Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Diagnosed today- 12 yr old dalmation

Hi, This forum was recommended by someone who has also had a dog with this condition. My dog, Lucky, was diagnosed this morning. Last night, I came home from work to find him yellow. We think this was triggered by a minor surgery he had 4 weeks ago for an aural hematoma. He was on high doses of pred after the surgery, and the symptoms didn't appear until I weaned him off. He did eat a little bit yesterday, but today at the vet's he won't eat. My husband is delivering a cheeseburger as I type this, I hope he eats. So, the treatment so far is dexamethazone, reglan, tagamet. He is very weak and can barely stand. His pcv was 24 last night, they are going to retest tonight. If he's okay, hopefully he can come home. They said if it's very low, we may have to make a decision. But my friend who sent me here, Teresa, said that maybe that's too soon, and there are other options. I'd appreciate any advice I can get. I'm pretty scared. His age is not helping the situation. 4 weeks ago, prior to his surgery, his blood work was perfect. Today, everything is off.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, You must be so upset seeing your beloved dog feeling so bad. If indeed it is autoimmune hemolytic anemia i would certainly give him some time for the medications to kick in. Is he back on prednisone? i find it strange that after the surgery that he was on it. Maybe the fast reduction caused this? There are some people on this board with older dogs that have recovered from AIHA, so don't give up hope. It could be that Lucky's anemia is related to tumors. Did he get an x-ray? Best wishes, thinking of you Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear about Lucky, first, I get a 2nd opinion asap, treatment for AIHA is prednizone so I am confused on that part and hopefully someone else here can chime in Please read asap if you hvent Joannes site. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ There are many long term surivors here whose HCT was in the single digits so DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE. A couple of things My 12 year old Wylie was diagnosed 4/08. I got a 2nd opinion from an internist and she recommend an ultrasound of the spleen, she said many senior AIHA cases are caused by tumor of the spleen. I had that done she did have a growth and her spleen was removed, luckily it was benign, but could have been bleeding out causing the AIHA The other is do you live where there are ticks? This is one of the main causes of AIHA and can be ruled out by a simple tick panel in the vets office. I would have this done Laurie

Laurie CA

Jeanie, I just looked up the medications Lucky is on. The Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid supressing the adrenal glands just as prednisone would. The other two are stomach protectants. I agree with Laurie, i would consider a second opinion, if that is possible. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

I would definately get a 2nd opinion, this is from Joannes site and with a HCT of 24 is not all that low for my thinking to be usig this drug. n"Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug, which is five to seven times more potent then prednisone is also used in the treatment of AIHA." I have been on this site for a year and half and I think I remember it coming up vary rare, I think do the the side effects which is a lot more than prednizone laurie

Laurie CA

I could have sworn I typed out a response, but now I do not see it. They just did another pcv and he is maintaining at 24. He ate 3 hamburger patties, and I can take him home tonight. Tomorrow, he goes back for another test.

Jeanie El Paso

He is on the stomach pills because he was on Rimadyl, and the combination of an anti-inflammatory and steroids can cause ulcers. The vet chose dex over pred because he was on pred up until last week, I think. We really thought he was very critical last night, and she wanted to act quickly. We thought he may not make it through the night. I don't know if he will stay on dex or go to pred yet, I still haven't even processed all of this. I've only known for about 7 hrs. But thank you everyone for the information. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power in this situation. I will get more info when I pick him up, and he has gotten a 2nd opinion from another vet, at the same clinic, though. I don't think we have an internal med specialist here, but I will be looking for one. His pcv is holding at 24, and that's after being on fluids for almost 24 hrs. The 2nd vet said that is a very good sign, that he would expect it to be lower due to the fluids. So, he's certainly not getting any worse. Thanks again, I will let you all know what happens next. I am looking forward to having him at home so he can be spoiled and comfortable. I have a feeling it will be a long night, with all the fluids AND the dex.

Jeanie el paso

I am so sorry for Luckys diagnosis. There are several options available, so don't give up hope. It is a serious disease, but there are many, many, pups that survive. Get informed. Read through all of this forums threads. Everyone here is wonderful, supportive and extremely helpful. I'll be thinking of you and will pray that Lucky has a speedy recovery.

