Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - New Website for Disease

After losing my Rocco on November 21st, I've been racking my brain thinking about what could have caused this disease. When I do an internet search, I get a lot of websites that have little information (besides this one). Unfortunately, this website is hard to find when doing an internet search. I just purchased the domain names CANINEAIHA.COM and CANINE AIHA.NET. My goal is to give this disease the attention it deserves, and to give people access to information from a domain name dedicated to it. I want to educate people, and I want them to be able to google a symptom and be directed to this website first. I am looking for suggestions on how to do this, so I'd appreciate any input you could give me. I recently watched 20/20 and there was a story about how a small group of people cheated $20 million from a gambling website. However, another small group of people got together, all strangers, and used all of their collaborative information to figure out who it was, without help from any government, law enforcement, etc. Maybe we can put all of our information together and figure this problem out. Once again I am looking for suggestions and advice. Please either post them here or email me. Thank you and let's not let our babies have passed in vain.

Glenn NJ

Glenn, I'm so impressed with your idea and I think it's a wonderful way to honor Rocco, and also help people get here. The only thing that I would add is that many vets refer to AIHA as IMHA, and I'm told that IMHA is the current preferred name, though I suspect it depends a little bit regionally, etc. I think you are really onto something! It takes a village, and I know Joanne's site has been instrumental in that way too. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Glenn, will you be creating a website with a forum? If so, I recommend going with vBulletin software. It's definitely my favorite, and I've tried out a few. It also allows for a front page; donations, etc.

Reid Hanson Wisconsin

Yes, there will definitely be a forum, hopefully like this one. I will probably also let others include pictures and things like that.

Glenn NJ

I will include IMHA as a major part of the site. Hopefully it will show up in a search.

Glenn NJ

Glenn, Terrific idea. Just wanted to add that I am working with a few vet specialists and researchers on putting together a survey form that will be available on the internet. There will be questions on there that anyone who has had to fight this disease will be able to add their imput. This is not a scientific survey but hopefully we will be able to see if there are any signs that everyone has seen. Hopefully there may be something that shows up that may hold the answer for a treatment or a cure. By the way, this will cost nothing, everything has been donated. Steve

Steve Virginia

Steve, if you're looking for a website, or an additional website to publish your survey, I would definitely be interested in doing so. We should talk. Please email me to discuss. Thanks.

Glenn NJ

Hey Glenn! Way to go! What better way to honor Rocco. Rocco.com is still available, pick that up as a subdomain. I am in the process of building a website for Giants so you and I can share our successes and failures. I did a lot of research before I picked a host, about 7 months worth, so we can talk if you would like. Perhaps Dr. Jean Dodds would be willing to provide you with some of her papers and maybe write a small introduction for your website. Some of her stuff is hosted around the internet, but not all in one place. Here is one such website: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM A friend emailed me last night with an announcement that all veterinary universities in the US have decided to pick up her vaccination protocol. This is really landmark news. The most important thing from my perspective is to get veterinary universities involved in educating local vets on recognition, diagnosis and treatment protocols. I would also like to see drug companies do voluntary product testing specifically for the medications we all use off label (like cyclosporine /atopica) so there is proper labeling and recommended dosages. Local vets should have emergency "AIHA" kits that have everything they need. Drug companies can provide this kind of support. patrice

Patrice NYS

Glen, I have an IT person handling that end of it but can put her intouch with you. Thanks

Steve Virginia

You are awesome Glenn!Yes, there are many out there who would not find our current corner in the world. Out of sadness arises something good. Thank you.

Cynthia Grosse Pte

Glenn, I'd suggest you also add the topic Non-Regenerative Anemia to the AIHA/IMHA. Our specialist made the diagnosis of non-regenerative anemia and has never categorized the ailment as IMHA, but has definitely ruled out AIHA. I believe all three of these diseases should be grouped together. I initially found this VetNet BBS thread by Googling non-regenerative anemia. Thank you for your good work in trying to get info out there and for honoring the memory of your precious Rocco. Karen

Karen NC

Glenn, thanks so much and kudos for your awesome efforts. Rocco is dancing on the Bridge! Wow...that's my dad! I would suggest the addition of IMTP, Immune mediated Thrombocytopenia purpura. This is often the precursor to IMHA as it was in my Brandy. TOGETHER THEY ARE CALLED EVAN'S SYNDROME. Joanne has some info on her site. Brandy had both and it was fatal very quickly as it almost always is worse than either alone. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I agree the world needs to cross reference everything and who knows what will come out of that! God Bless sharon and angel Brandy

sharon pa

Please keep the great suggestions coming. I am working on the website and it should be updated soon. This is still incredibly hard to deal with. I keep picturing Rocco with the little IV in his arm. That's an image I can't get rid of.

Glenn NJ

Glenn - I think what you are proposing is super good. Go for it. I'm just now going from the (Acute Loss-Shock Stage) to I'm mad and I want to know Why? (this happened to my dog). So far, I've found a lot of info on the disease itself on the net but not many professional societies/groups doing current research. That's the bottom line for me (Research). Who, what, when, how, and current results. e.g. The American Vet Medical Assoc who I expected to have a lot of specific info or evidence that research was been done.......can't find it. If you find otherwise, I would like to know.

Karen GA

If you go to Morris Animal Foundation's site you will see that thanks to Joanne's hard work and dedicated efforts and Meisha's Hope, research is being funded and done on this disease. Because of people like us who send donations more and more research can be done. Hopefully someday other animals and their owners won't need a board like this. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

This thread was discussed between 04/12/2008 and 12/12/2008

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