Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Toqua

Toqua is not doing very well these past few days. Her abdomen swelled up Wednesday and has yet to go down. At this point I am not sure if it will. It is obviously causing my girlie some discomfort. We finally saw summer here over the weekend, and it didn't help things. Coupled with the pred, and its heat intolerance, Toqua found dealing with the heat a hard thing to do. Her breathing seemed laboured, and I have spent the last two nights lying awake and listening to make sure she hadn't left. It was almost a moan/weeze. I am not sure if it is just the pressure of her blood/fluid filled abdomen, or worse that the fluid is getting into her lungs, or if the cancer has spread. The internal med vet told me that the cancer would most likely return to her abdomen, but was known to return in the lungs and heart. Her heartbeat is strong; she still has some fight left. On a good note she hasn't gotten any worse, she just doesn't seem to be recovering this time around. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, just not happy and uncomfortable. She is still eating and is interested in her humans. The two signs that a dog has given up are loss of interest in food and their people. But I can't help and think that the pred is giving her the energy to still find interest in these things. Would she still be here without the pred? Not a question I want to delve into. Yesterday when I came home at lunch she made my heart stop. The past while she hasn't come out of her house when I come home at lunch, but I can hear her tail wagging, thump, thump, thump. I heard nothing. I walked over to her house, talking, and still no sound. I was terrified to peak in at what I might find. Well, when I stuck my head in there she was staring up at me. I crawled in (her dog house was originally built for a malamute so is very roomy) and broke down, sobbed. Usually she is fairly "low" in the mornings and through the days, but seems to perk up in the late afternoon and evenings. Could this be caused by the pred and when I give it to her? She gets her pills first thing in the morning. But she is very much wanting to go for her walks. She can be lying on the floor seeming as though she has one foot out the "door". When she hears her collar and leash being picked up she bounces to life. And I am in no way forcing her to go. Last night she was amazing on our walk. Had the spring in her step, was running around, and even wanted to play her rock game! She stands in the shallows and stares at the rocks, that crazy Border collie stare. So, I have to throw them along the beach, but be fast enough that she can't catch them, and she jumps around after them. I was thrilled to play this game with her one more time. But also fear this to be her last hoorah. Now, for the first time since all this started it really is day to day, and even hour to hour. And I have my melt downs more often than I care to admit. I heard the childs' song "You are my sunshine" and I just started sobbing. That is Toqua - she makes me happy when skies are gray. While she does seem sad/sullen she does still have that spark in her eye. She still has her zest for life. She is still wagging her tail and giving kisses. She is still here, for now. I know she will let me know when it is time, and I begged the powers that be to at least take her when I am here with her, not when she is alone. In my heart I know it won't be much longer. So, I am off to go and get some beef bones, yum. That will lift her spirits. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Dear Jessi, how I feel for you.... these are not easy times. With Kahlu I always said: He was there for me, making me happy the first 2 1/2 years of his life, now I have to be here for him. I know you are doing all the right things for Toqua. Even though you know it is inevitable, it is still so hard. I know she is your first dog and there is a special bond. She knows you love her very much and even if she would be alone when she dies, she would have that connection. Keep singing to her! I had a blue eyed dog once, I always sang the jazz song "blue eyes looking at me" to her. I can't say if the time of day giving the pred would have an effect on her. maybe your vet or a pharmacist would know. I am sure you could call a pharmacy and they could give you an idea. Thinking of you and sending lots of positive vibes your way. Best wishes to you and sweet Toqua, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Jessi, I am so sorry to hear that Toqua is having more problems now with the heat. I think these are the hardest times, when our beloved companion is still eager to live but doesn't understand what is happening to their body. I think that this may be fluid related. It sounds like once she gets up and moves around some, some of the fluid is excreted and that relieves the pressures on internal organs. Fluid retention does respond well to "muscular squeezing." I know that prednisone is notorious for causing body fluids to shift around to different places. Talk with your vet and ask if they think that a small dose of a diuretic during the day might help. If you don't want to go the med route, ask if there are some natural foods that might help with this that you could safely feed her. I would watch salt very carefully in her diet now. If you are using kibble that is most likely loaded with too much sodium, check the label. When Chance reached this point in his heart problems, I talked over what to do in detail with my vet. She agreed that because he still showed so much interest in being alive that there was no need to make any rushed decisions. She told me that I would know, he would be very different than he had ever been before. I could see he was having brief "moments" like you describe but they would pass. Dogs can be very stoic and not indicate they are uncomfortable. But it doesn't mean that they are necessarily in pain. Even a life long companion will show a strong change in character when they are in great pain. You will know when this is. my love to you and Toqua patrice

Patrice NYS

It is a cool and breezy day today, and the dogs are enjoying their bones. Man did they luck out, the bones had a lot of trimmings left on them. Toqua was so excited to go for a truck ride and not be going to the vet (took her with to the grocery store). She is one happy hound right now. :) I have a call into the vet regarding possibly giving Toqua a diuretic. I was actually wondering if something like that would help her. And I did check the dog food. It is Acana lamb and apple hypoallergenic food. I couldn't even find the word sodium anywhere on the bag. It is loaded with wonderful things: fit for human consumption lamb, red delicious apples, and a heap of botanicals including milk thistle (300mg/kg), red raspberry leaf, stinging nettle, and some sea veggies. I have been giving Toqua a couple teaspoons of wet food mixed in but it to has no added salt, and minimal sodium nitrate for processing (Lean Cuts is the brand - steak, roast, kindey, liver, carrots and potatoes). The comments about the fluid make sense. Of course in the a.m. she would seem more bloated and uncomfy because she has been still all night. Since she has been up and about today her belly seems slightly less swollen, and she actually just jumped OVER a large planter to make sure Fin didn't get her bone! Jeez, I tell ya! Today sure doesn't seem like the day. But this is the stress for me. She seems so frail one minute so I fear the worst, then she is like she is now, kind of her normal self and I feel a false sense of hope. My nerves are shot! She is still here and we are enjoying another special day with her. One day at a time. Thanks for you thoughts.

