Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - RIP Kiki

Almost 2 hours ago we had to say goodbye. It was so freaking hard. But the doctor who was with her all day didn't see any improvement even getting lasix injections every two hours. We had another doctor come in and do another u/s on her and go over the chest xrays done this AM. It wasn't good. The fluid was in her lungs, not outside it. He said with even normal dogs without autoimmune, they have 1 in 1,000 chance of recovery and it almost always comes back much worse, adn that's with them going to a university. When she was rested, it went very quick, blood came out of her nose. She was coughing up blood. That's what was in her lungs. The more I thought about it, and how I lost her on my lap lastnight and hubby bringing her back, I think she waited for that moment, when she was out of the hospital and with me. My husband had a very hard time with the decision, he wanted to give it a few more days. She was just so weak, I couldn't see making her suffer any longer. Tomorrow night was 2 weeks, and she only was home 1 night last week, and right back in. Then home this Saturday night and back in. She was such a good girl, my chubbie butt, and I will miss her dearly. I want to thank you all for your support, prayers, and for being here. I have to go, I just need some time right now, but I promise I am saying prayers for you guys and your precious babies. Kiki's journey is over. She was a trooper, such a tough little thing, but eventually just got too tired. You could see it in her eyes.

Kriss PA

My heart and deepest sympathies goes out to you and your family. Just know that you did all you could for her. She was a very lucky doggy to have the two of you as parents. She's running free now at the rainbow bridge waiting for the day to be with you again. If you get a chance you could always check out Joannes Meisha's Hope Website. The information in the loss and grief section helps lots of people through these difficult times. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. It brings tears to my eyes just writing this. Condolences from Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Kriss, i'm so very heart broken for you and your family. You know in your heart you had done everything humanly possible for your girl Kiki. May she rest in peace she fought hard and bravely she is now at peace. Today we all share your pain, sending you strength and love. Effie and Belle

Effie Australia

My family mourns with you. We will see these precious pets again some day! For now, we pray from your comfort. Sue

Susie Delaware

Kriss, You and your hubby have fought a valent fight just as Kiki has and there is no question that she knew she was truly loved. Peace be with you both and hopefully in time you can take comfort in knowing that you explored every avenue for her. Your decision today, as incredibly difficult as it was, truly is the ultimate act of love and mercy that each of us must endure with all of our fury friends. Kiki undoubtably knew her time was near and pressed on just long enough for you to be with her as she crossed over. This board has indeed been of great benefit in trying times for all of. However, it is important to make you aware that YOU have also inspired each and everyone of us to carry on OUR fight in beating this terrible disease. Kiki has truly been blessed to have had such a wonderful loving family to share her life with. Now she sits comfortably waiting for each of you to join her someday and renew this fantasic love story. RON

Ron Fl.

Kriss, I am so sorry about Kiki and all that you had to go through. It couldn't have been an easy decision, but you did what was best for Kiki so that she wouldn't suffer. May God bless and comfort you. Karen

Karen NC

Kriss, I am so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could and so did Kiki. It is hard to accept, but sometimes it is just out of our hands. Treasure the good memories you have of Kiki, I know you will always have a special place in your heart for her. Thinking of you and your family, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Kriss & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in this difficult time. She fought a hard battle, but it just was not within her to keep on going. Please take care. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Kriss and Family: We are so sorry about Kiki's passing. You did everything you could and I am sure she knew how much you loved her and wanted the best for her. She is at peace now, waiting patiently for you at the bridge. In the coming days, weeks and months I hope you are able to take some comfort in remembering the big and little joys she brought to you and your family. Take care - we'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Thank you all so much for your beautiful comments. It's 5-1/2 hours now............. I still can't believe it. The last 2 weeks were such a battle. I was just thinking how a few days ago at lunch time I took her outside for her visit, and she rolled in the grass. And Thursday the nurse gave her a bath and took her outside, and she dove right for the dirt. And that little thing were she'd grab at my finger when I would close her cage door and say bye. And her turning her head away, but look at me out of the corner of her eye when I was telling her I loved her and I'd see her in a little bit. All gone. At least she knows I spent more time with her in the last two weeks than I did at home with the kids. My husband would meet me there for lunch with her. He'd bring us both something to eat. One day he actually made macaroni for her, and forgot to bring me something. I told him there was enough stuff she didn't eat that I could. She had so many things in the hospital fridge that we'd bring her to try to get her to eat. One day she wanted liverwurst, ate 3 bowls. The next day, no she wanted macaroni. Then turkey breast. She never wanted the same thing two days in a row. We'd think, wow-she loved that, found something she'll eat. Next day, no way-she wanted something different to try. I'd stop in after work with her to get her to eat. Then I'd run home and make the kids something, then run back again after dinner to make sure she got a little stroll and settled down for the night. Right now I am holding a cute octopus I bought for her and never got to give her. I have to go through pictures and find one for her urn. That is going to be hard. I was hoping she'd win this battle. She was never sick before and this just totally blew me away. Anyhow, thank you all again for everything. xoxoxo from Kiki (the Keekers) My little chubby butt

