Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Daiy lost her battle

My precious little princess "Daisy" lost her battle last night. She suffered what appears to have a blood clot. Her breathing was slightly off but she appeared fine other than depressed as her Mom-Mom whom she is very close to was rushed to the hospital on Thur. with a blood clot in her leg and lung (she is still in ICU but doing much better). We had just fallen off to sleep when she woke up and wanted to go potty. I took her out she walked a few steps and sat down. I picked her up teasing her that she is such a princess and put her on the grass, she walked about 5' and sat down again. I picked her up and took her back in the house. She walked about 8' sat down then laid on her side and let out a little cry that almost sounded like a wounded bird and the word ouch and pulled her front paws toward her chest. I picked her and yelled to my father that we had to get to the nearest er and when I did she let out another little cry and then a sigh and she was gone. I rushed her to the er (10 mins away) knowing that she was gone and they confirmed it. This may sound weird but I couldn't leave her there in a strange place so I took her home and brushed her hair and swaddled her in her favorite towel and blanket and held her all night. This morning I took her to my vet. They were preparing to possibly transfuse today as she was scheduled for a blood test and yesterday she had started turning pale but still eating. To say there was not a dry eye in the office would be an understatement as everyone loved my little girl. As a special memorial they were going to make a clay pawprint for me and one for the office in her memory which is a really sweet jesture. My other little one Rudy is somewhat lost and the vet is concerned about him as he is diabetic and the stress of his "sissie's" passing could have an adverse effect. She put up a good fight since 1/24/08 when she was diagnosed. I know I did everything I could for her. It's ironic that within 38 hours of my mother throwing a clot to her lung that my little girl threw a clot. It's almost as if she told God to take her and spare my mother. If I can figure out how and where to post some photos of my little one I will and if anyone can help in regard to posting some photos I'd greatly appreciate it. Good luck to everyone has a baby fighting this horrible disease and I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Evelyn So Jersey

Evelyn -- I am so sorry to hear that Daisy lost her fight. As hard as your grief is, I hope you are comforted knowing that you did all you could for her -- you gave her the opportunity to fight, and she fought hard. I'm sure it also is a comfort that you were with her at the end and that she died in your loving, caring embrace. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

Evelyn, As I read your e-mail my eyes filled with tears just hearing another one had lost the battle. I am so very sorry! Your vet sounds like a very caring place and so sweet to make the clay pawprint. I am sure that she felt your love when you held her during the night in her blanket as you did hers. I have been through several of my pups dying and it is never easy all I can tell you that as time goes on each day will get a little better and you will remember all the good and happy times with her. Please take care of yourself, your Mom and Rudy. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Also forgot to mention I used www.flickr.com to post some pictures of our Holly. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Evelyn, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Daisy. When you feel up to it, could you please email me jdickson@cloudnet.com since I would like to visit with you in private a bit. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers tonight.

Joanne MN

Evelyn, I am very sorry to hear about the death of Daisy. IMHA is a very difficult disease to understand. Know of my thoughts and prayers for you. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

Evelyn, I'm so very sorry to hear about Daisy. My Miniature Schnauzer, Gus, died in a similar way. He had been diagnosed with IMHA on June 29, 2007. He had been in the vet hospital for 7 days, and we brought him home on July 6. The vet felt that Gus was possibly developing a clot, and warned us of possible pulmonary embolism. However, the day after we brought Gus home, he began to breath almost normally. He began to have an appetite, and he had more energy. He seemed to be doing well that day and the next day. I was very optimistic, and felt that Gus would survive. However, in the late morning of July 9, he suddenly began to have difficulty breathing. It happened in the car, when I drove Gus home after having blood work done. Gus had been fine that morning and while we were at the vet's office - I have no idea what happened. We found out that Gus's hematocrit had risen from 20% to 30.8 %, which was great news ! I informed both of Gus' vets about his difficulty breathing - but they both told me ther was nothing they could do if Gus was developing a clot. Unfortunately, Gus died - suddenly and unexpectedly - on the evening of July 9 while my husband was holding him on the sofa. My husband yelled for me, and I was able to get to Gus and hold him while he took his last couple of breaths. His breathing rate just began to slow down - and then he was gone. We rushed Gus to the pet emergency hospital, like you did with Daisy. I knew that Gus was gone, but I didn't know what else to do. And I don't think it's strange that you brought Daisy home with you - we did the same thing with Gus. I just wasn't ready for him to be gone, and we hadn't had a chance to say good bye. Our daughter wasn't home when Gus died, and I knew that she would want to say good bye to him, too. The vet tech wrapped Gus up in a blanket for us, and we brought him back home for a couple of hours. I also allowed our other 4 dogs to sniff Gus, one at a time, and say their goodbyes - so they would understand what happened. I understand how you must feel. I know how devastating it is to lose your precious dog/friend this way. Please feel free to Email me, if you would like to - sueroo@adelphia.net Again, I'm very sorry about Daisy. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sue Sue

Sue PA

Evelyn, I am so sorry that Daisy has lost her fight. I am glad you were able to hold her in your arms and say your goodbyes. I hope you Mom is on her way to a full recovery and that soon you will be able to remember the good times with Daisy with a smile not tears. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy - you will be in my thoughts and prayers jeanne

Jeanne Texas

Evelyn, Five weeks ago today I sat here and let everyone know that Jennie, my aussie/blue heeler died to this god awful disease too. I write with tears today feeling your pain at losing Daisy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Gail

Gail SD

I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy :( You are in my thoughts

josh california

Evelyn, I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy. I'll be thinking of you. Hugs. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Evelyn, I am so sorry that you lost your dear Daisy, I have done this before and if you want, and could send me a picture in jpg format I will post it for you. again, I am so sorry for your loss, take care of yourself. Dolores

Dolores deekuj@yahoo.com

Dear Daisy: Please say *hi* to Stormie for me! I am so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet girl! Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates Michigan

Evelyn, I am so sorry about Daisy. You tried so hard to bring her to good health. I am very grieved this weekend about your great loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Patrice I have posted a couple of photos of Daisy that Evelyn shared with me on my flickr photo page. I will leave them up there for about a week so everyone can see how cute Daisy was. http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricel/?saved=1

Patrice NYS

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support during this very difficult time. Dolores thank you for your offer but I was able to post some photos of Daisy on http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisy6199 A special thank you to Patrice for all your assistance during Daisy's illness without you and Dr. Dodds I don't know what I would have done. An update on my Mom she is progressing and was finally moved out of ICU last evening. All she keeps saying is that Daisy took the blood clot for her and that Daisy asked God to take her and spare her beloved Mom-Mom. As for Rudy he breaks your heart looking around for his "sissy". We're keeping a close watch on him as he is a diabetic and this stress can be dangerous. Once again thank you to everyone who took the time to send your condolences as it has really meant alot.

Evelyn So Jersey

This thread was discussed between 06/04/2008 and 07/04/2008

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.