Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - immune mediated thrombocytopenia

My 6yo Maltese x Shih Tzu is on Day 6 of fighting this awful disease, she had her 4th blood transfusion this morning. Her platelets are ZERO and her red blood cells dropped as low as 16 before receiving the transfusions mmaking her severely anemic. Thankfully, she is at a specialist vet hospital receiving the very best of care. She had a change of treatment yesterday and is now on some form of chemo. (I'm really sorry but we are in such distress that we just haven't kept up with what they are giving her, I will get a full list when I go see her tonight.) The vet's really don't seem too concerned about the rise in her platelets just yet and keep telling us that she is doing fine. Why is this? Is it not very serious if she is kept stable??? In most cases I have read dogs have started responding in3-4 days! It's driving me absolutely mad that we haven't seen any results yet!! She has bruises across her belly and blood in her eyes but that has been about it,(prior to last night, when she had a little vomit after the new chemo treatment) she hadn't had any serious symptoms such as heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, blood in pees or poos etc. Has anybody had a dog that have taken THIS long to start responding and went onto make it? Were their counts this low? I would be grateful for any information, I am making myself sick with worry at the thought that she might not make it :(

M Austarlia

Dear M. First off, I'm sorry you and your poor dog are going thru this nightmare.....does your dog have autoimmune hemolytic anemia too? Or just the thrombocytopenia? I know you're looking for some answers, as we all do, but these diseases are soooo complicated and very touch-and-go....that can be seen as a positive, as well though....you never know when your pet can turn the corner and suddenly start to improve....my dog Cody was diagnosed 1 year ago, and was very sick.....he's not cured right now and it's been rough, but he's holding his own. There are no concrete answers with this stuff....so try to stay in the moment, make your best decisions as you go along this journey, and keep the faith....you're doing the best you can and so are the Vets....hang in there...Tammy and Cody

Tammy/Cody N.J.

M, I am so sorry your little girl is having such a bad time right now. Each dog responds differently so there is not a set in stone time table for seeing improvements. It can take weeks for the meds to really kick in and months for some dogs to show real improvement. This is a very emotional roller coaster ride for all. If you haven't visited Joanne's page yet please do. It will give you a lot of answers some to questions you don't know you have yet. Be sure to read the success stories too. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/faq.htm What is your girl's name? There have been many dogs on this board with much lower numbers that have turned it around. I know it feels like you are in an endless nightmare but take a deep breath and know that there are a lot of people here that will be sharing their experiences with you. We all learn from each other. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Wow thank you so much for the quick replies, I really appreciate it. As far as I know she has been diagnosed with ITP only, from what I have read online about AIHA(and from a person I encountered in another forum whose dog had this), they don't often tranfuse blood? I don't know how accurate this is, but I assumed because they have transfused 4 times so far that it wouldn't be AIHA. The vet is a specialist in internal medicine and was recommended to us by our usual vet because he had experience with previous cases of what my vet assumed this was. So I haven't thought to second guess him - do you think they would have ruled this out by now if it was the case? Her name is Esmay, she is the light of my life and I am willing to do anything to save her :)

M Australia

M, Transfusions are a really big part of AIHA, especially when red blood cell counts are low. I lost my dear Macy two weeks ago to AIHA and my advice to you is to ask ALL questions. Don't "assume" that anyone automatically knows what is best. Of course, let them do their job but the vet and all the vet techs, staff, etc...need to know how much Esmay means to you. I can't tell you how important this is. Ask, ask, ask...be as politely demanding as possible and find out is Emsay has ITA or AIHA first. You are in my prayers... -Darren

Darren Long Beach

Penny, thank-you for that link. I actually found it the day we rushed her to the hospital after googling her symptoms. Imagine that, I wasn't far off :( An endless nightmare - you are absolutely 100% correct about that one. As I mentioned, it is day 6 today and still no response to the treatment. This is agonising. Today I am feeling frustrated and even angry !! I know it is nobodys fault but I am so sick of waiting for good news. Anyway, I am leaving work now and will ring for an update when I get home. Will keep you guys posted.