Kriss PA

Dear Karen and Family Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your fur baby Kiki. You and your family did everything you could possibly do for her and unfortunately her earth suit could not be fixed. PUT ME TO REST Time to let me go my friend, Because my life no-one can mend, Its better to let me go this way, Than watch me suffer night and day. I'm happy to go, my time has come, My quality of life is no longer fun, Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing, To let me go forever resting. Stay with me till I drift away, Fast asleep forever I pray, To relieve me from suffering and pain, What more can I ask from my best friend. Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain, Never to be ill ever again, I know you'll miss me being there, But all the memories you have to share. Thankyou for being my best friend, And all my needs that you did tend, Try not to be sad, try not to cry, Now's the time to say GOODBYE. Our heart aches for you and your family, Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Kriss -- I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your dear Kiki to IMHA. I missed all of the notes of the last few days, but it seems like Kiki, you, and your husband fought hard, but it wasn't meant to be. I hope you are comforted by your memories of the wonderful life you shared with Kiki and by the knowledge that you did all that you could for her and you were with her at the end. Please take care.

Brenda VA

Dear Kriss, My deepest condolences on your loss. Run free, Keekers, and know you were loved a tremendous amount. -Leslie

Leslie

Kriss, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. You can take comfort knowing what a wonderful home you offered Kiki. You and your husband were so devoted to her. Last week when I took my Magnus to Auburn University for tests, I read a poem someone posted on the wall in the office: I was chosen today I'm learning to fly the world took me away but please don't cry Today I choose you to try and be strong so please don't you cry and say that I'm gone When you're feeling alone just remember our lovr I'm up near the stars down from above Remember our love in a moment you will see that I'm still right beside you when you are thinking of me

Shannon Florida

Kriss, I was heartbroken to come home and read about Kiki's passing, I'm so truly sorry. All of your furkids have been so lucky to have been a part of your family, with all of your rescue work, you have a huge heart. Many of your babies have already been through so much, as have you and your husband. My heart goes out to you, Kiki was a brave spirit in her fight with IMHA. Please accept our condolences. I love the Rainbow Bridge poem too, I hope all of the wonderful poems and prayers posted here help comfort you during this terrible time. melissa and tiggs Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

melissa slc

Kriss and Family. I am so sorry to read of your loss. I hope the good memories of your time with Kiki will help you through this awful time. As hard as it was to have to let her go it was another way you showed her how much you loved her. Kiki is now pain free and med free running at the bridge with a lot of our dogs. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Kriss, So sorry to hear Kiki - you did all you could. think of your family at this sad time. Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

I'm so sad you lost kiki. But be grateful for the time you had and that you were there for her when she was ready to go. Take care.

carol

kriss- very very sorry to hear about kiki's passing... my thoughts go out to you all

josh california

Kriss, my heart goes out to you and your family. As your grief softens, I hope you can remember all the great moments you had with Kiki and that those memories will bring a smile. Take care of yourselves. deb and Duck

debbie

Kriss, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You did what a good friend does at a time like that and it is never easy. You're in our thoughts and prayers. It's always hard to hear about one of our beloved furkids leaving us. Kiki is now running free somewhere. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Kriss, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sure Kiki is running free at Rainbow Bridge.. Jess and Keiko

