Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - New thread for Rachel

Rachel, Missouri, Rwofford07@yahoo.com Hi everyone, Three days ago, when i orginally read your stories I cried so hard! This is the first forum I found that gave me hope. My 7 year old Labordoodle, Keary, is in the process of being diagnoised with AIHA. It started two weeks ago when we bought her diet food. She wouldnt eat it but would scarf treats. WE figured that she was being picky and everyone told us to leave it there, when she is hungry she will eat. that went on for about a week. (she didnt strave completely bc we are suckers and gave her milk bones). I then noticed she was starting to fall alot. I figured either she was so weak from being stubborn and not eating or her hips were going out which I thought she was a little young for. I broke down and bought her the food she has been eating since a puppy. Still she continued to fall and wouldnt eat. She is very spoiled and perfers a bed or couch over the floor any day and now was not jumping up on either. If we would put her on the bed she would do a nose dive when jumping off. Finally I realized something was very wrong and even though she was a lazy dog by nature this was beyond the normal. I took her into the vet who thought maybe it was just heartworms but also warned me about AIHA and took blood. I knew when the vet called me 3 hours later and not the nurse that it was bad. He explained it to me as being VERY serious but sounded hopeful. He RBC was at 24 and her white sky high (I think in the 80s?) Her platelets only at 74 mil (norm is 175-500mil). He said he saves 80% of dogs with AIHA which I htought sounded good. Then I read online... Most stories said that they were diagnosised Mon and had died by Wednesday... I bawled and bawled until my eyes were almost swollen shut. I slept on the floor with her that night in fear she wouldnt come home the next day. She has been in the hospital since Saturday and has been eating they said. She had xrays and they found a mass in her chest which he is thinking is a bloodclot. We are waiting on the big blood test which should be in today to deterime if it is 100% AIHA. Although, its a horriable disease I am praying for it because otherwise he thinks its cancer. Im a little confused though because 24 sounds like a high count compared to most but it also sounds like most dogs got really sick really fast and I would says she showed signs for almost 2 weeks before. Is 24 high compared to most dogs with AIHA? How long does recovery take normally? Did anyone have to change their dogs diet? I am so scared that we will go through all of this and put her through it and it wont make a difference. Thanks to all!

Penny Lytle Creek Ca

Rachel, I moved your post so more people would see it. I am sorry Keary has a possible diagnosis of AIHA. Normal PCV is between 37-55. I hope you have found your way to Joanne's site as it will answer a whole lot of your questions. Be sure to read the success stories. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

rachel- my dog sway has had AIHA for 20 months now and her highest RBC count since being diagnosed is only a 28% she's lived the majority of those months on a count between 18-22% so ultimately you want your dogs numbers to recover and get back into a normal range but if they dont or if it takes a longer time than expected that doesnt necessarily mean its a death sentence either. wishing the best for keary.

josh california

Rachel, I am sorry to hear about the rough time you have had in the last couple of weeks. It's very difficult to figure out what is wrong in the beginning. My vet calls this JNDR, "just not doing right." I see that the vet thought it might be heartworm and I am wondering if they have tested for tick diseases as well. I have checked your location in California on a map that shows the prevalence of tick diseases county by county and there is a high incidence of heartworm and tick disease where you live. Ask your vet if they have tested for these tick diseases. Here is the US map, just click on CA and then you can see county by county. http://www.dogsandticks.com/US-map-lyme-disease-dogs/ I am also concerned as well about the x-rays. Have they talked about doing an ultrasound? This would be the ultimate diagnostic test for this mass. My dog had a large mass on his spleen, as seen by the x-ray. The ultrasound showed it much better and the vet advised us to have it removed as he felt it wasn't cancer. What your vet may be thinking about is a type of cancer called hemangiosarcoma. This type of cancer seems to be more prevalent in older male dogs. We were sure that our dog had this on his spleen. I did some research about this condition. It is an aggressive cancer. It is difficult to remove because surgery tends to seed it around inside the body. My heart is very heavy to write this to you. You don't know me at all, but I am remembering how I felt when I thought that Chance had this type of tumor. I am very hopeful that things will be ok tomorrow. If you need someone to talk with please don't hesitate to write to me for help and comfort. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Rachel just posted this in another thread, but I didn't want it to get lost. I would like to report only the best but unfortunitly Kearys test came back today and she was diagnoised with Lymphocytic leukemia. From what I read online it is only a matter of days maybe weeks. Just when I got my hopes up. AIHA is terrible but at this point it sounds better.