M Australia

Dear M, I am so sorry to hear of this frightening diagnosis for Esmay. AÌHA/IMHA is red blood cell destruction only and transfusions are most definitely a part of the treatment of this disease, particularly when the red blood cell count is dangerously low. IMT is immune destruction of platelets. If a dog is destroying both red blood cells and platelets, this is called Evans Syndrome. Where in Australia do you live? Samantha

Samantha Geelong Australia

M, I forgot to mention my 12 year old IMHA survivor is also a Maltese Shih Tzu X. I have a soft spot for these little guys. Maybe you could post details of what drugs Esmay is on.

Samantha geelong australia

Darren, you are so right, I need to start asking questions. (Well, I am really a mess right now and not up to it so I am making my partner do it.) He is about to call and ask: a. What drugs she has been on up until this point. b. Is it definitely ITP, not AIHA or Evan's Syndrome c. Is it Primary and not something else underlying- I am sure they told me it was on the first day after extensive blood work, but again with the assuming that they did indeed test for everything else imaginable. Samantha, thank you for your concern and I am sorry to hear you have been this hellish journey also, but I'm so glad your baby is a success story. :) I am in Brisbane.

M Australia

Hi Guys, Here is the information I have found out thanks to my lovely partner. She has had: - Prednisoline - Cyclosporin Yesterday started on the chemo drug - "memcrystine" or something??? I can't find anything on the google. An ant- acid for nausea today She had 1 platelet yesterday and 3 today. She is hoping she has more tomorrow and any kind of increase will be a positive sign. She is taking her red cell count again in 1 hour, this is their big focus at the moment. We had some other vet or vet nurse we haven't dealt with before ring this morning and say she was in a bad way and we must accept she may not make it - she was depressed, had blood in her stools, a little bleeding in the nose, and was vomiting a burnt coffee colour which indicated that she had been bleeding in the stomach and the stomach acid had dissolved it. But than the vet we called just now said she was doing okay this afternoon, was a little bit sick this morning due to the chemo drug but doing okay now after the tranfusion and anti nausea tablets, and she was really expecting some good results by tomorrow. So I just don't know?? Of course I prefer to listen to the positive news but I know I have to take into account the negative as well. But surely, a vet wouldn't give false hope in this situation? Most importantly, when asked, she said they SUSPECT Esmay has Evan's Syndrome and that is why they believe it is taking this long to respond to the treatment, she said it's treated exactly the same but is just a longer process. She said it has a 70% success rate? They are going to call in 1 hour if there are any problems, otherwise she will just call in the morning with an update -....I pray I don't hear anything!!! I am really sorry if this is all over this place, I wanted to get everything down while it was still fresh in our heads.

M Australia

Oh, also forgot to mention - They have done extensive blood work and they don't believe there is any underlining condition.

M Australia

M, Please ask for a copy of Esmay's blood results. You can post them here and there are some very knowledgable people here that can help interpret them. Sometimes it is hard to ask the vet about everything and take it all in at once. Samantha

Samantha Geelong Australia

Samantha, do you mean the blood work that has ruled out any underlining condition? Or the blood work they are constantly doing to monitor the number of cells? You guys are fantastic, the vet told my partner we were doing some great research and asking all the right questions! If only!

M Australia

M, I mean the full blood profile. This normally has to be sent to a lab but if they are an Emergency hospital they should have the facilities on site. Sometimes they will just use a machine to tell them the PCV and this is the number that tells you the number of red blood cells. 37-55 is normal. You mentioned in your first post that it was 16. This is low, but not too bad overall. Pred should be given at 1mg per pound of body weight. You may want to ask if the anemia is regenerative or non regenerative. There is a lot to take in but rest assured we will all help you as much as we can. Thinking of you Samantha

Samantha Geelong Australia

Thanks Samantha :) I will do that. On Monday at 3pm when she was admitted her red blood cell count was 26, by 6pm it was down to 20. If it got down to 18 they would transfuse, by the midnight check it was 16 so they did. It was 26 at next count on Tuesday. It's been going up and down according to the transfusions since. It just seems that each time she gets a tranfusion she perks up a little bit and by the next morning she is on the decline again. So frustrating. We are going to see her very soon, I am going to be a wreck when I get home tonight I'm sure. I have kept it together every other night I've been in but now that my poor baby has many more noticable symptoms I know I'm going to want to burst into tears as soon as I see her. BUT I must take as much positive energy as I can muster for her!!!!