Mardi Northern Calif

Jeanie, I know where you come from, it is awful to watch your dog not eat. But at this point I would stay away from Hamburger for Lucky. It is hard on the liver and has quite a bit of fat that could cause pancriatitis. Lean chicken or fish would be a better choice. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Jeanie, it is so overwhelming, so take some deep breaths and try and relax a little tonight think of good thoughts for Lucky. Brigitte is right about the hamburger, for some reason, I don't understand dogs with AIHA are prone to pancreatitis, you don't want to throw that one into the loop. So I would would some chicken, with a tiny bit of chicken broth, some oatmeal and see if he will eat that. once he is home his hct should be checked in aabout 3 days, i would not go longer than that. Also when he gets home look at the color of his gums, this is one of the monitors if he goes downhill, hey will become paler than the color he has now, I am so anal, Wylie has beenin remission almost a year and I still checker her gum color every day. (((hugs))) to Lucky and take care laurie

Laurie CA

Hi Jeanie, I would like to add my support to everyone else's comments, and wish you all the best for Lucky's recovery. Im like you, trying to get as much information as possible, having had a recent diagnosis for my dog, so Im right there with you. Poor Lucky, having had an operation and now this, but at least the PCV is staying stable and holding its own, Riley's last count was 28, not much above that, but still lethargic and sleeping. The prednisone elevates the appetite, and they told me that chicken and rice is the most digestible. Best wishes,lets know how he goes, and Im only new here, but great people here. Silka PS. I had that trouble with posting as well, if you dont fill in the boxes each time, you wont get that the post has been added, it just disappears.

Silka Australia

Our Ethel spent several days on pred without improving at first. She started to improve very quickly after a switch to dex IV. She eventually went back to pred, but we feel the dex made all the difference in getting her PCV stabilized.

Brian Vermont

Dexamethasone is used frequently in emergency clinics for early stabilization. Because it is fast acting and at high doses it can assist in reducing a hemolytic crisis. In very serious cases it can mean the difference between life and death. Prednisone would be initiated once the patient has been stabilized and released for home. Surgery, esp to remove blood filled tumors, can set up unusual clotting in the blood vessels. In addition the body can go on a heightened alert and develop antibodies to "self." It's very possible that this stress was instrumental in developing an autoimmune hemolytic event. A PCV of 24 is not necessarily considered extremely low (that would be around 12% and lower) but each dog has their own clinical range that they experience severe symptoms of low blood oxygen. In Lucky's case, it is very clear that he is extremely sensitive to this lower number and suffers more severe symptoms than an other dog might at the same PCV. When deciding if a transfusion is necessary this would be considered the kind of "transfusion trigger" that vets would look for. From a survival standpoint this only means that he needs more intensive care right now. It does not foretell his future ability to recover. If this is an autoimmune cause, then appropriate suppression of the immune system may be all that is needed. You know your own dog and understand his level of fight for this. If this were me I would pursue continued care and a possible transfusion to reduce these severe symptoms. There also may need to be more than one transfusion. I would not give up hope. I did not give up hope. I will be thinking of you and Lucky tonight patrice

Patrice NYS

Hi Jeanie, I'm really sorry to hear about Lucky. Definitely seek a second opinion, there are some dogs on this board who have lived with a PCV in the low 20's for years. Our dog Tiggs was diagnosed with a PCV of 10 and required 2 transfusions. Many vets just don't treat a lot of IMHA and simply give up on the dogs. It's a difficult road, but a treatable disease when caught in time, as it sounds that Lucky's has been. You can homecook, but Brigitte's right, stay away from the fatty stuff. These guys are at risk of pancreatitis. Try some boiled chicken, steamed rice, sweet potatoes, scrambled egg whites, etc. That may help perk up his appetitite. Hopefully by now you've had a chance to read more here on the board, and visit Joanne's site to learn more about survival, meds, what to expect, etc. Don't hesitate to ask anything or vent. Good luck, please keep us posted. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Jeanie, I an glad you were directed to this board. It really helps to have a place where people understand what you are going through. While you may never know what actually triggered the disease, Rimadyl does indicate it on their warning paperwork I believe or they should as it has been believed to be the trigger in some other cases that have posted here. It's been a while and prior to having a dog diagnosed with AIHA that a vet prescribed it for one of my other dogs. After researching the drug on line I refused to give it to my dog and found another Vet after the one blew off my concerns. Hopefully Lucky will live up to his name. Penny

