Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Jersey Girl

My 3 1/2 yr old Shih tzu Jersey has had 2 blood transfusions over the past 4 days. They have been the worst 4 days of my life. The vet said it was some sort of autoimmune disease that was causing the anemia... but we had to wait for the blood results to come in. She took the 1st transfusion very well, and I really thought she would fight this and be ok. She was eating walking around, drinking water.. not totally energetic but soo much better. The next day her gums started getting pale again, she wouldnt eat or drink, and she just didnt want to move. I took her into the vet again, another transfusion that they said went very well. I picked her up a few hours later after the transfusion and took her home. I knew I just knew that those would be my final hours with her. She didnt want to move from my lap, I gave her water through a sirenge. Then after a few hours she started breathing very heavy. She passed away in my arms that night. I am deeply devastasted. She was the love of my life, and my best friend. I dont think she suffered, I just held her and told her it was okay to go, she didnt need to be scared. For all of you that are dealing with this same thing or have dealt with it in the past, I know its so hard, but remember you will see your beloved doggy again! There is only 1 heaven, and they will be waiting for you. RIP Jersey Ann 5/1/04-12/15/07

Kristina Nebraska

Kristina, I am so saddened by your loss of Jersey. This is such a terrible disease especially with its stealth. I agree that Jersey probably didn't suffer what you were seeing was the result of the low oxygen levels in her blood. I hope that in the coming days the memories of these awful ones will be replaced with all the good memories you have of your little girl. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Kristina - I am so sorry for your loss.

Allison TX

Kristina, We are also so saddened by the loss of your Jersey girl, and our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Holding her in her final hours is something you or her will never forget as hard as it was for you to say good-bye to her. As hard as it is right now, just try to focus on all the good times you had with her and know that she is not in any pain in heaven. Take care, Linda

Linda Sapphire

Kristina, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Jersey to AIHA. 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 dog to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Kristina, I'm so sad for you. This is truly a horrible disease. I hope in time you will be able to remember the good times you had with your wonderful doggy Jersey and take comfort in the fact that while she was with you, she had a great life and was loved. After all is said and done, that's what matters. Please take care of yourself now. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Kristina, I am so sorry to hear about Jersey. My heart and thoughts go out to you. Take it one day at a time. This is a horrible, horrible disease. It took our Jack from us less than 24 hours after he was diagnosed. He passed away 12/07/07. Take care. Lisa

lisa Austin

Thank you all for your wonderful comments. It just seems to get harder every day. Jersey was not only my best friend, but she was like a child to me. I thank you so much for taking the time and expressing your sympathy.. it is helping me!

Kristina Nebraska

Kristina, please accept my deepest sorrow for the loss of your dog. I know how hard it can feel. I hope you soon recover.

Al Florida

rest in peace jersey girl

josh california

This thread was discussed between 15/12/2007 and 17/12/2007

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