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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - For Glenn
| Glenn, I see in your message for Greg that you're still beating yourself up over Rocco. There's no doubt how much you loved him. If it's any consulation, I don't think dogs have a preception of time. I'm sure he was always happy to see you when you came to visit, but I don't think he would have freted, worried, and wondered why you'd left him there. I just don't believe that God would put that way of reasoning and thinking in them. I know you're still missing Rocco and you always will, but time will make it easier to bear. I still have Darcy, but I'm already missing her. She's a little fighter, but when the holistic vet came out yesterday to give her the fifth in a series of six anabolic steroid shots, she said that her PCV is probably low and that she doesn't believe I should order any more of the steroid solution. She said that if Darcy's bone marrow is going to start regenerating it would have done so by now. She also said that if she continues on like this (showing signs of low PCV) that she'll probably not make it through another series of shots. The vet is trying the Vitamin B12 shots in the acupunture points and I'm doing everything humanly possible, i.e., supplements, special diet, prayer. She told me that if Darcy's PCV continues to drop that she could seizure. Right now, Darcy is energetic, but shows a little weakness at times. She barks, begs, wags her tail, showers me with kisses, and has a good appetite. It's always in the back of my mind that things could change suddenly. For now, I'm enjoying our time together and showering her with all the love I can. I will say, though, that I am really under a strain. I didn't mean to go on like this, just really wanted to let you know that I understand where you're coming from. You were a good Dad. You loved Rocco, and I'm sure that he felt that love. Karen |
| Karen NC |
| Hi Glenn If you are feeling remorseful over something you did or did not due in regards to the treatment or visiting Rocco, that's okay it is common for a grieving person to feel that way. But try not to be too hard on yourselt. Forgive yourself. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. In a very difficult time and under difficult circumstances, you did the very best you could and Rocco knew it. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Yes, do not beat yourself over the head. I did that for 8 months after I lost my golden retriever Huntr, who had just turned 4 when struck with this and liver damage. I felt I had killed him because i cahnged his heartwor reventative from the monthly pills to the 6 month injection, ProHeart6. Only after he was stricken and my vet said "When it comes for his next ProHeart injection we are going back to the monthly pills" did I start doing some research on that durg and the first story I read--a lady in NC lot he hih tzu t AIHA following an injection. Next story--a lady in Colord took all 3 of hers in the same day for ProHeart6 injetions and in 2 months she lost one to AIHA, one of liver damage and the 3rd ws on meds--and 6 years latr he is still on meds. Jean steart a site, www.thepetguardian to warn folks and she has a gift shop wherepart of the procedes are donated one one of 3 canine charaties, Meisha's Hope Fund being one of them. But the thing is, once I started finding all these stores of dogs that died (many of them from AIHA) after my Hunter died, I just blamed myself more and more and in 8 months I lost 40 pounds. Finally I realized it was not my fault. I had believed my vet who had believed the drug compnay. After that I was no longer blaming myself, but I was very angry as I learned that the company knew about all thesedeaths, had not done proper testing, etc before hand. The FDA made them pull it on Sept. 3, 2004, just 10 months after Hunter's death. However, it is back on the market after being off for almost 4 years, but it has a ton of warnings on the lable that include do not give within a month of any vax, do not give to underweight dogs, do not give to dogs over 7 years old be extremely careful giving it to dogs with any allergies, including food allergies. No, do not beat yourself up. Whatever brought on you dog's AIHA was not something you wittingly did or did not do. I was able to visit my Hunter 3 times a day as I do not work and only live 1 mile from the hospital. But not everyone is so luky. Blame the horrible disease, not yourself. and believe in your heart he knew howmuch you loved him. |
| Sandra Texas |
| Thank you everyone for your kind words. I know you're right and I shouldn't have any regrets when it comes to how I took care of Rocco in his last days. Maybe it's just a phase we go through after losing a loved one. But I had a connection to Rocco more than I ever had a connection with anyone or anything. Our relationship was magical, from the first moment I saw him. He appeared out of nowhere at the place I got him, and as soon as I saw his face I told my fiance at the time that he was coming home with us. She strongly disagreed and cried for a week, feeling as if she betrayed Roxy by bringing another puppy home. But she soon fell in love with him as did everyone, including Roxy, who came in contact with him. He was one of a kind, and I've never seen a dog do things that he did, too many things to describe. So it's tough for me, but I try to remember the good, or great, times that we had. Thanks again. |
| Glenn NJ |
This thread was discussed between 23/01/2009 and 30/01/2009
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