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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - My Libbie Died from IMHA
| I have been on the internet all day. I found this link on another site. I am beyond grief. My best friend--the love of my life, Libbie, died on Monday of this hideous disease. I am broken. I finally found that doctor in California on the internet who is an expert on this. She said she would look at Libbie's history and try to shed some light on it. I guess it all started in November when she started limping. I and the vet thought it was arthritis so they put her on osteo 3. Things went along ok, I guess. My brother said she was different in that she was more timid--she was usually a hell raiser--a jumper and a chaser. But things started really changing in the last month--one bad arthritis spree--gave her aspirin on vet's recommendation and she seemed to be better. Then about five days later she is down in the hips. I had pretty much been carrying her up and down steps since Nov. because I was trying to keep her arthritis from getting worse. Then her asthma started in bad. She hadn't had an attack in over a year and she was wheezing frequently.Finaly three days before easter i noticed black stools. Vet checked blood--,low normal. It was easter so he said bring her in at7 tomorrow and we will take tests to see if it is IMHA. At 7:00 her gums hadn't changed any but were still pale. She died four hours later from bleeding. I am beside myself--I don't know what to do except try to find out what caused this. I was hoping for any information which might help me find out why Libbie had to die. I am sorry for everyone on here who has lost a dog to this disease. Those of you fighting it, I pray you can beat this monster. |
| Becky Illinois |
| Dear Becky - I am so sorry about Libbie. I also lost my little sweetheart(Betsy)on Monday. I wish I had some answers for you, but I didn't know anything about this disease until last weekend. My heart goes out to you. Jeannine |
| Jeannine California |
| Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. My dog did not make it either so I do understand how devastating it is to lose your beloved friend to something you had probably never heard of. The jury is still out for a definitve cause but the evidence is leaning towards anything from the shots we give them the flea and tick meds and things that would excite the immune system basically. I believe my dog's onset was a result of a bee sting. Try not to be too hard on yourself and accept you may never know for sure why you were invited to the nightmare of this disease. What kind of dog was Libby? Some breeds seem to be more inclined to getting AIHA. I hope in the coming days you can remember the happier times with Libby and the pain does ease even if it never really goes away. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| I lost my lovely Bailey to AIHA, he passed black stools,one the Friday,was very lethargic, and did not want to eat or drink, began bleeding from the mouth Thursday, then the eyes and ears, Vet offered chemo, but said he did not offer much hope, so i made the heart breaking descision to let him go, that was in January, and I cry everyday and miss him, he was 2 weeks from his 10th birthday, he was a cocker spanial, and I have read on the internet, it affects this breed. Jan |
| Jan UK |
| Rest in peace Libbie and Betsy and Bailey, I wish all the owners well, this is such a tough disease. |
| Josh California |
| I lost my wonderful Stormie to AIHA as well. We tried to fight a disease I had never heard of! It started with her eating food one morning (she left a few pieces which was abnormal) and then laying down (which was VERY WEIRD!) I knew in my gut something was terribly wrong as I looked into her eyes...she was telling me she was going to leave me. I tried so hard to keep her...I still tear up and it has been 6 years! Seems impossible I could have lost her this way but I did. Stormie was almost 10 years old...she's my angel girl. Mrs. Gates Take care...I firmly believe that Stormie's annual vaccinations were the cause of AIHA. I didn't know any better and have done annual shots for 30 years! NO MORE! Most vets think I'm nuts but I don't care. I think they are simply pushing drugs and earning $$ because they are in league with the drug companies (who I think only care about the bottom line, and not our babies). |
| Mrs. Gates Michigan |
This thread was discussed between 27/03/2008 and 31/03/2008
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