Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - My baby's been diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia

well this is probably one of the worst weeks of my life. My Handsome and wonderful Working Sheepdog Fly has been diagnosed with IAHA and its breaking my heart. He is 2 1/2 years old and up until this diagnosis has been a damn near perfect picture of health. I have spoken to my vet this morning and unfortunately the drugs that he is currently on are not working, The prognosis is not good, my vet also explained that due to the fact that the first round of medication has not worked his chances of relapsing are heightened. I'm trying to be positive but all I keep thinking is puttting him through all this really worth it if he will end up with no quality of life at the end of it. He is also still on a drip pumping fluids into his body to keep his strength up as he hasn't eaten now for 4 days. I'm going down to the vets this afternoon to try and feed him myself and have a chat with my vet about what the next steps are. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best I will keep you all informed on how things are going. Please keep my baby boy in your thoughts

Sophie Howard UK

Sophie, I'm so sorry about your darling Fly. You have come to the right place though, for support,advice and prayers--we have all walked in your shoes. My own dog was slow to respond to his medications, so don't lose hope. I had the same worries about quality of life as you have, and I guess I trust myself to know when enough is enough if it ever comes to that for my dog. Consider yourself in a big group hug from all of us, and keep us posted on Fly. Jane

Jane MN

Sophie, I am so sorry to hear about your beloved dog Fly. I hope that your vet can provide you with more information today. Please ask your vet if they have tested Fly for tick diseases. *The location you are in warrants this testing.* If they seem confused by how to go about this either find another vet or contact Protatek Labs in the US and find out how to get a blood sample to them via mail. You can view their services at: http://www.protatek.com/ref_services.html Dr. Holland of Protatek is amenable to vets calling to ask about required tests for a particular area. Tick disease can cause this kind of sudden anemia and is very treatable with the correct meds at the proper dose. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Tick diseases prevalent in UK: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/ticks.htm

Patrice NYS

Sophie & Fly, Please also go to the "Meisha's Hope" website for both information and lots of Success Stories. With high hopes and best health wishes, Cheryl (and always Barkley)

Cheryl Medford

Hi,thank you all for your very kind messages of support they are all greatly appreciated. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse sat Night and the vet didn't think he was going to pull through. He did last the night but when I went to visit him the next morning I was told he was getting worse, he couldn't even get up anymore and he had soiled himself in the night. he barely had the strength to wag his tail when I came in but he still did. I had to make the heart breaking decision to have him put to sleep. I have never felt loss like this my pain is unbearable. I miss everything about him from his big ears to his goofy grin. I'd give anyhting to have him back to see him again to give him a big kiss and cuddle. Even though it hurts right now I know I made the right choice he was sufffering and I couldn't let him go through that. I feel very blessed to have shared 2 1/2 years with such a wonderful dog. We had a camping holiday together, we did agility dispalys at loads of local doggy shows we even performed at Crufts. he also got his puppy, Bronze, Silver and Gold kennel club obedience certificates. And only 4 months ago we entered our first kennel club Obedience competition, competing against 25 other competitors and won third place gaining only 1 1/4 marks. I will never forget what a fantastic dog he was and all of these great memories will keep him alive forever in my heart. R.I.P. My handsome baby boy xxxxx

Sophie Howard UK

Dear Sophie, My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry that you lost your beloved Fly to this horrible disease. You made the right decision for him and you made it out of love. I'm sure he felt that love. May God bless you, comfort you, and fill you with the knowledge that you were a good mom to this precious creature that He created and entrusted to you for his 2-1/2 years on earth. Karen

Karen NC

Sophie, I am so very sorry to read of your loss. I think Fly wagging his tail for you was to let you know he was ready and ok with going. I hope in the coming days you can remember all your good days with your boy. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Sophie Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your dog Fly. My heartaches for you and your family. Fly will be with some very good company when as he gets to the rainbow bridge. We pray that you have strength and courage to get through this difficult time. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Oh I am so sorry, believe me, we all feel your pain and mourn with you. There have been too many of us that have lost our babies.. will keep you in my prayers... Peace to you Fly, Tears and Prayers, AnnaMarie

AnnaMarie Illinois

I just brought my baby from the vet with all kinds of meds. I just did'nt have the heart to put her to sleep yet. My heart goes out to you. My Sheba has been through this before and has pulled through. I hope I am making the right decision to try to help her. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks

Lynn PA

Sophie and Fly, May God Bless you and your family and may you find comfort and peace in the joy of the love you all share. Your pain will lessen over time but the love will always be there........cherish that thought. All of us here are with you in prayers and tears. sharon and angel Brandy

sharon pa

Sophie, This disease so much shackles our dogs while they are involved in the fight to survive. Bound to needles...burdened by medicines...It all seems so inconsistent with a dog named Fly! I deeply wish that it had been the illness that had flown away but now your boy can fully extend his wings and be free of all that kept him from soaring. May your pain transform into memories of closeness and joy. Cheryl (and always Barkley)

Cheryl Medford

Sophie -- I'm sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Fly to IMHA. It sounds like you two had an incredible relationship and a fun-filled, loving life together. Please take comfort in all of those memories and know that you did the best you could for him. In the end, you had to make a painful decision. I, and many others here, have been in that same position, and know how difficult it is. But you always were there for him and during his last moments, you were there with him to ease his pain and see him transition to another world of joy and painlessness. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

Oh Sophie, I'm so sad to hear of the loss of Fly. You are in our thoughts. My heart just breaks for everyone here suffering this tremendous grief. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

This thread was discussed between 12/09/2008 and 24/09/2008

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