Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Looking for answers...

I am so glad that I have somewhere to turn to that I know people will understand my sorrow. I found this forum on the day that my 15 month old lab puppy died. My story goes as this: One morning (Monday) my lab did not want to finish her breakfast. Odd I thought but everyting else seemed fine. Tues, Wed. stil not eating much but a little people food, but was playing and being her goofy old self. I even took her to the park & played Frisbee with her. I thought her gums & tongue looked a little pale, but she just kept nudging the frisbee for me to throw it again. By Thurs. we decided to take her to the vet since we had a busy weekend coming up with out of town guests. At the vet she acted normal (of course), ate a biscuit.They did not notice anything extreme out of the ordinary, but took a blood test. Friday it came back that her platelets and red blood cells were on the low side. And we should start her on Prednisone & antibiotics right away. We brought her in Saturday for another blood test to make sure the numbers were not dropping too quick. The vet called back right away and said that it looked promising, it had not dropped much. By Saturday afternoon you could tell that she seemed very tired, and eating even less. She threw up the chicken she had eaten 12 hrs earlier.We let her take it easy, anxious for the meds to start working. Sunday morning I finally had a chance to find this website to learn what I could. She wouldn't come down stairs with us, so my husband carried her. While she was sleeping I took the opportunity to take a quick shower while my husband ran to the store for some Prilosec(for her). About 5 minutes after my husband left my older son came in to sit with her. He put his hand on her, she took a deep breath, and died. How did this happen? A very healthy dog, still a baby, die in less than 1 week. I am having so much difficulty wrapping my brain around this. I have lost beloved dogs before, but they also had actually lived long enough to have a good life. My baby was just getting started. She was my JOY. I feel like I lost a young child. Has anyone else out there lost their puppy to this awful disease at such a young age, or have them die so quickly after the first symptoms appeared? Thank you for letting me share my feelings. I afraid it will take a long time to fill this hole in my heart. I'm sure you can all relate that the silence in the home after you lose a precious fur baby is deafening.

Irene Arizona

i am very sorry to hear about this :( just wanted to share my condolences for your lil pup...

Josh California

Irene, I'm sitting here sobbing reading your post. Yes, we lost our Yellow Lab puppy, Bronwyn, a year ago today on her 19 month birthday. We noticed Christmas morning that she wasn't quite her usual bouncy self, but knowing that dogs have their ups and downs, too, we didn't think much of it. I took her in to the vet the morning of the 27th, when it was clear something really wasn't right; we all initially thought she had either eaten one of the kids' toys or that she had pancreatitis. The diagnosis of IMHA came back that evening around 7.30. We transferred her to the Pet ER for constant monitoring; the next day she had 2 transfusions. We went to visit her about 5 that afternoon, the 28th - she looked so good and her numbers had come up so far that the vets said she would be coming home the next day. She died around 3AM on the 29th - her PCV level was holding, but her bilirubin levels skyrocketed and her brain literally fried. It was 36 hours from diagnosis to the end, and less than 8 from the visit in the afternoon to the time she died. I agree, losing them is hard enough when they're old and have lived a long, full life, but when you lose them as babies, it's so much harder - like they've had their life stolen away from them. And Bronwyn and my son were very close (he was 4 1/2 when she died), and he misses her horribly, too. What was your little girl's name? And are your kids doing OK? I know that knowing Aidan was so upset made it all that much harder, too. My email address is above. Feel free to write if you want to talk. And in the meantime, know that I'm thinking of you and your family, because I now exactly how you feel right now. Hugs, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Irene, I am so sorry you have lost your pup to this awful disease. I lost my 7 year old ESS on 14th September this year just 2 days after first signs of anything being wrong. I just wish I'd taken her to the vets straight away but then she was just off her food and a bit lethargic and like most people I was going to give it until the Monday and if she was still a bit out of sorts take her to the vet then. But Sunday morning she collapsed at my front door and was gone by half eleven that night. I remember going to bed that night and saying to my dad's partner, who was staying with me, (thankfully as my husband is away in the Falklands)that as long as I didn't get a call through the night there might be some hope as I knew from my limited research that day that it was serious. However just as I got into bed I got the call that I was dreading. I think the quickness of it all is what I still have difficulty coming to terms with and the belief that I didn't act quickly enough, something I will never forgive myself for. I have found this forum a real source of comfort at times, to know that there are people out there who understand the complete sense of loss I was feeling, it was just like losing a daughter to me as we had had Holly since she was 8 weeks old. I know that in the days to come you will feel better but at the moment the grief is overwhelming. I now have another Springer pup, Saffy, who whilst not replacing Holly has gone someway to bringing joy back into the house. I wish you all the very best and know that you are not alone in your quest for answers. With much love Keri Lynn xx

Keri Lynn Wales UK

Irene, I am sorry you lost your beloved pet and at such a very young age. It seems like this awful disease does not descriminate at all. Hoping your silence can soon be filled with the music of wonderful memories of your precious pup. Amy

amy texas

Irene, I'm sorry for your loss. I don't know how many times I have said "why has this happened to my dog"? There is no blame or reasons or even answers. AIHA is a horrid disease. It does not discriminate against age or breed. It can be a swift killer. Those of us who have had pets survive AIHA are super paranoid about relapse. I pray you find comfort and peace. Your little lab pup is now with the Lord that created her. SUE