M Australia

M, It can take time for the PCV to stabilise. The key here is to suppress the immune system to stop it from destroying the red blood cells and the platelets. Find out the dosages of Pred and Cyclo so you can reassure yourself that they are the right dosages your girl needs now. Try to keep your emotions in check when you visit. Very hard I know, but you dont want Esmay to see you upset. Sam

Samantha Geelong Australia

Not good news. She needed another transfusion tonight as she isn't doing too well. The vet called to say not to come visit her as they need to keep her quiet. We rang back 5 minutes later and asked if we would need to start thinking about putting her down soon if she is suffering, we are waiting to hear back from the vet. I want them to exhaust every possibility they can if she is not in any pain.....my partner wants her to go with dignity. It's hard...

M Australia

Dear M, So sorry to hear this latest. I really feel for you both. You will do what is right for Esmay and it sounds like the vets are doing are great job and I am sure you can trust them to help you make the decision. Hoping for the best for you. Samantha.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Dear M It kills me to read of your situation, as it sounds just like my Riley - also a six year old maltese shihtzu (from my research shihtzus are predisposed to this illness at middle age). Riley started with ITP, blood in his stools, all other results were fine, but he had a big bleed and then he was anaemic - Evans Syndrome - which means ITP and anaemia. Riley kept on going for four months after diagnosis, had to let him go just recently - he had the whole gamut of things, blood transfusion, pancreatitis, emergency care, drugs. I dont know what to say to you M, but listen to the vets, and hopefully they know what to do, but you may wish to take Esmay to a specialist to get another opinion, if she isnt too ill - these illnesses are not always textbook, some take longer than others, some make it, some dont. I hope Esmay makes it, I really do. Samantha also has a maltese shihtzu and her doggy is a success story :) I will be thinking of you too, and praying for Esmay. Silka (another Aussie)

Silka Melbourne Australia

I won't add too much right now as I am not aware of the position you are finding yourself in at this moment in time. My little dog has evans syndrome. He has been as low as PCV 11 and and platelets 2. He is still with us but it is believed that his bone marrow is severely damaged and he will never truly recover. He maintains PCV and platelets now around 25. The drug you aren't sure of is vincristine. It often gives a boost of platelets when needed nost.

Kath Scotland

M, Please follow this link: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/midnight.htm to read about "Midnight the Miracle ITP Dog" who also had ZERO platlets when she was dignosed with ITP nearly ten years ago. I just recently updated Midnight's story At the bottom of the page is a link to a couple of sites with more info on ITP as well as Michelle's (Midnight's owner/caregive's email address). Michelle is a great gal, I have met her in person and if you email her, most likely she will respond to you. Also the drug you mentioned I think is Vincristine. That drug is used many times for ITP. There is a good site with info on Vincristine: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/vincristine.html but I can't seem to pull it up right now, perhaps the site is down for maintaince. However now that you know the name of this med you can google it. I have seen many dogs with Evans Syndome. It is indeed harder then just AIHA/IMHA or ITP alone but dogs can and do survive Evans and go on to live happy healthy lives. One story on my Web site that I can think of of a dog with Evans is Casper: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/archives20.htm Scroll down to the May story. I know there are other Evans Syndome stories on the Success Stories pages but I can't think of them right off the top of my head, If you have time you might want to read the Success Stories in the archives and look for dogs with Evans sndrome. I know this is so hard so be assured you and your most beloved Esmay are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

M Please know that Esmay is in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile pa

