Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Killian-taken away in the blink of an eye

My 8 year old Pomeranian was taken away from us in blink of any eye. It is so hard to believe that on Wednesday he happy and healthy and by Friday he was fighting for his life from this terrible disease. By Sunday he was gone. Our hearts are broken and we can't help but ask ourselves "did we miss the warning signs?" Killian was vaccination just about 4 weeks ago. We will miss he dearly and are so grateful for having him in our lives.

Maryann MI

I am so sorry for your loss! You did the best you could for Killian; this disease can move swiftly and it's not your fault that you didn't see the warning signs (if there were any). I'm keeping you in my thoughts during this tough time. There are lots of us going through the same thing right now.

Jennifer

Maryann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My dog became ill so quickly my head was spinning. While she was diagnosed with cancer, and not IMHA, she did experience severe anemia, which got the ball rolling, and it was startling. In a matter of hours she went from bouncing off the walls (she's a Border collie), to being so tired she couldn't lift her head off the floor. The symptoms were minimal and I only realized their presence in hind-sight. You will find overwhelming support from those on this forum. I am sure you did all you could for your beloved Killian. He is now running happily at the Bridge with all the other pets taken far too soon. I hope you find peace in knowing that he was not in any pain during his last few days. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers tonight. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Dear Maryann, I'm so very sorry about you losing Killian to this awful disease. We lost my 2 1/2 yr. old Cody 2 weeks ago....he fought it for 2 years which was an emotional and financial roller-coaster. I too believe Codys was triggered by his vaccines and/or rabies shot, because of the timing. My heart goes out to you, especially because of the suddenness of Killians death...with Cody it was a gradual torture, but than we thought he might beat it, and than he started bleeding to death. I've even heard of puppies dying from this.....sooooooooo sad!!! You're in my prayers....Tammy

Tammy/Cody N.J.

Dear Maryann, I am so very sorry you lost your darling boy Killian to this awful illness. It comes on so suddenly, we just can't be adequately prepared to fight this disease. We also believe our Millie's IMHA was caused by her vaccination. Please do not think that you did not act in time - most of the time, we don't see any "warning signs" until our dogs have quite low PCVs. I got Millie to the vet at PCV 36, but even THEY didn't diagnose her until her PCV had fallen to 14. "Scientists esitmate over 50% of dogs with hemolytic anemia will die from the condition". This is a quote I found from Morris Animal Foundation who do research into IMHA/AIHA. It really is a battle just to survive, so please do not feel that you did not act in time. You did everything you could - that I can tell by how much you love your boys. I also read your FaceBook post about your other dog Taz (just couldn't respond as my mobile phone won't let me post on FaceBook). Although we see a lot of IMHA cases on this forum, the majority of dogs DO NOT get IMHA. I was nervous about my other two dogs as well when Millie was diagnosed, but in time that worry has eased. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss of darling Killian. We are thinking of you, Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Dear Maryann I was very sorry to read about your loss, this evening. My 18 month old standard poodle was diagnosed just one month ago. Like your Killian, it came on very suddenly. One day she was fine, the next she was lethargic and off her food. I was one of the lucky ones, that managed to get her dog to the vet before the PCV was so low she was in a critical state. Often there are no "alarming" symptoms. Please don't blame yourself, this disease comes from nowhere and just blindsides you. I know this is a very difficult time for you. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! Maureen and Mercedes

Maureen B.C. Canada

Maryann, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my angel Macy about 3 months ago. It is so devastating because the disease comes out of nowhere. I also believe that shots caused her death as well. What is so frustrating is that I was just following the protocal given by the veterinary clinic that I was taking her to. Please don't blame yourself. This has happened to so many people on this forum. My thoughts are with you and I am deeply sorry for your loss. I, unfortunately, know the pain associated with this type of loss all too well. -Darren

Darren Long Beach

Dear Maryann I join with the others in offering condolences on the loss of Killian, too quickly. My heart goes out to you, having lost my own Riley earlier this year after a brave 4 months battle on his behalf, and not yet 7. I think I missed the signs as well, not having a clue about this illness, the only one at my vet. I thought it could have been a spot-on Revolution treatment given only a few days before Riley passed some blood while we were out walking, but after thought, and knowing what I know now (Riley was a maltese shihtzu x), I recalled that when my hairdresser daughter was cutting my hair here at home, both my dogs were chasing each other through the house, having a ball - my daughter noticed a spot of blood on the floor and we instantly went to check the dogs, thinking it was Bonnie, my border collie, but found nothing. I now suspect that it must have been from Riley, perhaps his nose? Riley presented with low platelets, but if he had not passed blood in front of me, I would not have known by his behaviour, which seemed normal to me. I later scoured the backyard and found the evidence, and I collect every day. We went from there to more blood loss, into anaemia, and the rest is history. Yes it is quick, and if you read some of the stories here in the archives and also on the Meisha's Hope site, it is quite possible that Killian was rescued from a battle that you might not have won, and in saying that, there are those that have won, and that is wonderful, but it is such a balancing act of medications, symptoms, bowel problems, pancreatitis - the works - an emotional battle and an expensive battle. I cry each time I read another post such as yours and I wonder why it is I keep coming back here, and I think many do because they wish to support others and pass on their knowledge, and we find this site because we search and search for answers, but it doesnt bring our pets back, and I guess we also try to find some solace knowing that perhaps it was the best thing - I have no clue. I just know that I miss Riley and wonder when you ever stop seeing them out the corner of your eye, or imagine that you heard them. I have given much thought to Riley's short life - I think it was a happy one - but he did have some symptoms that seemed to be harder than they should, such as when he was fixed, he suffered infection; had both rear cruciate ligaments operated on, with lots of bleeding; had teeth cleaned under anaesthetic and was quite ill after that, but always managed to get on top of things. This has made me think that perhaps there was always something else going on in his little body. I know this is a long post, but you ask the question that I have asked myself. Perhaps the signs were there, but we did not know enough at that time, and maybe we can help others. Run free now Killian. Remember the happy times - 8 years of them. Silka & Bonnie