Penny Lytle /Creek Calif

Jeanie is reading your posts but is unable to post currently. Patrice

Patrice NYS

Hi Jeanie, sorry to hear your pup has this horrible disease. Like everyone else was saying, hang in there and be strong. A PCV of 24 is not severely low. If you are looking for a second opinion I would suggest contacting Dr. Dodds at hemopet in California. She has been a godsend to so many of us on here and is probably one of the smartest people I know when it comes to this disease. Contact info... Monday, Tuesday and Friday 310-828-4804 Wednesday and Thursday 714-891-2022 ext 15 this info is off her liver cleansing diet site... http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liver_diet.htm This is a great diet to try. also try hemopet.org The best thing for now is to keep Lucky calm and avoid stressfull situations for him. Making sure he gets ALL his meds and on time is also extremely important. One missed dose could potentially have bad results. If you can remember you can also request copies of all the results from the vets. Many of us on here do this and share the info. I'ld also recommend getting his thyroid levels checked. Hope to hear some good news from you soon. Prayers and best wishes for you and Lucky. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny Nova Scotia

Jeanie, Here is the link to the report I have read about canine aural hematomas and the autoimmune link. Go to this page to read the full article: http://www.bearscampnewfs.com/chealth4.html and click on Canine Aural Hematoma. It will open a pdf titled: Canine aural haematoma Judith Joyce BVetMed, Cert SAD, MRCVS Croft Veterinary Hospital, Blyth, Northumberland, UK Here is a snip from this article: "In 1986 Kuwahara proposed that degeneration of the cartilage is caused by an autoimmune reaction (7). He further proposed that vasoactive amines may increase the permeability of blood vessels within the cartilage, leading to exudation and increased pressure, which in turn result in chondral clefts and further blood vessel rupture and haemorrhage. Kuwahara also demonstrated that there were immune-mediated events taking place in cases of aural haematoma. For example, he found antinuclear antibody titres in 52.5%, and positive Coombs tests in 100% cases. However, neither a significant antinuclear antibody titre nor a positive Coombs test was found in any of the cases in another study (11)." my best patrice

Patrice NYS

I'm back! Thank you everyone, for the information, articles and links. Getting to work on them now. We have had a new development, he is now able to walk! Honestly, yesterday evening, I was on my way to the vet to euthanize him, and when I got there, he tried to stand. It was just enough to let me know that he was still wanting to live. So, I took him home, and after carrying him inside, he saw his backyard, and stood up! He walked outside a little bit, drank some water. Then again, he walked a bit outside, even further. Peed and pooped by himself. He slept the rest of the night. He ate his breakfast this morning and took all of his pills. On the anemia front-- his PCV went down to 22 yesterday, but at this point, I'm going to give the pred a few more days to work, do some reading, maybe call Dr. Dobbs, and decide from there. But the fact that he got up and walked, has given me the ability to fight for him-- and I know he is ready to fight, too. Thank you again, everyone. I'm off to read and probably be back with more questions. I know there are some more tests he needs, but I want him home for a day or two to recover from the stress of being at the vet's. He is so much brighter and active at home.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, so glad to hear Lucky is at home and feeling better, a 2 point drop is not much and the meds just need time to kickin. Please do Contact Dr Dodds, she is an expert in this field, many of us here has consulted with her and she has been a godsend You can send an email to her with Luckys history and she usually responds asap here is her address hemopet@hotmail.com Hugs to Lucky and take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Jeanie, I'm glad you found your way here! Honestly, these are some of the best people anywhere. They were a godsend to me when I was dealing with Brandi and her death from Evans Syndrome. Don't worry about bringing up sad things for me. If I can help to save another then bring up whatever! I know you and I know you love your dogs like I do and the people here do. I'm praying so hard for Lucky to beat this! Teresa