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate coming in here and seeing the advice and support. When I can focus a little better I will thoroughly read through all your advice again and respond, right now I am too drained to take anything in. The transfusion went well, her bleeding has slowed and may have even stopped, and she has settled. Now we pray that tomorrow she stablises, starts feeling a bit better and we can start again from scratch the next day. As I've discovered through this whole ordeal, for every positive update it's usually followed by a negative, and vice versa so I'm a little weary about posting this. But I received a pretty big scare tonight so I would like to give myself just a little bit of relief. Joanne, I have been through every single page of the success stories tonight, I pointed out various things to my partner about other dogs, how close they went to the brink but came back, and we started to feel a little more glimmer of hope that we must keep our spirits up when there is still a chance. :) I am so scared to go to bed, I am trying to stay up all night - an odd kind of calm came over me when I decided to try watching the phone NOT ring all night. Can't really explain it, but who does like waking up to a phone ringing in the middle of the night?! I know that if I get a phone call it is going to tear my world apart but I don't think I can prepare for it. Please pray for my baby to make it through the night.

M Australia

M, I'm so sorry to hear of your beloved Emsay. This is a horrible disease to have to battle but ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS remember that where there is life there is ALWAYS hope! If they are saying that the internal bleeding is stopping then that is a very positive thing! This will mean the RBC's will remain a little more stable. Are they giving Emsay sucralfate or anything for the stomach? I'm glad they are keeping her at the hospital. The important thing is to keep her calm and rested. Any small bumps can lead to bleeding and bruising due to the low platelets. Is she eating anything? Maybe you could prepare some food at home for her for the next time you go in. This will help you to concentrate some and will give you something to occupy your mind. I know very little on this subject but are platelet transfusions an option? I'm keeping Emsay in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

M, Glad to hear there is still hope. I have been exactly where you are and more than once! As I said earlier Mitch has evans and the times I thought we were going to lose him the last 6 months - I have lost count. If you do a search on the forum for 'Mitch' you will find the majority of his story from earlier August and all the diifferent treatments we have tried. Hang in there it's going to be a long ride but all the good folks here are either with you or have been where you are and know lots about the journey you and your dog are on - myself included. All the best Kath

Kath Scotland

Dear M - I can feel your turmoil as I read and am keeping you and Esmay in my thoughts and prayers. I too am the loving pup-mom of a 6 yr old Maltese going through this terrible disease. I've learned so much from the wonderful group on this site and know you will too. Keep Hope for Esmay -

Lisa TX

Hi M, From one M to another (I'm Melissa) hang in there! With these auto immune blood diseases, it's a one day if not one hour at a time. Being here with us, and hopefully learning from all of the links and experiences here can hopefully give you something you need: hope and support. My dog Tiggs was diagnosed with IMHA/AIHA in July of 2008. After battling that for a year and a half, and attaining remission, he was also diagnosed with ITP two months ago. Luckily we caught it early, as our battle with IMHA taught us what to look for. I know how hard these diseases are, they are so frightening. But, just remember, dogs can and do survive, and hopefully you have a great vet. There are so many questions to ask, and so much to learn, but I am confident that Esmay has a chance, so try to stay positive and do exactly what you are doing. Never be afraid for a second opinion too, and hopefully your vet will respect that. Some vets are just better versed in these diseases, where many will give up too easily. Please keep us posted and try to take care of yourself during this critical period. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Guys, thank you again! I am so overwhelmed with the support on this page you provide to each and every person with a case of this awful disease. It is such a credit to you all that a community like this exists and binds around each new member that pops by!!! I thought I'd better pop for a quick update - Esmay hung on!!!! We went to see her today and she just laid the whole time and went to sleep, understandable after her rough day yesterday. The vet basically told us that yesterday they really thought they were going to lose her but she bounced back after her transfusion and has been much better today. Also, they said they had taken her off the IV after she was doing exceptionally well on Friday, so perhaps that may have had something to do with it. She had a few spews this morning but has been much better otherwise, no more bleeding from the nose. Still bleeding a little in her stools and I think in her belly still, they said that if this continues they are going to lower the dose of something to make it easier on her tummy. I hope this won't set back her already agonisingly slow progress :( While we were there her blood report came back and her red cells were at 14, so they had to give her her 6th transfusion this afternoon! The vet said that even though she needed 2 transfusions yesterday, she is happy that she held for almost 24 hours without another. I think they do their tests every 6 hours, we are ringing again at 7:30pm for some more results after this afternoons transfusion. But I think it is each morning that we really begin to see the results. Anyway, I am hoping for a good rest tonight and I will pop back in tomorrow. :)

