Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Kahlu, reflection and a new beginning(long)

It is almost 3 months since I have lost my red Standard Poodle Kahlu. His first AIHA diagnosis came in January 2009. With a PCV of 17 he was put on prednisone and azathioprene. He recovered and we had a good summer and by December we though we had beat it. He was down to 2.5 mg per day of prednisone when the relapse happened. We never knew exactly what triggered his initial illness. My suspicion was an accumulation of things, immunization, flea control and then ingesting some cleaner residue. For the relapse there was none of that. After the relapse Kahlu was put on prednisone and cyclosporin because the aza was pretty harsh on his body. After 2 days, Kahlu was so weak the only chance was a blood transfusion. This was done, but an other 2 days his PCV was again dangerously low. We considered a second transfusion. At that point I somehow knew that he had already lost the fight. I could see it in his eyes. Then the lab report came back with a diagnosis of disseminating intravascular coagulopathy. Basically telling us that his body was shutting down. The decision to let him go was not that hard because he really did not want to fight anymore. He was a wonderful dog and I feel so lucky to have had him for 3 1/2 years. Of course I had thoughts of what if's. But I think all in all we did the right things and it was just not meant to be. At the beginning of his ordeal there were many people telling me to end it right there. Looking back, even if I would have known that he would only have one year, i would still have done what we did. It was a lot of work, sleepless nights and of course money. I calculated about $8000, including meds and transfusion. I know my vet was very generous! The memory of Kahlu on a hot summer night swimming with me in the lake, building back his muscle, was worth it all! It was also worth it for everything I learned during that year. Not only the medical stuff, but what I learned about dogs in general and also about people. Now to the new beginning. When Kahlu got sick, his breeder promised me a new pup right away. So a few days after he was gone I contacted her. She had a litter of red pups coming up from one of Kahlu's older sisters. Although she had already 7 people on the wait list, I was put at the top of it. When the pups were born a few weeks later, there was only four. I still got the pick of the litter! Last week Enzo came home, 8 weeks old and full of beans. He is not scared of the devil, very affectionate and oh so smart. I am thrilled with him, our house is filled with laughter again. So far I have never called him Kahlu. Although they look fairly similar, they are different. Enzo has a black spot between his shoulder blades. He is just Enzo! Lucky for me, when Kahlu died our daughter was living with us with her black standard poodle. Ripley grew up with Kahlu and was grieving too. So the two of us started hanging out lots and doing Agility training with lots of success. We plan on going to the regional Championships in June, hoping to qualify for the Nationals. That is an other thing I learned, I will always have more than one dog, It makes it easier to loose them if you have an other one in the house. Ripley and I started to promote Meisha's Hope at all the Trials we went to. We give out special prices, for most bars down, best look alike etc and give out Meisha's Hope Bandannas, that Joanne so generously donated. Our club has committed to donate a small portion of every course map bought for every trial. I hope the money will eventually add up. there is also the plan to do a fun trial in Kahlu's honor, with all proceeds going to Meisha's Hope. It is also important to me, to spread the word about AIHA/IMHA and ITP. All this has helped a lot to over come my loss. I felt like there is something I can do, something to bite my teeth into. Every time I inform somebody about AIHA I feel good after. Kahlu is clearly not forgotten. It still hurts to think about his illness. But the new beginning with Enzo helps and so does the fundraising for Meisha's Hope. Thanks for listening, give you dog a hug, or better yet, spend some time playing, walking or training. Best wishes, Brigitte & Enzo

Brigitte BC Canada

Oh Brigitte and of course Enzo!! I read this both with tears of sadness and tears of joy all at the same time...I am absolutely delighted for you Brigitte,I can tell just from your writing that a part of you has come back to life and your hope for the future is tangible. I send you and Ripley all the best of luck for the agility championships and I'm sure Kahlu will be cheering you on... I wish and pray that you and Enzo have a long, happy and healthy future life together...you deserve it Brigitte. What a lucky boy Enzo is, would love to see a pic of your red haired little man. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Brigitte, I am so very happy for you as I am sure Kahlu is as well. I know you and I lost our pups around the same time and I am so very grateful that I had Macy's sister (Sugars) with me b/c it has helped immensely. Although, seeing her grieve has been the hardest part of it all. I hope in time to get her a running mate and pal. Thank you for taking that step and sharing all of this. You are an awesome owner. Kahlu was truly lucky and now Enzo hit the lottery. May you find all the happiness in the world with your new boy. You deserve it... -Darren

Darren Long Beach

I'm so happy for you Brigette - It's a really tough decision to open your hear to another sweetheart when you've been through so much with Kahlu but really, you still have all that love to give. Enzo's lucky to have you - Have a wonderful life w/ Enzo. Kahlu is still in your heart -

Lisa TX

Awesome news Brigette! Congratulations on the addition of Enzo to your family ;) I know Kahlu is very happy for you! ((hugs)) Jess, Keiko and Hushi

Jess BC

Hi Brigitte, Thanks for sharing this with us. Congratulations on the addition of Enzo to your family - I hope you have many many happy years together! I am also glad that Ripley was able to comfort you while you grieved for Kahlu. I agree that it is such a huge help to have other pets in the house when you lose one. Losing our boy Will last Wednesday has been difficult, but I have three crazy dogs and one other cranky cat to make me smile instead of cry. You are doing such wonderful work for Meisha's Hope - one day there will be a cure for IMHA. Kahlu lives on in your heart. Sam and Millie. xx