melissa slc

Thank you so much for reposting this. I wish that I had good news to report but I dont. The vet called with her reults from the final blood test and she has cancer. Acute Lymphocytic leukemia. I am reading that it is only a matter of time. A short time, days, maybe weeks. I am so heartbroken. Literally, my heart hurts. I told myself last night to not get my hopes up but deep down i was so excited at the thought of bringing her home. I knew that AIHA is very serious, and COULD be life threatening but at this point Id prefer it. Atleast with AIHA it COULD take her life, with Leukemia there is no choice. The worst part is that today is my wedding anniversery. She was my wedding gift from my husband. He told me before we were married as soon as we get a house and are done with the wedding that I could get a dog. Two weeks after, to the day we brought keary home. She was a dream come true. Already potty trained, so well behaved, great around kids. We finally started trying for a baby a few months ago and I wanted nothing nmore than for her to be a big sister. She loves kids and is so good with them. M husband always talks to her about being a big sister and she cocks her head like she understands. Sorry for rambling. The vet said that we can bring her home. I am torn. I want as much time with her as possible. I want to cherish every minute but I also dont want to go through all of this again in a matter of a short time. What if I come home after work and she has suffered all day and is half dead. Lord Forbid. Would it be easier just to say our good byes now? Then again What if they say days and she lives for monthes? I have never lost a pet before. Ever. I am so confused as to what to do. I want to just keep her forever and not have to go through this at all. Just take her home, love her let her grow old and die peacefully. Or not die at all :-) Sorry again for rambling.

Rachel Missouri

Again, Rachel, I am so sorry. Many people here who have lost their furkids have said that when it was time, they just knew it. Their babies were able to communicate this to them on a deeper level that transcends words. I would encourage you to bring Keary home. Let her spend her remaining time with you. And when it is time to let her go, talk to your vet about coming to your home. It will be peaceful and she will be as comfortable as she can be. She could have good days ahead of her, and it will give you time to say goodbye. All our love, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Thanks Melissa for reposting that. I didnt find the new thread until I had already wrote on the old one. Thanks again for the info yesterday and concerns. This website has made the process a little easier.

Rachel Missouri

Rachel, I am so very saddened to hear this news about your most beloved Keary. I can certainly relate to the feelings you are having since Keary was a wedding gift from your husband. My most beloved Meisha was an anniversary gift from my husband on our 16th wedding anniversary. Every year we had our dear gal with us we would have a three way celebration on our anniversary since it was her anniversary as well. As we approach our 36th anniversary next week, my thoughts have been with that special day 20 years ago when we got Meisha. Believe me, when I say that many of us on here understand what it means to literally have a heart that hurts from the pain of loss. Only you can decide whether you should bring Keary home or not. Sit down and have a long talk with your vet and express to him/her your concerns. Losing a pet is never easy, they are family members and all losses are so difficult. Be assured you are in the thoughts and prayers of many as you travel down this most difficult road.

Joanne MN

Rachel, Sorry for confusing everything by moving your post. I am so sorry that Keary has been diagnosed with leukemia. I think just about everyone here thinks of their dogs as their children so we all equate the loss as being as bad. Have a long talk with your Vet as to what day to day would be like and see if that eases your mind about her being home. I lost my dog to AIHA and her sister 10 months later to cancer and the one thing I regret the most was that I could not bring either one home. I am one of the ones that feel both let me know they were ready to go to the bridge. I wish there was something I could do to help ease your grief and pain. Thinking of you and yours Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I haven't seen anyone else suggest this, so I hope I am not out of line, but did your vet suggest consulting with an oncologist? Are you near the University of Missouri in Columbia? They seem to be one of the leading veterinary oncology research schools - here is the address to their home page... http://www.cvm.missouri.edu/oncology/index.html I cannot imagine what you are feeling - our dog, Lucy, was dx'd with AIHA about a month ago and she is getting better - but I know, when I first learned of her diagnosis, I cried my eyes out - I will send up special prayers for your family to have understanding and peace during this crisis.

Lee Florida

Dear Rachel,

Leslie

Dear Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about your beloved dog Keary's diagnosis. Whether you bring her home or decide to put her down, know that you are making the right decision for her as you know what your heart is telling you to do. I have been there, and understand how much it hurts. Take good care during this difficult time. -Leslie

Leslie

Your encouraging comments have meant to much to me. I have found myself checking the thread often because it is so comforting to read them. We have decided to bring her home. I called the vet and he said that personally he didnt think that she was ready to go. She is eating good, still able to walk and get around and isnt as lathargic. He did stress that no matter how good she seems now all good things come to an end and her days are limited. I cant wait to get home and hold her. I will really treasure every tail wag, sloppy kiss or nudge on my arm to pet her. It almost feels like she is ok because we are bringing her home. Once we decided to a huge weight was lifted off of me. I am dreading when it returns. Thanks again for the support!

