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

Hello all, It's been awhile. I have been checking in to read here and there but didn't have much to say about our 4 year old female boxer Zodie's condition. After her AIHA illness that started in mid-January, she passed away suddenly and peacefully yesterday. While her CBC got to the mid-20's she had been pretty weak in the past few weeks. We suspected that the long-term prednisone usage was taking its toll. Yesterday, she took a car ride with me and was outside quite a bit, enjoying a nice Mother's Day with all of us. When we went to find her to take her for another car ride, I found her laying down and breathing hard on the back deck. She would not get up but we did manage to get her up and inside, but she collapsed inside and was gone within a minute. She had fallen like this other times in recent weeks and had breathing periods like this so the behavior was not all that different but it just seemed like it was finally too much for her to go on. Since we brought her home from her initial week-long hospital stay, we had decided to not to pursue anything drastic except suggested medications to help her recover. We just wanted to keep her comfortable and in a loving, peaceful environment. We succeeded in that and I'm sure that the love she felt from our family kept her going for longer than she would have otherwise. When she went, she did go with love surrounding her, with limited discomfort and quickly which is all we could have asked for. Zodie was a great dog and part of our family and we'll miss her. Thank you all for your kind words here over these months. You were a great comfort and technical help through it all, and I'm sure others feel as lucky as I do to have found this terrific forum. Rest in Peace Zodie. -Greg, Mary Beth, Lane & Lola Horton

Greg MA

Greg, I am so terribly sorry to read about Zodie. I had wondered how she was doing, and I made the silly assumption that she must be doing well. I am just so saddened to read about her passing. I am comforted to know she was at home with her beloved family, though I'm just crushed that she has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Here is the Rainbow Bridge poem, I hope that it comforts you a little during this sad time: 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 All our love, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

I often have though about Zodie in the past few weeks, wondering how she was doing. I am heartbroken to hear that she lost her battle with this horrid disease. There is comfort in knowing that she was with her people when she passed. I truly believe that there will be a great reunion someday. All of these precious dogs will be waiting! SUE

Susie Delaware

Greg, I am so very saddened to hear of the death of your most beloved Zodie. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. When you feel up to it, I hope you will visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm this page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be helpful to you during these most very difficult days. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Joanne MN

Greg and Family, I am so saddened to read of Zodie's passing. I am glad that you have the memory of a car ride and a nice day outside. Zodie is now free of this terrible disease and is running and playing at the bridge. Her physical presence will be missed but I am sure a large part of your heart is filled with the memories of better times with your girl. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Greg, I am so saddened to hear Zodie has crossed the bridge. My Kent and all the other AIHA dogs were no doubt there to greet her and take her under their wings. My condolences, and I hope in time you can remember all the good things, and forget the horribleness of this disease. All my best, Christine and Angel Kent

Christine Fl

Thanks for the thoughts all. I can imagine Zodie frolicking with our older boxers Hampton & Murphy in the fields now. They'll be great friends forever. -Greg

Greg MA

Greg and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will cherish all the good memories and Zodie will live on in your hearts. Best wishes, Brigitte and Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

Rest in Peace Zodie...very sad to hear but very glad to know she had a great family and a full life

Josh California

Dear Greg and Family, I was very sad to hear of the loss of your Zodie. I had been thinking about her yesterday as I did not see a post from you in awhile and I did not have any way of getting in contact with you to ask. Zodie struggles with this nasty disease are now over and it sounds like she did just what you wished for her, so died in peace with her family around. I know that it is still hard to loss a pet and will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Speed Zodie. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Dear Greg and family -- I'm sorry to hear that your sweet Zodie lost her fight against IMHA, but I'm so glad you had some time together and that you had a beautiful weekend with her. I am sure you are sad, but I know that your memories of the wonderful life you shared with Zodie will be a great comfort to you. She knew your love until her last breath, and that thought should also comfort you through your grief. Please take care.

Brenda VA

I am so sorry you lost your girl. It is good that she had a nice last day with you ll. My Hunte neer go to leave the hospital, so no nice last day for us. She will always live in your heart and maybe one day there will be a good cure or better yet, prevention for this creul disease that has taken so many of our beloved dogs.

Sandra Texas

I am so sorry to hear of Zodies passing, Brenda coundt have said it better. Take care Laurie

Laurie CA

Thank you all. Your thoughts mean alot to my family and me. -Greg

Greg MA

So sorry to hear Zodie has gone to the rainbow bridge. It is always so heartbreaking to read that another doggie has lost the battle against this awful disease. Sending hugs to you and your family.

leslie ca

I am so sorry to hear you lost Zodie. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your family. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

John, So sorry to hear about your Zodie. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Sam & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

I'm so sorry to hear about your Zodie. My dog Kiki was just diagnosed about 10 days ago. My heart goes out to you. Konw you did all you could, and it sounds like she had a wonderful last day with you doing something she enjoyed. Take care

Kriss PA

This thread was discussed between 11/05/2009 and 23/05/2009

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.