Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Jan 8, 2009 Lady Bug crossed over tonight at the vet where I took her to for a second opinion on her AIHA. Although they procured a lot of information about her condition, her condition was very unstable. They gave her Oxyglobin to buy her time. I was taking her home to rest until her blood work came in, early tomorrow morning, when on the way home her breathing became distressed, I took her back, where they gave her oxygen, and 15 minutes later she passed. I was there holding her, when she passed. Her preliminary results, from this one visit showed not only severe anemia, but also a large mass in her abdomen. She brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people on her pet visits, and she brought love and joy to our house and hearts. Everyone who met Lady, even people who do not like dogs, loved her. Although, I only heard term AIHA just 5 weeks ago, I want to share what I learned . First. DON’T be afraid to seek a second opinion, in fear of hurting your vet’s feelings. People do this for people all the time. Vets are professional and understand – just like people doctors. Second. There are two types of anemia – your vet needs to determine which one in order to treat properly A) Regenerative reticulitis – where the red blood cells can reproduce themselves B) Non-regenerative reticulitis – where they can’t Ask your vet about a Reticulocyte count Third. A Coombs test result of ‘negative” does not mean your animal doesn’t have AIHA. Forth. Insist on a physical exam, this was how Lady’s mass was found and an x-ray confirmed it. I don’t know why the mass was not discovered earlier. In my dog’s case, the mass was more than likely the cause of her AIHA. Would knowing all this before, have lengthened Lady’s life? Who knows. But I would have had a better idea of what I was dealing with and prepared myself for what happened last night. Fifth - LOVE YOUR PETS!! Victoria

Victoria Avon Indiana

Victoria, I'm so sorry that Lady didn't make it, I was hoping for the best when you last posted- sad, sad tears. I'm so glad to hear that she was in your arms, exactly where she wanted and needed to be to gently slip away. You will be in our thoughts, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Victoria, I am saddened by your loss of your dear Lady Bug. I am sorry you had to learn about this disease the hard way but everything you posted can't be repeated enough. We do unfortunately have to sometimes fight with our pets health providers but hopefully they will learn too. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Victoria I am praying for you and your family and I share in your sadness in losing Ladybug who was so important in your life. "We keep in our hearts forever the memories of those we have loved" Thank-you so much for taking the time to share what you learned with us. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Victoria, I too am so saddened about Lady Bug's passing. I'm so glad you were with her to hold her. The things you posted, I learned all of that too, just recently. My Brandi did test negative on the Coombs test in Oct. And I learned thru all of this about regenerative and non-regenerative. I allowed OSU Vet School to perform a necropsy on Brandi. I'm told it's been done but the results could take weeks. I wonder if Brandi had a mass or something as well even though 2 MRIs showed nothing. I would like to share Brandi's results as they promised I'd get a full report. If Joanne reads this maybe she can tell me what to do with it so that it would be the most beneficial to the experts and those still fighting. If Brandi's death saves one dog I would be happy. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve. I know there are lots of pups at the bridge that will befriend your sweet Lady Bug where they'll all stick together until we each go, one by one, to reunite with our babies. Teresa

Teresa Oklahoma

Victoria -- I am so sorry to hear about Lady Bug. You did all that you could do. I am glad you were with her in the end, and that, during her last moments on Earth, she was enveloped in your love and in your arms. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

I have an 8 month old king charles ,and two days ago i was told he had this hemolytic anemia . HELP. is there no cure. He's on tablets but they are not working

julie manchester

sorry to hear about her passing, God bless

josh california

Julie you need to see a specialists straight away. If your vet has not referred you there is a specialist on the Wirral. I know it is quite a way from you but your vet may know of a closer one. Good luck. Steph

Steph Wales

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2009 and 10/01/2009

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