M Australia

Thinking of you M & Esmay - hang in there sweetie pie. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

M, you got my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there Esmay. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear M and Esmay, My poodle, Tootsie, was diagnosed with Evans Syndrome last May. After the first month she has slowly but steadily recovered. It took 4 1/2 months until she behaved like her old self. She is still taking drugs but is very slowly being taken off of them. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barb & Tootsie

Barb Ohio

Thinking of you and your sweet baby Esmay. Seems like you have excellent vets looking after her. You will get heaps of advice here that will help you get through this. Hang in there. Having a vet who believes your baby can make it is so very important. Julie (another Australian).

Julie Australia

Well today is a "down" update day unfortunately. She needed her 7th blood transfusion this morning as her red cells didn't hold from yesterday. I think still no or very little platelets. They are doing a bone marrow this afternoon to establish whether she is producing anything and whether they are immediately being killed off. I think otherwise she is okay, is on liquids and maybe some nausea but no more serious bleeding. But the vet said she isn't happy in her decline and thinks she definitely should have started to show signs of progression by now. I contacted Dr Jean Dodd's over the weekend and she was so kind as to send me an article she had written on AIHA which is chock full of information. She also recommended they give her a thyroid hormone twice daily as this should keep her platelets more active and stimulate her bone marrow. I have forwarded this to my vets, it may or may not be of any help but I just think, at this point in time no information should be disregarded. Each time I receive bad news I react so badly, but soon cannot stop myself from starting to thinking positively again. I just don't know if this a good thing for me, as it is really dragging out the grief. At some point I may have to truly accept that she isn't going to make it, but I just can't right now. Not while she is still with us and tomorrow could be the day.

M Australia

Oh, they are also starting her on a new drug today. They have to order it in especially and she will get it this afternoon. I'll update with the name of it when I know.

M Australia

I hope your vet agrees with Dr. Jean Dodds recommendations. She is an expert and anything she recommends is a must do. It is a heartbreaking when the transfusiions aren't buying a lot of time, but tomorrow is another day and also the bone marrow test may provide further answers for your vets. Hang in there and lets pray your girl improves. Try to keep positive during this most difficult time. Julie.

Julie Australia

Thank you Julie :) Thank you to each and every one of you who are offering advice, support and your prayers. I am feeling low right now but I feel very comforted here. I'm not expecting great news when I expect them to call soon but I will deal with it the best I can. I know some part of me with be relieved that it's all over - but than I know I will be in absolute agony with grief and I don't think I am going to deal with it very well at all. God it just hurts!!!!

M Australia

Dear M, I am so very sorry to think of the heartache and worry you are going through at the moment. I know how difficult it is.... I am glad you made contact with Dr Dodds - she comes very highly regarded on this forum, and certainly is an expert in this field. I am glad she suggested the thyroid meds to try to stimulate Esmay's bone marrow. Please let us know the outcome of Esmay's tests, I hope they can give you some answers. Stay strong, thinking of you, Samantha.

Samantha Geelong

Thanks Samantha :) Well, the latest is the vet is very happy with how Esmay pulled through today, everything considered. My partner didn't quite understand the information, however - the vet said there was also a small increase in one of her counts. Would this be her platelets - or her red cells? (even though I would assume they would rise after a transfusion and that therefore didn't sound as interesting to me.) However, I know that everything comes down to the bone marrow biopsy results tomorrow!

