Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - IMHA

I lost my beloved shih tzu last Friday, March 5th to this dreadful disease. He was great on Wednesday March 3rd, in fact it was beautiful outside, and he and I went on a long walk. Thursday morning, I noticed he was just sleepy, but didn't think anything of it. When I came home from work, he couldn't move. I immediately took him to an emergency vet and that is when they diagnosed him with AIHA/IMHA. They kept him overnight and pumped him with steriods. I went back Friday morning to see his progress because they were going to give him blood transfusions. HIs bood count was so low that they told me nothing would help him. I was completely devastated. I loved that little dog with all my heart and soul. He was only (5) years old and we were completed bonded together. I had to put him to sleep and my heart is and was completely broken. My son bought him for me when I was going thru chemo with breast cancer because I was diagnosed extremely high and he helped me thru the whole treatment. I have been so sick with grieve over him. I just can't believe that a disease took strike a dog so fast and kill him. Thank you letting me share. God bless...

Kathy S Pittsburgh

Kathy, I am so very saddened to hear of the recent death of your most beloved Shih tzu to AIHA/IMHA. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, please 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 very difficult days. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joanne MN

Oh Kathy... I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet little shih tzu. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. Please know there are many people here for you that truly care about what you are going through. I'll be thinking of you and praying you will receive some peace soon.

Lisa TX

Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss. My sympathies and condolences to you during this tough time. Run Free Sweetheart. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Kathy, I am so sorry about the loss of your little boy. of course I don't know EXACTLY how you feel, but I have a pretty good idea. I lost my lovely boy just 2 months ago. It is so hard to accept that they leave us so quickly. Your heart will hurt for a long time, especially knowing, that he was there for you when you needed him most. A job well done.... All you have is great memories and I hope they will help in healing your heart. Joanne's website has helped me tremendously during the illness and after my dog passed. Please stop in. With sincere sympathy, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

My Brinnie was just diagnosed this week with this disease so my heart goes out to you. I'm hoping that the prednisone starts to kick in b/c she seems to be going downhill daily and we just found out Weds, well, officially Thursday. I have lost cats before and know your pain. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Christina

Christina Nashville

Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. It is so devastating to lose a dog to this disease and how swiftly it can alter your entire life and being is down right cruel. I hope in the days that come you will be able to heal and smile again with the memories of the happy times with your boy. It has been almost 4 years since I lost my girl and while there is always that emptiness in a part of my heart I find myself able to laugh at memories of silly things she used to do. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Kathy Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your furbaby. Feel comfort in knowing that he did not suffer and is at peace now running free from this disease on the other side of the rainbow bridge. You little guy will be forever in your heart and in time you will begin to remember all the fun times and love you shared with him. May you find the strength and courage to help you get through this difficult time. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Kathy, I know there is nothing anyone can say right now. I lost my 4 year old shepherd/husky mix to this damn disease about two months ago. I will tell you that the pain eases but VERY slowly and not as fast as we'd all like. I took comfort in knowing that others on this site had been through the same hell that I was and am going through. Not that I'd wish this feeling on anyone....I was also close to my pup as she was there for me during some very tough times in my life personally. I guess maybe that was your dog's purpose? I think that there is a bigger plan for us and our pups. There has to be. This disease strikes and can change a life forever. Devastated is probably the best word to describe it. Crushed is another. I think I have found comfort in knowing that I would rather have had 4 awesome years with Macy than never to have had her at all. That's the only thought that keeps me positive. My best to you and your family during this tough period. No disease can break that bond EVER that you have described you had with your beloved friend. -Darren

Darren Long Beach

I am so sorry for your loss. The same thing happened to my sweet Lhasa, Lucie. She was only 3. She was fine Sunday, Monday tired, by Monday afternoon she could hardly move. The vet diagnosed it right away but she never responded to the prednisone. He called me on Wednesday and said her breathing was becoming difficult and I stayed with her while she went to sleep. It broke my heart so I know the pain you are feeling. I wish I knew what caused this. I am so afraid that I have some kind of toxin in my house or yard and my other dog will get it too. My kids all have dogs so sometimes there are up to 6 dogs here at once. I want to know that it is safe for them to come here.

Maureen Long Island

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet shih tzu. ((Hugs)) Jess and Keiko

Jess BC

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel for you. I lost my Buddy in January. my deepest sympaties. lucy

lucy ny

Dear Kathy, I lost my little girl 5 weeks ago and the pain is unbearable, please know like so many have said that to know them was to love them,may your darling little boy run free on rainbow bridge where are darling friends wait for us, I know I will see my little girl one day and until then my memories will keep me strong. Take care and remember the bond remains. God Bless Dixx

diane luton

I've never written on anything like this before, but I'm so desperate. I can't string two sentences together without crying. My sheepdog, Tam was diagnosed with AIHA a week ago (Wednesday). His PCV was 12. He was given pred., and the next day went to 20, then the jaundice and pure red urine started. The next day his PCV was 11. The vet then gave him atopica because the pred. was making him so sick, then his PCV was 12. The vets then decided to give him Antepsin and Zantac for the vomiting, pred. and atopica, and Serenia to stop him feeling sick. By Saturday we lost all hope, and the vet used my other collie to give Tam a blood transfusion. His jaundice is more of a creamy yellow, his urine is a much better colour, but his PCV was 15, then 14, then 15 and 14 today. I don't know how long to prolong this, he is managing to go out and pee, but only a few steps and wag his tail. I've always thought where there is life there is hope, and I don't want to give up on him. He is very sleepy, but isn't in pain or distress, and he is loving all of the attention from the vet nurses. I feel so lonely without him, yet I have another four boys at home, all giving me cuddles and licking away the tears. Sarah

Sarah Rathbone Highlands of Scotland

I started a new thread for Sarah's post. Please post to her on that thread.

Joanne MN

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2010 and 07/04/2010

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

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