Teresa Oklahoma

How many people have used the liver cleansing diet? What is a "moist white" potato, by the way? I forgot all about milk thistle, will get some on the way home. I gave it to my cancer pup years ago, worked great! Thank you.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, Wylie was on B naturals liver cleansing diet for 4 months, and for both that and Dr Dodds diet you use peeled boiled white potatoes, not the yellow or the baking potatoes. here is a good article on the liver cleansing diet Wylie was on http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/liver/ Ask your vet about supplementing with Pet tinic, its enriched with iron and vitamin Bs that help with the red blood cells and the liver. How is Lucky this morning? Laurie

Laurie CA

Lucky is not doing very well at the moment. We go back to the vet this afternoon.

Jeanie El Paso

I hope Lucky is ok. Remember, there are a lot of ups and downs with this disease. Stay strong and keep yourself informed and ask a lot of question. I'll be praying for Lucky.

Mardi Northern Calif

I hope I can post this. He is still eating, but barely. He couldn't even sit up this morning. We are going to test his pcv at 2:30 and go from there. I wonder how expensive a transfusion is? I am goign to run out of funds very soon.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, I am sorry Lucky is not feeling well today. There are significant side effects of high dose cortisone use, whether it be prednisone or dexamethasone. So a bit of this might be that hitting him like a brick wall. The cost of the transfusion is variable. It depends on many things. Is this an emergency clinic or your regular vets? Do they have blood in stock or a donor dog available? What are the regular fees like for things like an office visit? So if it's your regular vet, they have transfusable blood in stock or a donor dog and the regular charge for an office visit is $50 or less I would guess the transfusion might be around $300-$500? An emergency clinic might be better prepared to do these things but they are going to charge more for that privilege. Some dogs will have multiple transfusions before they respond to the medications. If he was able to go out in the yard the day before and do his business, that is a sign that he is capable of fighting this. Please let us know what has happened today. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

My vet is telling me because he is jaundiced, that it indicates he has a very low chance of survival. Has anyone heard a vet say this?

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, They are all jaundiced when ill, it's the excess bilirubin built up, that's also why their urine and feces can be dark red. This is NOT an indicator of survival from anything I've heard. Tiggs' eyes were mustard yellow when he was ill. PLEASE, I'm urging you to get with an experienced internal medicine vet ASAP. Lucky has the chance to beat this, but only if he is treated aggressively, and his vet is on board with fighting the disease. Lucky's PCV isn't even that low, for the vet to be giving up on him that quickly disturbs me. There are many low points to IMHA, especially when they are first diagnosed. Some dogs will rebound when it seems they are on deaths door. But, this depends on a good treatment plan from a compassionate and experienced vet. Please, don't give up on Lucky. Go get another opinion as soon as humanly possible. Keep us posted, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Jeanie, The liver is having trouble processing all the stuff from blood cells that have been destroyed during the hemolytic event. That does mean a build up of the stuff that colors the red blood cells red in the blood and tissues. It's a symptom and a sign of this process. The liver is very resilient and can recover from this process if it was relatively healthy before. The clinical importance of the CBC complete blood count is very critical. I would also wait until you have the results of a chemical screen that looks at the functions of organs like the liver and kidney. Lucky's condition can seem poor but the CBC and chem screen can show a positive upwards trend after a few days on the prednisone. What do you have for other clinics in your area? Even another regular clinic might have a vet who is better versed in this disease if money has become a problem. Call around and ask. Try to remain calm as you discuss this on the phone and you might find someone who is compassionate to your needs. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Thank you, everyone. We are going to the vet shortly to retest his pcv. He is eating... This clinic is supposed to be the best in El Paso, and they let me make payments. I am getting on the phone now, to see who else I can find, that can work with me. I also have to be realistic that I have 7 other animals. This is so hard. You guys have been great. I need to make some serious decisions, how much more can I commit to spending without putting the others in jeopardy if they become ill. I wish money grew on trees. Thanks again.