M Australia

Hi M Im glad there is something positive going on - it is extremely hard, forward and back. Get records of the blood results so you can see where the changes are and then you will begin to understand more of what is going on, and ask the vet lots of questions. Ask the vet for copies, it will tell you how many platelets there are, and also how the red blood cells are made up. Good luck for the bone marrow biopsy. Thinking of you and Esmay, and praying for some more positive results for you both. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Hi M, A transfusion would by default increase her red blood cells, so I understand your lack of excitement as this is to be expected. She just seems to be burning through the transfusions.... poor little bub.... It would be great if she could hold the count steady, this would be wonderful. Just a plateau would be a breakthrough. You need to know whether the anemia is regenerative or not. There are dogs on this site that have been non-regenerative and have survived. It is obviously a lot harder fight, but they are still going strong. The bone marrow biopsy will certainly give you answers tomorrow. The prednisone usually takes about a week to kick in, and the Cyclosporine I think about a week to two weeks as well. One interesting question Johnny raised earlier was whether they could do a transfusion of platelets? Did your vet put Esmay on the thyroid meds? I must say that your vets are very persistent, and they are certainly not giving up on Esmay, so neither should you. I hope you can get some rest tonight. Samantha.

Samantha Geelong

Thank-you Silka and Samantha, The vets are wonderful, after her terrible turn on Saturday, we called them back after processing what had just been told to us, and told them that we would accept putting her down now if that is what they thought best. They wanted the chance to get her stablised first. They did that and than yesterday our next order of advice was to say that she is still hanging in there and they certainly wouldn't be advising us to put her down at the moment. I really have faith in their abilities and know they will do whatever they can. I will ask for a copy of all of her bloodwork to be put aside for us when we visit tomorrow. I was meaning to do this on Saturday but things went pear shaped that night! Re: the platelet transfusion - I will ask about that, they certainly would be welcomed! I'm not really sure if they put her on the thyroid meds, my partner was going to ask when he spoke to the vet this arvo but as usual when given the update we seem to just lose track of everything we mean to ask them! I'm not quite looking forward to the Vet who will be on tomorrow, he seems so lovely and is extremely capable don't get me wrong, but he was the one we saw on the first night who really laid it out on the table for us. I know he will tell us exactly what the deal is. Frankly I quite liked the one who told us on Friday that she would be surprised if she was still there when she returned today LOL. We rang for an update just before and the vet nurse said that she had her head popped up and was looking around at everything going on. I think that in itself is good news in comparison to the last 2 days when she has laid still and shown no interest to anything. However, how much of that is due to the blood transfusion, which really seem to perk her up. (The poor greyhound donor out the back is really being worked overtime by this one!) Anyway, hoping things go well for her overnight. Will update you guys in the morning.

M Australia

Hello M, I haven't really piped in but having been following your posts and wanted you to know that you have someone else pulling for you. It can be soooo confusing to listen to the vet at times and I concur with the previous recomendation to get copies of your babys blood work. It came in so useful to be able to compare for myself the results. Also I wrote down everything I wanted to ask the vet as I thought of it because otherwise I would have forgotten by the time we got there. Take care and know I am sending some prayers your way......Kelly

Kelly Reding

M, just letting you know that we are thinking of you and Esmay. Once they get the bleeding under control the PCV and likely the platelets will start to stabilize. The low platelets is what's causing the bleeding and likely this is what they are trying to control AND this would be the likely reason the blood transfusions don't last long. The fact that one of the numbers has rose is a VERY GOOD SIGN. That makes the chances of survival go UP!!! You said it..."her head popped up and was looking around at everything going on"....YAY! She's a fighter!!!! Hang in there and stay positive. If you start to get discouraged read the success stories on Joannes site. They were my lifejacket when Tessy was first diagnosed and was very sick. You've got my thoughts and prayers for Esmay. ~~~~HUGS~~~~ Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thank you Kelly & Johnny :) Esmay needed another blood transfusion this morning! Bone marrow biopsy results are due in this afternoon, so this will be it I guess. We will know if we keep fighting or it's time to let her go :(

