Baby to IMHA. It is so clear from your posts that you loved Baby as much as a person could, and that you tried to do everything to help her. Sometimes, it is not meant to be. Like many others here, I lost my dear Wiley to IMHA -- in May 2005 after a week-long fight -- and the grief is very hard. Most of us never heard of this damned disease before, and it strikes so suddenly. My heart goes out to you in your anguish, and I hope you keep with us, so we can help you. This forum has been a real comfort to me, because a person never really gets over losing a loved one, and I still miss my Wiley everyday. But I think of the wonderful life we shared with her, and I'm grateful for the time we had. I also know that Wiley brought so much love and joy to our lives, that it is unfair to her to think of her only in sadness. I understand how hard it is to come home to an empty house. It helped me to leave a light on in the living room, so that the house would have some "warmth" when I opened the door. I also wrote a journal that began with that horrible day and then continued on with memories, some painful but most happy. I still write in it, because I don't want to lose any memories of funny, loving times with my dear girl. I also decided to donate regularly to the Meisha's Hope Fund at the Morris Animal Foundation in Wiley's memory. It's a way to give positive meaning to the sadness of her death from IMHA. Maybe someday, a diagnosis of IMHA will not be as horrible as it is now, and we all can prevent dog owners from experiencing the loss and pain that we have felt in losing our dear dogs. Please take care and take comfort in your memories and in the knowledge that your sweet Baby is happy and healthy again in a wonderful place. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda VA

I am very sorry your Baby has passed. My heart goes out to you as you are grieving. I am thinking of you. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

We are so sorry about Baby and are crying for you as we have done so many times for others on this board. This disease is just horrible. You did all you could for her and she knows how much you love her. Our deepest condolences.

leslie ca

Brande, I'm very sorry to hear about Baby. My dog also died from a blood clot, after showing improvement of IMHA for two days. He was also treated at Orchard Park - he spent 5 days there. I understand the loss you must be feeling, and I'm so sorry. Sue

Sue PA

Brande I am so very sorry for your loss of Baby. ((Hugs)) Jess, Keiko and Hushi

jess BC

i am so sorry for your loss of Baby. i feel for you. my deepest condolences lucy

lucy ny

This thread was discussed between 04/02/2010 and 10/02/2010

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