Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Shadow

It's been more than a year since I posted. Shadow was diagnosed with AIHA on October 17, 2007. She and I went through the ups and downs that all of you and your best friends are going through - but for a much shorter period of time. 'Doe had four blood transfusions - one of artificial blood, which did nothing but seem to spiral her even further downhill (and, she didn't have much of a hill to go down at that point); then one from a universal greyhound donor (which spiked her red blood cell count into the acceptable level, only to have it spiral down a day later); then one from a cross-matched and typed Great Dane, which spiked her red-blood cell count up to an acceptable level for two or three weeks, after which she lost all ground, and then some, that she had gained. Her fourth transfusion, her second from the cross-matched and typed Great Dane (Maximus, from the Cottonwood Heights Veterinary Clinic in SLC) TOOK and has held for more than a year. I don't know why Shadow and I are so blessed. But, Shadow is healthy. A 17-pound, mix-breed with terrier characteristics rescue pup, Shadow is now 12 and couldn't be healthier. She has been off of all of her AIHA medications for nine months. She takes ZERO. She doesn't jump over the 6' fence anymore, but she jumps onto the (elevated) bed. She intimidates my other three dogs by the force of her personality (she's the smallest among them all, by far). She and I are blessed, and we pass along her and my blessings to you and your pups. We pray that your pups will have the same miraculous outcome that 'Doe had. Sandy

Sandy Utah

That is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us and may you and Doe enjoy many more happy healthy years together. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Sandy, I am so happy for you and Shadow. I know at times it must have been hard for you to believe that you would be here today posting this note. I hope it helps all who are still fighting. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Sandy, What a wonderful story, out of my own Utah no less! Glad Shadow is doing so well, it will give many here hope and inspiration. We are hoping that Shadow continues on her health and happiness for many more years to come. We are hoping to be off meds in the next month as well, a scary thought, but Tiggs has been doing wonderfully as well. I'm wondering, were you able to get vaccination waivers easliy here in Salt Lake? We haven't had to cross that bridge yet, but I'm hoping it won't be a problem. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Hi Sandy, Thank you so much for sharing, this is music to my ears! I am so very happy your dog recovered from this disease after being so horribly sick. It gives me so much hope that my boy will recover too. It is only week 4 for us and it is sometimes hard to visualize Kahlu running about again. Your story has given me strength to go on! Best wishes to everybody. Thanks again Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

I am so happy that Shadow's story has given you all hope. When she was first diagnosed (so sick that this 17-pound bounder over six-foot vinyl fences couldn't (and, it was a "couldn't", not a "wouldn't") get out of bed to fetch breakfast) I was freaked (and so was she). There is hope. It is costly; Shadow's initial transfusions and medications cost me more than $6,000 in the first four weeks after the onset of her AIHA. So, my advice is: buy pet health insurance. If that opportunity has escaped you, contact Joan/Meisha's Hope or me (me through Joan and Meisha's Hope). Thank you for your kind wishes and hopes for 'Doe/Shadow. She and I extend the same towards you and your beloved pups. Best blessings!

Sandy Utah

Hi Sandy, I have been going through this for 5 weeks now with Madison and it is so good to hear such a great story. Madison was very sick and had 2 transfusion but now she is going great - it has cost me heaps of money but shes worth it. I do wish i had Pet insurance before this happened but didnt. My other 2 dogs now have it and all my friends dogs have it now also. Madison has made some pet insurance companies rich the last month!!! Samantha

Samantha Perth Australia

I am so glad to hear that your Shadow is doing so well. Thanks for sharing her story with us, Shadow is is truly an inspiration to all of us. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Sandy, How Great to hear from you again. I remember well the struggles you and your dear Shadow had after her AIHA diagnosis. Thank you for returing here to share your good news which provides HOPE and encouragment to those with newly diagnosed AIHA/IMHA dogs as well as those who have dogs who are continuing to struggle with the disease. Hugs to your dear Shadow from me and my little canine red-headed gal, Maddie.

Joanne MN

Stories like this always make me smile, always gives hope to those whose dogs are fighting for their lives. i am happy for you.

Sandra

This thread was discussed between 18/02/2009 and 19/02/2009

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