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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Thoughts after 1.5years of remission
| It has been a little over 2 years since my Scout was hit by Evan's syndrome. After 10 months of agony he finally overcame this awful disease. Yes, some do survive this!!! Stick with them and listen to them, they'll let you know the right thing to do! After 10 months of struggling with this illness I had decided to put Scout to sleep. He had the secondary complication of puppy warts, which became unbearable for everyone involved. Normally these warts are knocked out by a healthy immune system and we don't even notice the little buggers!WARTS...Imagine blossoming warts growing from every oral-mucous membrane, like 2 rotten half pound hamburgers stacked on top of one another. It was awful! We had moved since he got sick (roomies and landlords couldn't handle the smelly, oozing burgers) and I don't think I even unpacked his box of toys yet because he was so lethargic. The night before I took him to the vet to put him to sleep he dropped a toy in my lap. I still do not know where he found it as he hadn't played with toys since the onset of his illness, but I do know that he was telling me not to give up. I decided that as long as he wanted to fight, I would continue to support him. My vet bravely decided that he would cauterize all the warts off, so that at least Scout and I could continue to brave this out without the discomfort and stench of the 'burgers.' After the surgery I felt awful for putting Scout through the trauma of having his lips, tongue, roof, gums and nose burned. The day after the surgery, Scout literally shoved his head in a bed of flowers and took a deep breath. He stopped to smell the roses! 2 weeks after the surgery his numbers started to improve. I think the wart surgery gave his body just enough of an edge to fight the whole blood cell issue (instead of the warts). Despite his recovery, I am still haunted by his illness. I just recently saw a picture of him with the warts, I was mortified. A mothers' love as they say... I must have been insane. I still check his gums and eye membranes for color when he is acting weird. I am still so grateful that he was one of the lucky ones. I learned a lot about my own strength, and a lot about that sweet spirit of your best friends, who despite their illness continue to make you smile, laugh and understand love. Here is the little advice I can offer... If they stop eating their dog found- cook them something irresistible (sweet potatoes!!!). If they won't eat it out of their bowl try hand feeding them like a treat! If you can't afford round the clock veterinary care, have your vet teach you how to administer fluids from home so they won't be complicated by dehydration. Love and affection go a long way! Put on a smile. Do not concentrate on all the numbers. IT WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS. Fluctuations happen, machines can vary one minute to the next. Focus on what is obvious... if your pup is still next to you rejoice in his strength this moment. Scout was a walking anomaly with NO platelets and NO WBC at one point...the vet ran the numbers 3 times cause she couldn't believe it... I think her face was whiter than Scouts gums when she came in to report he numbers) Follow your heart. The myriad of emotional stages you will go through are healthy and normal. Any decision you make is the right decision. Keep spoiling them with love! |
| Victoria Colorado |
| Victoria, Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about Scout. What a little fighter who, along with the help of his human Mom, beat all the odds. I can just picture him shoving his nose into the fresh earth after the ordeal of being couped up for surgery. And, the fact that he brought you his toy to show you that he still had fight left in him. He's quite a smart boy and I know you are proud of him and loving every minute you have together. Karen |
| Karen NC |
| Victoria, thank you. I'm in tears. deb and Duck (my dog!) |
| Debbie BC Canada |
| Victoria, What an amazing story! I am so happy for you and Scout and you have answered some nagging questions I have carried wondering if I could go through it with another dog. You are indeed one very wonderful doggy Mom Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| Beautiful story of your love! I agree that the dogs tell us when to keep going. I tell people that Slinky and I have an agreement-she'll tell me when she feels bad and I'll do whatever I can to help her get better. I still think there are days when she cuddles up with me and looks at me with a giant 'thank you' in her eyes. |
| Stephanie Chicago |
| Victoria What an amazing story!! when you have time could you please email me jdickson@cloudnet.com since I am very interested in featuring Scout on the Success Stories page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/successstories.htm I know his story would provide hope and encouragment to those with newly diagnosed AIHA/IMHA dogs as well as to those who have dogs who are continuing to struggle with the disease. Hugs to your dear Scout from me and my canine gal, Maddie. |
| Joanne MN |
| How wonderful that Scout has WON! I'm so happy for you and yes a little (well a lot actually) envious - I wish I'd had your tenacity for my little Millie - especially learning how to administer intravenous fluids! Good for you and Scout! Happy thoughts today! Clare, UK |
| Clare UK |
| What a story! Thank you so much for telling it, it gives me hope since we are far from out of the woods. I am sure learning to be patient. Best wishes to you and Scout! Brigitte |
| Brigitte BC |
This thread was discussed between 29/01/2009 and 30/01/2009
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