Samantha Geelong

Dear Brigitte, Congratulations to you and Enzo! May you have many happy years together. Thank you for sharing your good news with us. I wish I had know about AIHA before Tootsie became ill. I, too, am trying to inform others of this disease. I have three dogs, ages 13, 4, and 2. It is my baby, Tootsie, who developed AIHA and we are enjoying every day we have together and hope we have many ahead of us. Please keep us posted on the agility trials you pursue. I saw the pictures on the web of Kahlu in the trials. He was a majestic sight for sure. Barb and Tootsie

Barb Ohio

I am so happy to hear of your new pup, Enzo. I agree that having more than one makes things easier. I am so glad that I brought Fin home last year since we are now facing Toqua's illness. Fin has helped me get through this, and I think he keeps a little more life in Touqa. They are completely different personalities, but Fin has surely learned things from Toqua, and every once and a while I see her in him, something he does. Thank you for sharing!!

Jessi BC

Congratulations on your new pup Enzo. We never forget our pups that have passed, but we can honor them with always keeping them in our hearts and honoring them with sharing our love and care with another pet. Good luck and many, many, happy healthy years to Enzo.

Mardi Northern Calif

Congratulations of you new addition!!! I am sure Kahlu would be so proud of you, as you have found some of his courage and are moving on but never forgetting the past and the journey you took to get to this point. Enzo is one lucky little puppy:) Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Brigitte, Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! What a great story and how very lucky to have a sibling of Kahlu. Wishing you many, many happy years with Enzo. I am sure Kahlu is looking down giving you paws up! Linda

Linda Sapphire

Brigitte, you never fail to amaze me! Congratulations on the new addition. LOL....eight weeks old and full of beans!!! Too cute! I bet you have your hands full now. I love it when they're that small. Regional championships and possible nationals!!!! HOLY CRAP!!! You've gotta be good at what you do...and Ripley too!!! It's awesome what you and Ripley are doing for the Meishas hope foundation in Kahlu's honer. Rest assured he's looking down upon you smiling from ear to ear no doubt! Probably bragging to all his new friends. Anywho, the hugs are going to be given to the furkids for you and the playing will be soon. All I have left to say now is..... ..... ... WE WANT PICTURES, WE WANT PICTURES, WE WANT PICTURES, ...hint hint Take care and can't wait to hear some stories about Enzo. Prayers and best wishes all around. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Brigitte, Congrats on your new addition. I am sure Enzo will bring you so much joy. Is he by chance named after the dog in "The art of racing in the rain"? It is so wonderful that you are also doing so much for Meisha's Hope and raising awareness about this awful disease. I know Kahlu is looking down from the bridge and saying "Go mom" Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Brigitte, thannks for the update on Enzo, does he happend to be named after the Enzo in that book? I cant remember the name. Laurie

Laurie CA

Brigitte, Congratulations my friend !!! Great name for your new bundle of joy and what a lucky little guy he is to have found his way into your home and heart. We wish you the very best for many many years to come with Enzo. You and Kahlu were a great inspiration to so many of us here at the forum, but most especially for Cooper and I as we attempted to navigate our way through the horrors of this disease. Words alone will never be enough to say how much you have meant to us this past year. Good luck my friend and enjoy all the energy a new pup can bring to the family. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Brigitte... Such nice news about you getting Enzo - he is one lucky dog... Heres to many happy healthy years together.. Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia...

Dear Brigitte and Enzo I have a lump in my throat on reading your post and think you are an amazing lady and Enzo is one lucky puppy! Im sure Kahlu approves and I have no doubt he had something to do with Enzo entering your life. Congratulations to you both, and I too look forward to photos. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Thank you all for your kind words! Yes the name Enzo comes from the dog in the book: The Art of Racing in the Rain. ( A good read btw) We had lots of names on our list, but when we picked him up, we saw that he has a little black spot on his back. We call it his racing stripe. The dog in the book is named after Enzo Ferrari, the race car driver. Enzo, red dog black stripe, it just fit. He will get his shots next week, according to Dr. Dodds immunization protocol. http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html Parvo and Distemper will be spaced by 1-2 weeks. I am now the paranoid pet owner. Best wishes, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

A little black spot on the back....hmmmmmmm....I don't know if I'm believing you!!!! I'm going to have to see some photographic evidence!!! :) .... ...... yeah...you know you're going to be bugged till we see the little guy!

Johnny

Brigitte I think it's wonderful that you found a new soul to fill your heart! I have heard that the best way to heal the pain of a loss is to fill your home with a new one to love. It sounds like that's very true! I know you still grieve over Kahlu as once they have taken up residence in our hearts, they are there for eternity, but how great to turn that grief into something positive. Congrats on the new family member! Christina

Christina Nashville

Brigitte I am so glad there is laughter in your house again after all that you have been through. It is truly heart warming. Enzo is a very lucky little guy. I think its great that your breeder worked with you to get another puppy. When I called Alex's breeder back in June 2008 she said she had never heard of this disease and would call me back. I never heard from her again. But thats another story.... Congratulations and keep us posted with some updates :) Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

This thread was discussed between 28/03/2010 and 31/03/2010

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