Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Buddha at Peace

Our 6 year old female Bloodhound, Buddha, was a bright, healthy, playful dog on Thursday. We laughed as she chased her favorite squeaky ball She would stand at the door with a bright yellow ball protruding from her cheek like a glowing wad of chewing gum. On Friday morning she was lethargic, jaundiced girl with blood in her urine. We took her to our local vet and after examination and taking blood were told she had IMHA. The doc told us to "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst." He gave her shots of steroids, iron and antibiotics. He indicated this was a very serious disease and sent us home with pennicilin, prednisone and other meds. Later that day after reading her blood test our vet called us at home and said that he was optimistic for her recovery and said he wanted us to bring her in on Monday for more steroids. He did think that this was vaccination associated as she had her full complement of vaccinations only three weeks ago. Friday night through Saturday Buddha progressively became worse. As our vet had told us that it would take 3-5 days for the meds to become effective we kept hoping that it was just a waiting game to see recovery. On Saturday morning Buddha somehow made it out of bed and urinated blood all over the garage. She was unable to stand and barely able to raise her head. We were unable to make contact with our local vet. With the guidance from Centre County Paws in State College, PA we rushed our beloved Buddha 1 1/2 hours north to another vet. We did not think she would survive the drive. The very kind doc told us that Buddha's blood cells were being destroyed inside of her veins. Her red blood count was so low he anticipated that catastrophic failure was imminent. Even a transfusion at this point would not likely bring recovery. Liz and Lisa from Centre County Paws stayed by our side while we talked with the vet and petted Buddha. I don't know how my husband and I could have made it without their support. We held and petted Buddha and said our goodbyes. She passed peacefully and we are both so thankful that her suffering is over. I know she knew we were there and I truly believe that she was only hanging on as long as she did for us to be okay. This is a horrible horrible fast acting disease and no dog should have to go through this. All of the websites regarding this disease have been very helpful. My husband and I believe that Buddha's death was for a purpose and we vow to help combat this disease. To find ways that you can help go to: www.morrisanimalfoundation.org and www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/

Penny & Derrick Pennsylvania

Penny & Derrick, I am so sorry for the loss of your girl. You are so right, this disease is awful. I lost my 3 1/2 year old Standard Poodle Kahlu at the beginning of this year. He seemed to fully recover and then was hit with a deadly relapse. Like you I believe there was a reason for his short stay. I have put in some effort to fund raise for Meisha's Hope and also educate people at our local Agility trials about AIHA/IMHA, over immunization etc. There is a loss and grief link on Meisha's Hope site that was very helpful to me. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm Even though our pups were not meant to live, we can not give up hope for all the others still fighting! With my sincere condolences and best wishes, Brigitte and the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved Buddha. I am glad that you got a chance to say goodbye to her and feel comfort in knowing that you gave her a wonderful home for the last 6 years and I am sure Buddha knew how very much she was loved. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Dear Penny and Derrick -- I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dear Buddha to IMHA. So many of us have been through the experience you have just had, and we have said the same words, that no dog, and no pet owner, should have to go through this. I am interested in your statement about the vaccinations, because five years ago today, my sweet beagle had her annual vaccinations and received a good bill of health from the vet. And four weeks later, IMHA struck her and we lost her in a week. My heart goes out to you. The grief from losing your beloved dog to this disease is intense -- I think partly because most of us never heard of IMHA until it struck suddenly and worked with devastating quickness to take our dear ones. I am sure the memories of your sweet girl, and the loving life you shared together, will comfort her. I also am sure that Buddha died knowing that you were there for her, until the end. She left this life and entered the next enveloped in your love and care. Please take care and let us know how you are doing. And thank you for recognizing the importance of supporting the Meisha's Hope Fund at MAF. We all have to pitch in and work together to attain our dream of no more IMHA.

Brenda VA

Penny and Derrick, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to have what seems to be a healthy dog 1 day and suffer such a loss so quickly. I am glad you had some caring people there for support. I hope in the coming days your happier memories with your sweet Buddha will help ease some of your pain. Thank you also for thinking of other dogs by raising awareness of Meisha's Hope fund. Hopefully someday no owner will have to experience the tragedy of losing their fur baby to this awful disease. Buddha may be gone from this physical life but I know he will be in your hearts forever. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny l

Dear Penny and Derrick, I too, have a dog that has been recently diagnosed. I had never heard of IMHA before this. This site, has also been very helpful to me. I am so sorry to hear you have lost your beloved friend and companion. It is such a devestating loss, especially when it comes so suddenly and unexpectedly. Thank you for reminding us all to contribute to, and support Meisha's Hope fund. Hopefully some time in the near future we will find a way to save other dogs from this devastating disease! Maureen

Maureen Southern Interior

Penny and Derrick, So sorry to hear of Buddha's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Dear Penny and Derrick, My sincere condolences on your loss of darling Buddha. I also know all to well the suddeness and scariness of IMHA. I am fortunate my little dog Millie is a survivor, however my life is forever changed having dealt with this awful disease. It sounds like the vets you were working with were very supportive and caring, and I am glad that you had the chance to say goodbye to her. I hope you find comfort in the happy times you had with Buddha, and the pain eases for you. The Meisha's Hope Fund and Joanne's website are very important to us here - thank-you for reminding us and spreading the word. I hope one day some better treatments or even a cure can be found. Our deepest sympathies to you both, Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Annual vaccinations also caused AIHA in my angel girl, Stormie. I thought I was doing the right thing every year and she was fine one day and gone in 48 hours. It has been 8 years but I will always miss her. The new vet practice I have continues to tout annual vaccinations and I will NOT do it. Most of the time I work with a vet who will work with me on this and other things and for that I am thankful. But the annual protocol remains and I dig in my heels and just won't do it. You did a great job trying to save your baby. She is well now. My sympathies. Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates

Penny and Derrick, Please accept my heartfelt condolenscenses. This disease can strike so quickly and make you wish for what was considered "normal" life so badly. I feel that Buddha and other dogs have come into our lives to teach us lessons. To have given our beloved best friends all we could is really all we could do. It is not fair and not right. My heart goes out to you.... -Darren

Darren Long Beach

Dear Penny and Derrick, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you and your family. Johnny & TEssy

Johnny

Dear Penny and Derrick, I am so sorry to hear about Buddah. This was very sudden and unexpected. Sometimes this condition is caused by something that is difficult to diagnose and treat. It can happen so quickly. There is not always a specialist right near by and so you did the best you could. This does not ease your pain but I am sure that I speak for many here who are grieving with you at the suddenness of this. Please accept my condolences. Patrice

Patrice NYS

This thread was discussed between 11/04/2010 and 14/04/2010

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