jeanie_newman@hotmail.com El Paso

Oh Jeanie, I'm praying that Lucky comes through this horrible disease. Remember that it will take time for the drugs to kick in....upwards to a week or more sometimes. The weakness is associated with this disease and many of us have gone through the same thing. When Tessy was sick in the beginning there were days where she could barely lift her head and then other days where I couldn't keep her still. The drugs wreak havoc on the body but they usually do work with time. Hang in there and try not to give up hope. Where there's life there's ALWAYS hope. I have 9 other animals so I know how you must feel. Money issues... http://www.imom.org/ http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/grant_guidelines.html http://www.uan.org/ If you get the time you can check out some of these sites. Might help you on the finacial front. Keep us posted. Special prayers for Lucky. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jeanie, Our prayers are with you. Perhaps you could just be frank with your existing vet that you would like to continue treatment there and appreciate their flexibility, and that by no means are you giving up on Lucky. Explain that you would really like them to consult with a vet teaching hospital for help in treating Lucky (my vet was wonderful about this- if she didn't know the answer, she was willing to do phone consults with an Int. Med vet and the Vet teaching hospital at CSU). So, perhaps if you just advocate for Lucky, and let your vet know you'd like him/her to really work with you to find the best possible ways to treat Lucky, then it may not be necessary to go elsewhere. Many vets also consult with Dr. Dodds via phone- the key is that the vet cannot have an 'ego' about those sorts of things- this disease takes a village, so hopefully with a frank discussion, you can get your vet to loop in some other experts to be sure that Lucky gets the best care, right there in their clinic. Prayers and love for you and Lucky, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Well, I think I have good news. PCV holding steady-- vet AGREED with me we still have a chance. This is so strange to me, honestly. I have told people the same thing everyone is telling me, over and over. Of course, this is in a pet cancer forum I do this. Get a 2nd opinion, consult an expert... it's not a death sentence, don't give up hope. I trust my vet, very much. The one I'm using now, I should say. I'm basically on my 3rd vet now. A vet I have had treating my animals for over 20 years... the vet that helped me maintain my pup who had cancer.... But I trust him so much, and I am so scared, I am having a hard time getting beyond what he says... but I'm working on it. I thought he was really going to try to convince me to euthanize him today-- heck, I was almost convinced AGAIN it was time. But he admitted, that no, it's not time yet, and we have a chance. I am happy (I hope) to say he is still with us. His PCV is maintaining, he has light in his eyes, and still has the strength to growl when he is unhappy. He was just wagging his tail in his dreams. Me, I am still having issues of his not being able to walk, but he has made some efforts, so trying to not get hung up on that fact. So, we're still hanging in there. He still has an appetite and an attitude. My biggest concern right now, is that my boy is only eating protein at the moment. No interest in dog food. I am worried he is not getting the nutrients his body needs right now. A dog cannot survive on chicken breast alone. I need something to make sure he is getting all the nutrients he needs.

Jeanie El Paso

Just one more update. I got a response from Dr. Dobbs. I don't think I'm allowed to post her response word for word, but she said, basically, what my vet is saying. Prognosis of a dog of his age, is not good, and very costly. She sent me her recommendations, and I will go from there.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie, As long as that glimmer of hope is there, then there is hope. This disease is not for the faint of heart. Most of us here have been told by our Vets that there is little or no hope. Most of us here have had second or third opinions. My Vet of almost 20 years told me that my Ren had to be put to sleep. I refused to hear that and sought out a second opinion. I am so happy to say that Ren is alive and happy. She still battles the disease but at this time she is in remission. It is great news that Lucky's PCV is holding steady. Sometimes the complications of the disease are very serious. Keep up the fight and you are in our prayers. Sue & Ren

Susie delaware

So sorry to read about Lucky. I know how hard it is when finances are tight. I faced that too. My vet convinced me not to continue treatment as the prognosis was so poor. I always wished I had gone on as I never got a proper closure and always will wonder what if. I certainly hope Lucky can beat this. Will be thinking of him. Julie.