Rachel Missouri

Rachel I am sorry to read about Keary diagnosis and I just wanted to let you know that there is a very supportive yahoo group perhaps you may consider joining. Here is the link. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CLLResearch/summary They will be able to help you with any questions or concerns you may have in regard to treating Keary. A friend of mine dog was diagnosis with leukemia and was only given 3 months to live and he is still going strong 9 months later, she did have him do the chemo. We will be keeping you and Keary in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Sorry but I gave you the wrong link her is the correct one. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCancer/summary Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Rachel, I just wanted to send you long distance hugs, because even from here I can tell how much you're hurting. We lost our first Yellow Lab at 6 1/2 to another form of cancer; I still remember that call from the vet telling us what we were dealing with. Just treasure every day with Keary - love her, snug her, give her treats. When the time comes, she'll let you know. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Dear Rachel -- I am so sorry to hear that you received some heart-wrenching news about Keary's medical condition, and that her leukemia makes AIHA seem the lesser of two evils. I am glad that you will be bringing her home to enjoy the time you have remaining together. As others here have said, love her and spoil her and make the most of it. The time and memories in these remaining weeks will be a comfort to you as you grieve. And who knows how long those "weeks" will last, so make the most of them. We lost our dear Wiley to IMHA after a week-long fight. We never got to bring her home, but we visited each night, and in retrospect, I think that that week-long fight was the Lord's way of preparing us for what was about to happen and that week was his gift. As painful as it was, we were so glad to have those final 7 days to be sure that she knew how much we loved her, and we were with her at the end. I don't know how I could have survived if someday we had just come home and she was gone. She was our baby too. Please take care and let us know how you're doing. And be sure to load up on treats and cuddles!

Brenda VA

Rachel, I'm very sorry to hear about your sweet doggie. I lost a springer about three years ago. He had serveral strokes over a couple weeks and I am so thankful for the time I had with him. He was just one month shy of 15 years old. He went downhill very fast and when I took him to the vet, we knew what was best for him. I couldnt stand to see him suffer, and it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Like you I was terrified to come home and have him be gone. I am so thankful that I was there to hold him while he passed. I will cherish that moment forever. God bless you Carol

Carol Vancouver Wa

All of your comments mean so much to meet. It is amazing how dogs can cause complete strangers from around the world to all hurt the same and love them the same. I found myself reading this thread in the middle of the night when I couldnt sleep. It is comforting. And I am so sadden that so many others have felt this heart wrenching pain that I am. Keary was in good spirits last night. She was happy to be home. She smiled and laid on the carpet with favorite toy. Its a duck that quacks and three weeks ago I would of gotten annoyed if she kept quacking it during American Idol but last night it was music to my ears :-) She ate and drank ALOT last night. I am sure that was from ther Predisone still in her system. This morning though she was back to refusing treats. And cheese and Vanilla Wafers. Maybe she was still full from last night. Or maybe not. Only time will tell. Th hard part now is knowing when to take her back. She looses her footing alot now and this morning wasnt eating but does that mean that it is time. In some ways it seems like it is a big deal or the beginning of a big deal. On the other hand if she eats enough to survive and is still able toget around and is happy then should eating really matter? Its finding the happy medium of not letting it go to far but also not cutting her short either. Thanks for llistening!

Rachel Missouri

Dear Rachel, so sorry, I have been there myself several times. The process that you are now going thru "is" a big deal. It is so easy to second guess yourself every step of the way. Playing God has to be the absolute worste job. As others have said "you will know", and it's true. When there are more bad days (or moments) than good, when your dog looks at you with that special look and lets you know it's tired (not in a sleepy way), you will know out of love for them. But in the meantime, just love, love, love them. Give her treats or any food she might show interest in, but try to not get too anxious if she refuses. She just may not be hungry or feel so great. If she still seems happy and content to be around you that is more important right now. Create loving memories that you will remember more than how many times a day she did or didn't eat. You are not alone in this process. There are many who have walked in your shoes & found it so difficult also. I think that however we decide, our pets "always" know that we have their best interest at heart, and love us no matter what. Sending strength & prayers...

Irene Arizona

I have been there with my little dog who had IMHA and also my beloved St. Bernard who one day could just not get up off her bed as her legs had gone on her and I had to get a vet in to put her down as she was too heavy to get into a car and no one could lift her as she weighed over 75 kilo. Just love her you will know when it is time. Getting a vet to come to you is a very good option when the time comes.

Julie Australia

This thread was discussed between 02/03/2009 and 05/03/2009

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