Jess BC

A little more than 24 hours has passed already without my Kiki. I am so drained, I told myself I was going to go to bed early tonight. Here it is going on 10pm. I've been online most of the time since I got home from work, searching on anything I can think of that could've done this. So much guilt--- was it the advantix I applied on her just 4 nights before this? I have used it occassionally on her before. I have 5 other dogs yet. Do I not do flea/tick/heartworm prevention on them ever again? Do I not get them vaccinated again? I am just so confused. In the 4 years since we have rescued her, she was never sick. I never thought it'd be her to go like this. I have 2 boys that seizure (both cockapoos), and 1 cocker that is in lymphoma remission. And 2 healthy little bolonka girls. The Keeks lived in a cage in a garage for the first two years of her life, before we came along. She attached herself to my youngest son that first night. She was such a sweet girl. A happy little thing who's chubby butt would wiggle and sway when you'd talk to her. They all have rescue stories behind them. I hate to say it, but I am done for awhile with anymore. My heart can not take it. She was #4 in just over 5 years, then the stress of my cocker with lymphoma and his chemo. Reading over Dr Dodd's email, that I didn't get until this AM, there is one drug we didn't try, and one we did use that she doesn't prefer. I am just so confused by it all. Last week she seemed to be improving. Then went downhill so quickly from the hour after I brought her home. We are beating ourselves up over her history, which was printed out and I brought home. Just so many questions. I don't want to see another dog go through this. It is horrible. I just can't believe how hard she fought for 2 weeks, then within hours of coming home, she was gone. Thank you all again for your words of sympathy, the beautiful poems that made me cry but fit her so well. I am having paw prints made of her, and I want to put them in with your poems as a background in a frame.

Kriss PA

kriss you will love having the paw print.. I have one of my springer, toby that the vet made for me. I look at it everyday in the mat and frame. cj

Carol

So sorry to hear about Kiki. There are absolutely no answers about this horrible disease. I lost my little Scruffy who coped with the disease really well for about six weeks except his bone marrow made absolutely no new red blood cells and the drugs didn't work for him. He was perfectly healthy up until it struck and he was 8 months old only. It broke my heart. There is nothing that can change the outcome so it is best to try and look after your other lovely dogs and put it behind you and try not to focus on the whatif's and believe me I have had plenty of those. This disease is supposed to be rare with only a few cases per vet clinic per year so hopefully you will never see it again. I have studied all the blood tests and I still have no answers too.

Julie Australia

Kriss, you did everything right please do not have any doubts in your mind. It's just an awful disease that can turn critical at the drop of a hat. Your constantly in my thoughts all the way over her in Australia. Effie

Effie Australia

Kriss, I think we all feel at some point that we are to blame for our dogs being diagnosed or losing their fight although most of us had never heard of AIHA until we got the diagnosis. Please don't beat yourself up on the what if's. You rescued Kiki and showed her what a loving family life was all about even if it was for too short of time. It has been almost 3 years since I lost my girl and I still have moments where I think "if we had only done this or that" The pain does ease but it never really goes away. I now err on the paranoid side of caution as to my other dogs exposure to any vaccinations and use no flea/tick treatments,or any garden products. Kiki may be gone in the physical form but I know she will live on in your heart forever. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Kriss & Family Please don't be too hard on yourself. Forgive yourself and give yourself the benefit of any doubts you might have. You did the very best you could and went beyond what most people would have done, you gave Kiki every possible chance and sometimes we just can't save them no matter how hard we try. I have seen many dogs on this forum in the last two years show improvement and then for some reason they take a turn for the worse. In time I hope you can focus on the wonderful life you gave Kiki for the last four years and imagine what her life would have been like without the kindness and love of you and your family, as you know some dogs never have the chance to be loved the way you loved Kiki. Give yourself time to grieve as it is a way to cope with your loss and trying to avoid it does not work and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Kriss and know how painful it is. All I can say is, time is a great healer, it will take a while of course but the pain will lessen. The happy memories you have will never fade. Kiki is at peace and free of any pain or discomfort. Thinking of you all Tricia x

Tricia UK

This thread was discussed between 25/05/2009 and 31/05/2009

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