M Australia

Sending our prayers to your Esmay, we hope she can pull through this. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Hello M, First, I am so incredibly sorry to hear you and your pup are going thru sucha hard time. Not to add to the confusion, but I am wondering if the multiple transfusions are adding to the delay in the meds doing their job. My aiha boy has since passed but the transfusions made him worse so we just decided to let God and the meds take over and go from there. He was a 6 yr survivor and was still in remission at the time of his passing. Now, of course, that was our decision. I would never suggest to anyone that would be the right course for their dog. A lot more went into that decision for us. Jacob's pcv count was at an all time low of 9% when we discontinued getting him transfusions. Do you know what Esmay's pcv count is? I know you are also dealing with low platelets and those normally rise much faster than the pcv while on pred. How much does Esmay weigh and how much pred is she on? Teresa

Teresa va

Thank you Cheryl, your thoughts and prayers really mean alot to us. :) Teresa, I just don't know with the transfusions, I just gathered that they are buying her time until her platelets kicked off. I don't know the levels of anything unfortunately, I can just about understand the very basics they tell me but that's it :( I find it hard to deal with the grief and be strong enough to ask all these questions aswell, but I know it would help. I just pray we get through this biopsy today. It's been 8 Days since diagnosis, I read that the pred can take up to a week in some dogs and than the cyclosporin can take up to 2 weeks. If things come back clear today, I certainly will not be giving up hope until this kind of time frame has been exhausted in the hope of finding something that works. Still no word on what this new drug is yesterday either. It's so frustrating. Please pray for some positive news this afternoon, my girl really needs it :)

M Australia

M, everything is crossed for good results. Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

The biopsy came back, they couldn't see any red cells being produced at all. There were also a few things of concern they couldn't identify. My partner and Dad went into see the Vet to discuss where things where at and to suggest that we give her 2 days on this new drug and if not we would let her go. But she was really suffering, vomiting lots of blood, dirreah etc. So they made the hard decision to put her down. She went very peacefully. Right now I am glad I wasn't there - I can now always remember the last time I saw her being comfortable, but I know in time I will massively regret not being strong enough to be there for her in her final moments. But, it was the best decision for me at the time, my partner and Dad knew me enough to know this, so they went ahead in being with her during her final moments and came home to break the news to me in my own surroundings. Thank you all for your continued support. Once we sort all this stuff out, my partner and I are going to take off in our Kombi for a few days. That may be hard as Esmay loved to camp and travel and we never went without our 2 girls, but I think it is exactly what we need to become at peace. When I feel a bit better I intend to come back here and provide any information and support I can to others who will inevitably drop by on the same hellish journey RIP My beautiful Esmay, I will have you in my heart forever beautiful girl. xxx

M Australia

Dear M, I am so terribly sorry that Esmay could not be helped. You and the vets did all they could, Esmay fought hard, but it was just not meant to be. She will always have a special place in your heart. In time the sadness will be replaced by the happy memories. With deepest sympathy and best wishes to you and your family, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear M I am so sorry to hear this news. You did everything you could for her and now she is at peace - no more suffering. I hope your trip away helps you both heal. Thinking of you and please take care, Samantha and Millie

Samantha Geelong Australia

Dear M, Esmay is out of her suffering now and she knew and trusted that you would do what was in her best interests,isn't it heartwarming how they trust and love you so much that they literally put their life in your hands and know that you'll put their needs even before your own. I pray for the day when the vets can treat these auto-immune diseases that are claiming these energetic and spirited dogs lives. I think getting away for a few days is a very good idea for you and your partner,just to take some time out to come to terms with all you've been through-it's a very stressful journey this disease takes you on. May you be comforted by the happy times that Esmay shared with you. Take care, Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Thank you so very much to each and every one of you who has taken the time to reply and follow Esmay's journey these past few days. You are all wonderful, your thoughts and prayers over these last few days have really been a comfort to us. Thank you again. xxx

M Australia

M, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your most beloved Esmay. 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. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss and know you are in my thoughts and prayers during these most very difficult days.