Silka Melbourne Australia

Maryann, I am so sorry for your loss. Like everyone else has said don't beat yourself up for not recognizing the symptoms of a disease most of us had never heard of prior to getting the diagnosis. It is an evil, devastating disease that can take our beloved fur kids too quickly no matter how fast you act or how hard you fight. I hope in the coming days you can remember all the happy days with your Killian and that those memories will help you through this awful time. Penny

Penny l

I can't thank everyone enough for all their support and kind words. I have to say that this forum is helping us through this tough time. My heart breaks for each and everyone that has had touch by this awful disease. Those of you that are still fighting the battle, I'll keep you in my prayers. Samantha...I'm so relived to say that Taz's test results came back all normal.

Maryann MI

Hi Silka, how true your post is. We never stop missing them and wondering why. I think you have summed up how we all feel today. We will always wonder why. But would like to help anyone else going through this too. Julie.

Julie Australia

Sorry for your loss Maryann. It's never an easy thing to do but it shows the ultimate love you had for Killian. Good to hear Taz's results are back and normal. Run Free Killian Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

It's one week today that I lost my baby boy Killian to this evil disease. I only wish there was something I could to help stop it. He was our "head of household" and things are so different without him. I am forever greatful for being his mommy for the time that he was here. May we all find peace in knowing that our babies are running free.

Maryann MI

Maryann, I am so sorry you lost your little boy to this awful disease. There actually is something you can do to help other dogs! Joanne Dickson has created the Meisha's Hope Foundation. This foundation has an account with the Morris Animal Foundation and funds research into AIHA/IMHA. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/newhope.htm After I lost my 3 1/2 year old Standard Poodle Kahlu, I started fundraising a bit for Meisha's Hope. It is slow going, but I guess every penny counts. I also try to educate anybody that cares to listen about over immunizing our dogs and AIHA. This all has helped me to overcome the sorrow of the loss of my boy. I hope the great memories you have of Killian will take over and your heart will heal. With best wishes and sincere condolences, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Maryann, So sorry to hear about your loss. I hadn't heard about IMHA until Archie was diagnosed and like you it happened so quickly. We are doing well but it has been a rollercoaster and I have had a lot of help understanding treatments from the good people on this site so pop in for support as many of the incredible people on here have lost their dogs and are still there for others.

Sue Cambs UK

Maryann, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you did everything possible for your beloved baby. I myself like many others here have gone through this and it's never easy but always know that they are with you in your heart and is now your guardian angel.. I lost my Katie JoJo on July 24th 2009 and it still seems like yesterday. I now have her baby brother Harley Lowrider who turns 1 year on the 25th and I have him tested he was last tested at the age of 6 months. The people here are so sweet, caring, loving & supportive.You are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time....

Maria Indiana

Dear Maryann, So sorry to hear your news may your little boy play safetly with the angels, I lost my darling girl Holly 3 months ago and like you i continually ask myself why did I miss the signs but the symptoms are so swift, I have my new little darling Honey 5 months old who is helping mummy to get through those difficult days, the memories will be in your heart forever. God Bless Diane

Diane United Kingdom

I, too, am so very sorry. It's awful how quickly this disease robs us of our loved ones. I lost my Ollie almost 9 months ago. Seems like yesterday. My heart is with you. Stay strong and know a lot of people have been there and are mourning with you.

Mardi Northern Cali

So very sorry to hear about Killian.

leslie ca

My dog Buster is improving with IMHA. I beat myself up with the fact that I should have noticed that he was getting sick. If I look back now, I can see things that should not have been. They were so slight at the time. Please, do not beat yourself up thinking you could have done things differently, you couldn't have. You did the best with what you knew. I was so lucky that the outcome has, so far, been good. It very well could have been the same as yours. Bless you.

Ronda Illinois

It's now been 5 weeks since my beloved little boy Killian was taken from us. It's amazing how much joy a little 10 pound pup can bring into our lives. We miss him dearly and I finding myself with tears streaming down my face as I think of all the wonderful times we had with him. Ronda...I will pray that your boy Buster continues to improve. It's so nice to hear he is improving. Thank you all very very much! This forum has been an amazing help during this very difficult time.

Maryann MI

This thread was discussed between 05/05/2010 and 07/06/2010

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