Susie Delaware

Irene Please accept my condolences in the loss of your beloved pet. I do feel your pain and know how hard this is for you and your family. I have been reading posts on this thread since Sept of 2007 and I have seen very young, middle age and older dogs that were diagnosed and age does not seem to be a factor. This disease often comes so quickly and even with the best medical care many dogs don't make it. Feel comfort in knowing that a family member was able to be with your lab when she took her last breath and you gave her a great life in the time you had with her and she did not suffer and went peacfully. Unfortunately there was nothing more you could have done. May God give you and your family the strength to get you through this difficult time. You are in our prayers, Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Irene -- I am so sorry to hear that you lost your sweet lab puppy to IMHA. As Amy said, this disease does not discriminate -- young/old, purebred/mixed, big/small. I am glad that you found this place, because so many of us have lost our dear dogs suddenly to this horrible disease, and since so many people haven't heard of it, they don't always understand the devastation it causes. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

I lost also my beloved maltese/shih tzu Scruffy at only 9 months old. It does affect all ages. Scruffy had the worst form of the disease with it attacking him in his bone marrow rbc's.

Julie Australia

Irene, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Lab puppy. 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 of all ages to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you as you travel along the loss and grief pathway. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days.

Joanne MN

Irene, I am sorry for your loss. I think the swiftness of this disease is one of the things we ll have difficulty with. I hope in the coming days the good memories will help you through this awful time. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Irene, I am so very sorry for your loss. No words can ease your sorrow, but please know that we care and are here for support. I'm sure that you showered your dear little girl with love and gave her the very best care you could. I pray God will heal your sadness and comfort you with sweet memories of your precious Lab puppy. God bless you, Karen

Karen NC

I am so touched by all the kind words and thoughts you have sent my way. To "know" that you understand how ruthless this disease can be makes me feel that I am not alone. I've had well meaning people mention that next time I should get a mixed breed. I don't have the energy or will to explain to them that this has nothing to do with purebreads (as if I bought a lemon of a dog) I forgot to mention in my original post that my little girl's name was Shea. Thank you again. I will continue to read other's posts, and hope I can return the kindness shown to me. Hugs, Irene

Irene Arizona

Oh Irene and Family~ Terrible news on Shea... I am so sorry for your loss. Loss seems not to fit because I know how your heart is aching. I said goodbye to my 10 mo. old Pudelpointer, Kit, on 11/8/08. She was diagnosed at 8 months roughly. I really hardly got to know here since her last two months were filled with illness, vet visits, etc. You did what you could - I know it is hard. I am so sorry. Take care.

Cynthia Grosse Pte

Irene, I'm truly sorry for your loss. This disease can be so swift and ruthless, and doesn't discriminate. It is a terrible battle, but thankfully everyone here understands, even if we are in different places geographically and in our fight against it. Shea sounds like she was a sweetheart. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Dear Irene - I read you post and thought I must let you know that Millie wasn't even 2 when diagnosed. She is a West Highland White Terrier and a pedigree. I understand completely how you feel as it was only by chance I took her to the vet (she was in season) and miserable (I was intending to breed from her - well that dream has gone too) but then went off her food. I was happily putting it down to being depressed and in season. I took her to the vets expecting them to say I was being over anxious (like usual being a first time dog owner) but it was the opposite - they rushed her straight in the next day for numerous scans etc. She had a bone marrow biopsy the following week, was treated for possible tick disease, rat poison, worms and given antibiotics. Her PCV continued to fall. Then they gave her a steriod shot which seemed to improve her a little. We got back the results and we had a diagnosis. She was wacked onto 20mg pred - and then a nail biting week ensued where she lingered around 12 pcv. Then it started rising and she did very well until they dropped the dose by half when she crashed in October and ended up with a full blood transfusion and is now on 20mg pred as well as Atopica. She was so sick it was quite dreadful - barely able to breathe. It has been a six month roller coaster of emotions (VERY difficult) and I've been almost at the point of letting her go (especially this last bout of gastroenterits over Christmas). We couldn't have gone on without the pet insurance as we have spent nearly £4,000. What I'm trying to say is please don't feel too bad because if your lab puppy had made it through the first crisis you may have had months of this nightmare as we have. I think my husband thinks I'm mad to go on - but she was like a baby to me. I think I will know when she's had enough. Like you said it seems so unfair when this disease strikes such younger dogs and that's what I find so hard about Millie's case. My thoughts are with you. Clare and Millie

Clare Fox and Millie

I made the heartbreaking decision not to go on after several vets advised me it was hopeless in my case. Also I just couldn't afford the further treatment. It would have been $A2000 or more for a bloodtransfusion and further treatment. I had no insurance. It been very difficult for me knowing that finances and the poor outcome had to be considered.

Julie Australia

My golden retriever, Hunter, turned 4 on aug. 19, 2003, was diagnosed with AIHA on Oct. 9 and died, still in ICU on Oct. 16, 2003. I had never heard of this horrible disease until he was diagnosed, and now I hear of it to often. I am so sorry for the loss of you puppy. we know that it was the ProHeart6 injection that brought on Hunter's AIHA, as it brought it on for many, many dogs. that is a 6 month heartwor preventative. Ten months after Hunter's death, the FDA had them pull it because of the high number of deaths, but it was allowed back this year, after 4 years of being "reformulated". not another dog of mine will ever get it again, no matter how much reformultion has gone into it.

Sandra Texas

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My little dog was diagnosed on the 27th of Dec..I hope she will be okay. The sudden loss must be devastating to you. It seems so unfair. I wish you comfort at this difficult time.

Dorri

This thread was discussed between 29/12/2008 and 04/01/2009

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