Joanne MN

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beautiful Esmay. Feel comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and you and your family had the courage to do what was best for her. You also gave her all the chances in the world to overcome this but unfortunately we all know that not all of our pets will survive this terrible disease. Esmay has earned her wings and will join so may others that have succumbed to this terrible disease before her and they will be there to greet her at the Rainbow Bridge. Please know that will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your beloved Esmay. It takes a strong person and a loving parent to do what you did for Esmay. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies goes out to you and your family. Run free Esmay.

Johnny

Oh M..... I am so so sorry to hear that you had to let your girl go. I am glad you have such a great support system in your partner and father. Please do not beat yourself up for not being there. Esmay probably didnt understand why she felt so crappy but she DID know she was there because you and the vets were trying everything in your power to help make her better. Having just gone through putting my second dog down in 2 yrs just 1 month ago I can tell you I was told the sicker they are the more peacefully they go. In a strange way, I found peace in my decision based on that because when my Rocky very peacefully took his last breath I could feel every bit of pain and sickness leave his body. So, I hope you realize and find peace in the fact you were selflessly setting your girl free of pain and sickness and she was ready. I have been on this forum since 2002 and it hurts every time when I see yet another dog being taken much too soon by this wicked disease. Whether they are our own dogs or not, they manage to latch onto a piece of our heart. So, please know....we all mourn with you for the loss of your Sweet Girl Esmay. Take time to grieve and be kind to yourself. Your girl would want it no other way. Teresa ****Rest In Peace Sweet Girl Esmay****

Teresa va

M, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I know how difficult it is to say goodbye. Esmay will be with you always in your heart and the memories of the happier days with your girl. You gave her every chance you could so don't regret that you were not there at the end. She has joined a fine group at the Rainbow Bridge and will wait for you there until you are together again. Take care penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

M, we do mourn with you. We all know how difficult it is to say goodbye. I had to do the same. No red blood cells being produced, no drugs working. Let us hope that one day a cure is found for this horrid disease. Esmay will always be with you in your heart. Happier days will be in your memories. Take care Julie.

Julie Australia

Dear M -- I just saw this thread on the forum today. I was sorry to reach the end and find out that you lost your dear Esmay. It sounds like both of you gave the fight all that you could, but it wasn't meant to be. Please take comfort in the knowledge that Esmay is in a better place, where she is happy and healthy again. And please try to remember all the love and joy you shared with Esmay, because her life was so much more than the last week of the medical crisis that took her. The grief from losing a beloved dog to this disease is hard, but our dear dogs bring so much love and joy to our lives that it's unfair to think of them always in sadness. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

Dear M Julie is right, we all mourn with you, the loss of your darling Esmay. Im devastated for you, and wish you well at this difficult time. Take some time out for you, and take comfort that Esmay no longer has to fight so hard to survive - she is running free. Riley and all the others will be giving her heaps at the Bridge. Dont lose touch. Silka XXXXX

Silka Melbourne Australia

Thanks everyone:) I have been emotional all day but am seriously grieving again tonight. I can't wait for it get easier.

M Australia

Dear M, Just checking in for news and so so sorry to hear your news. I have tears rolling down my cheeks for you and I'm sure I am not the only one doing so in reading your story. Although I still have Mitch here with me I do know the pain of losing a dog in sudden, unexpected circumstances and I know the grief you are feeling right now. With time the sadness will lift and you will remember the great times you had with Esmay.You did all you could for her and that is all you can do. I know everyone here will still continue to support you over the coming days and weeks if you need it. Kath

Kath Scotland

I am so sorry for your loss of Esmay. I just lost my Buddy and i know how you are feeling. It has been 4 weeks since he passed away and i still cry. If you need to talk or anything please write to all of us. Everyone on this message board helped me so much. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs lucy

lucy ny

My heart goes out to you. Esmay is at peace. In time, you will find peace too. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

I am so very sorry for your loss of Esmay. ((Hugs)) Jess, Keiko and Hushi

Jess BC

Hi M, I am so sorry to read of your loss, Esmay fought as much as she could. Sue

Sue Cambridgeshire UK

This thread was discussed between 06/02/2010 and 09/03/2010

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