Jessi BC

Hi Jessi Just wanted you to know we are thinking about you and Toqua. I too have owned a dog with "cancer" and understand what a difficult time this must be for you. My dog was 14 when she was diagnosed and acted very similarly to Toqua. Some days she was almost like her old self---others I thought we were nearing the end. And yes, it "is" very stressful!!! When the time finally came, I knew. I believe you will "know" too! Please continue to try to enjoy the time you have with her. It sounds like you have done everything humanly possible to give her "quality of life" in her final days. You will find comfort in that, when you look back on this time with her. If there is anything I can do to help, please email me. As you know, I live close by!!! We are thinking of you!! Maureen and Mercedes

Maureen BC

Dear Jessi -- You and Toqua have a beautiful relationship, and it is clear that you are trying to be strong and trying to have normalcy as Toqua's condition varies through the day. It sounds like you are doing the right thing in trying to keep her comfy, letting her do the things she enjoys, and trying to enjoy this time yourself instead of focusing on the fact that you don't know how much longer it will last. It's the best way to be. I am sending best wishes your way.

Brenda VA

Jessi: Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and Toqua. Remember - dogs live in the moment - something we humans find hard to do. Enjoy the present moments with her - she is obviously enjoying them with you. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Jessi, Toqua is such a lucky dog to have you there for her! Kudos for all you do for her! Just want you to know that I think of her often and will continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting for us and especially your mom Toqua. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

These kind words from you all have brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. My life is revolving around Toqua these days, but I wouldn't have it any other way. And I take solace in knowing I have made the most of every day since she fell ill. I have kept my word of taking her for a walk every day she can. We haven't missed one and walks are when she seems the most "normal". It takes a lot to live in the moment and not think of tomorrow, next week. But it is nice to get caught up in the moment and think of nothing more than the here and now. Life becomes stress free. I spoke with the vet about giving her a diuretic. Since her abdomen is filling with blood the volume of blood circulating through her body is drastically reduced. It's like a leaking pipe, per say. Giving her a diuretic would dehydrate what little blood remains circulating and would not be a good thing. Basically we just have to ride this out. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Jessi, I was almost afraid to open your post today even though I know one day you will have to say goodbye to your dear Toqua these extra special days have to mean so much to you both. We just lost our boy Caleb last month to Thymoma. Our 3rd dog in 4 years to a "rare" disease. He was gone in 5 days. Just like AIHA it came swiftly and gave no warning. I know the pain will be just as great no matter how long you have to try to prepare yourself but I hope that all the good memories you are building help you through it. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Oh man, can't say much now because if I do there will be tears and they've seen enough of that from me here at work...but just wanted to let you know we're still thinking of you and sending love and light your way. It's tough, I know. Stay strong.

Jennifer

Ginger's walks are very improtant to her too, so I am so glad you are still taking Toqua and she is so willing to go. Sending a big cyber hug to you and Toqua:) Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger caf0208@aol.com

Dear Jessi I know that border collie stare so well. I want to let you know that Bonnie and I are thinking of you and Toqua at this so very difficult time. Something the vet used to say to me about Riley when he was low - that they just dont know they are so sick, they just keep on going - that tail wagging is a good indicator. Take care Jessi and Toqua - sending prayers across the waves. Silka & Bonnie

Silka Melbourne Australia

Still thinking of you and hoping you are OK, and that Toqua remains comfortable.

Jennifer

Hi all. Toqua's belly is still swollen, but up until now she has been able to deal with it. Today she is very "low". We are experiencing warmer weather the past few days and it is not what Toqua needs. She has become very sluggish; she has hardly moved all day. we installed our AC unit today hoping that keeping the house cool will help her. I think the heat may be her demise. She can't handle it. And we have yet to see the full wrath of summer. Today is also the first day she has had no desire to go for a walk. We got across the road and about 50 ft across the field and she just laid down and wouldn't get up! I had to pull her back home, it was hard to keep her moving but I had to get her home. She seems to have lost that fire in her eyes. Hoping this is just a low day, but I don't know. During other "low" times she has always wanted to go for a walk. Not today. I am terrified that this is it for her. I am just thankful that I am here with her. I'll let you all know how we make out. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Aw Toqua....I'm still thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully like you said this is just a low day combined with the heat. Do you have AC or a good fan to put down for her? Again, thoughts, prayers and healing vibes coming her way. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Jessi -- hoping that this is just a low day for Toqua and for you. Maybe the AC will be just what she needs. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda VA

This thread was discussed between 15/06/2010 and 21/06/2010

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