Julie Australia

A friend of mine had an older Golden who did not walk for month and one day just decided to get up and walk and continued to do so until the day he died at age 14. There is always hope as long as Lucky does not appear to be suffering. Sending our prayers, Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

Jeanie, regarding age, Wylie was 10 1/2 when diagnosed, and had had spleen removed, she is now 12 and doing great, she had a relapse last Nov and bounced back. She was not in the same stage as Lucky, but Rita (do a search on her name) dog was diagnosed at the same time and she was much worse and is doing great so there is hope for senior dogs. As for diet see my post above that I linked to for B naturals liver diet. It has great info and should help you with Lucky. But for now, just chicken is good. mix some cooked oatmeal or white potatoes Oatmeal is great for helping the liver digest absorb the toxin Take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Jeanie Did you get my info on bioprep and the saved lives attachments?-dogs that have not been able to walk or eat and were very close to death have rallied after being on this so it's never too late to try it. I was very sceptical about it and thought this is too good to be true,but I didn't hesitate because Nollaig was so critical at the time (her pcv was way below 15 possibly as low as 8) but I know it has been instrumental in Nollaig's turnaround. I will hope and pray that Lucky will live up to his name and turn this around.He might be older, but there's life in the old boy yet,as long as he's telling you he wants to go on then please go by his indications. Take care Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Jeanie, one thing I didnt mention when I referred yo uto that Liver diet link was to follow the diet itself and not the supplements, since you are trying to suppress the immune system. Wylie is on Bioprep and I only started her on the mainteanc edose and her HCT level rose too, take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Something in Lucky's eyes changed yesterday, and I have let him go the to the bridge. He just couldn't go on. Thank you for the support and information. It helped immensely. I couldn't save Lucky, but if I have to deal with this disease again, I know I will be better prepared and my pup will have a better chance. My heart is shattered in a million pieces right now, but will be okay. Thank you again, for everything.

Jeanie El Paso

Jeanie Please accept our condolences in the loss of Lucky. It sounds like Lucky was giving you a sign that he was ready to go and you had the courage to help him on his journey. I will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Godspeed Lucky. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Jeanie Sincere condolences to you and yours on the loss of Lucky,he gave you the sign that he could no longer fight,and you were brave enough and so in tune with your boy to see it. Your heart will heal in time, and Lucky will remain in it always. I pray that we will one day find a way to prevent this heartless disease. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear about Lucky. I know that if there had been some other way, you would have chosen that instead. Honoring the request in his eyes is a beautiful tribute to the love you shared with him. please accept my deepest sympathy patrice

Patrice NYS

Jeanie, Lucky is at peace and hopefully you can look to all the wonderful times you had with him. He has been very fortunate to have you as his caregiver. You gave it your best and he did as well. It is with a heavy heart that I too send my condolances. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Jeanie, sending you strength and lots of hugs. Lucky is playing with all our babies free of pain. We will all be reunited with our beloved children one day.

Effie Melbourne Australia

Jeanie, I am sending you my sincere condolences on the loss of Lucky. He had a great life with a dedicated "mother". It is incredible how they tell us when they have enough and want to go to the bridge. good for you to recognize it! I hope the wonderful memories of a good life together will heal your heart. Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Jeanie I am so sorry to read about Lucky and send my sincere condolences to you. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Jeanie, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your most beloved Lucky. 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 as you travel down the Loss & Grief pathway. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you, be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers during these most very difficult days.

Joanne MN

Jeanie, I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your boy. I hope in the coming days you can find comfort in the memories of happier times with Lucky. It does leave you with a big hole in your heart but you will be re-united someday. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear about Lucky. I was just reading through all of the posts for the first time and this disease does seem to strike fast and hard. My dog was 3 when he was diagnosed and it was a long tough fight for a long time. I've thought many a time if he had been older he most likely would not have made it. I'm so sorry to hear this awful disease has struck yet another loved one. You did the best that you could and sometimes no matter what we do we can't save them. Wishing you well.... Chris & Alex

Chris PA

This thread was discussed between 22/09/2009 and 30/09/2009

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