Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Tucker

Thank you for responding to my post earlier today (actually yesterday at this point). We went to see Tucker at the critical care at 8:00 pm and his breathing was VERY labored and he was moaning ...they think he had a couple of clots because he was having seizures--- he was finished with his first transfusion and getting all medications... they told us how critical he was and gave us our "options" --- seeing how distressed he was we were considering putting him to sleep but then they gave him a sedative and he seemed to calm down a bit. He most definitely knew we were there and reacted to us. We stayed with him for a couple of hours and I really was hopeful when we left that maybe....just maybe. I made every deal in the world with Tucker and God.... I just wanted him to come home. When we left they said they would call at 7:00 am with an update. At 2:20am they called and told us how distressed he was... we said we come as quick as we could get there (they are an hour away)... we got there and oh my God --- my poor baby.... he was TERRIBLY distressed. We climbed in with him and talked to him and then agreed he was suffering... Had to do the Bill payment ($4,000)....then got back in with him and held him...Oh God....coming home.... every inch of this house is him. He never wanted to be alone --- an 85 pound lap dog. I cannot imagine him not here.... I know I am rambling.... but I just want to say that Tucker was the best dog I ever could have imagined....truly a best friend.... I cant imagine not getting constant hugs or sloppy kisses... He made us laugh everyday --- without exception. 48 hours ago he was running around.... this disease is horrid! Thank you for letting me talk... and I truly thank God for 4 wonderful years of unconditional love.

Laura PA

Laura, I am so sorry to hear about your precious Tucker's death. This disease is very difficult. Tucker nows runs with some many of our dogs, taken by IMHA on the other side of Rainbow Bridge. Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

I am so sorry to hear about Tucker. What a loss! It is amazing how 1 dog can fill a house. My prayers are with you. Mary

Mary Indiana

Laura, I am so sorry. We had 3 other dogs at the time we lost our Salome and I still understand what you mean about the house being so empty. Tucker is now at the bridge no longer in any pain playing in beautiful green fields until you meet again. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Laura, I'm very sorry to hear that you lost Tucket to this terrible disease. We lost our precious Miniature Schnauzer almost one year ago, on July 9, 2007. He also developed clots. I'm sure Tucket knows that you did everything possible to help him. I know the loss that you must be feeling, and I'm so sorry. Where in Pennsylvania are you from? I live in Northwest Pennsylvania, near Lake Erie. Sue

Sue PA

Laura - I'm very sorry that I misspelled Tucker's name in my previous message. I just realized my mistake as I read the message. Sue

Sue PA

Thank you all so much --- I honestly didnt know I could cry this much.... Not at all that it is a "positive" thing.... but it is comforting to know that others understand.... Everywhere I turn I expect him to be here --- or expect his nose to nudge me to be pet.... and I have realized I didnt take many pictures at all.... I am so mad at myself for that...Yikes....I'll stop.... But I sincerely appreciate the support and prayers... it means a lot. SUE... I am in between reading and king of prussia... town called Boyertown.

Laura PA

what a terrible, unexpected tragedy for you, Laura, especially since you just visited your vet. Because you have Tucker's brother there may definitely be a sensitivity to certain vaccines. Did the vet also give Tucker heartworm/flea control treatment? These can also initiate AIHA. Through our own horiffic experiences we realize the importance of talking to others whose pets have had adverse reactions and sometimes we need to let the vets know what we are comfortable and uncomfortable with treatment-wise. I have learned that vets do not have all the answers as to why certain dogs react so violently to varied treatments that are supposed to be 'bengin.' I feel your pain and am so sorry for your loss. Jan

jan phily

Hi Laura, I live in Erie, PA. My family is from East Greenville and Pottstown. An aunt lives in Plymouth Meeting. I've heard my mother and aunt mention Boyertown. I have a good friend who lives outside of Allentown in a place called Douglasville (something like that). Again, I'm so very sorry about Tucker. This disease is horrible, especially the way that our precious dogs are taken from us so quickly with such little warning that something is wrong. Please feel free to Email me, if you would like to - sueroo@adelphia.net Sue

Sue PA

Laura, I was so sad to read your news. A big hug to you and your family. I hope in time, when your grief eases, you will be able to smile again when you remember all the wonderful times you had with Tucker. I'm sure he knew how much he was loved and in the end, that's what counts the most. Please take care of each other. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

I am so sorry for your loss. Tucker's spirit is now running free and he is whole and without any pain. Prayers are being said for you and your family.

Ronda So Cal

Laura i am so sorry to hear of your loss and my heart goes out to you and your family. I lost my lovely cocker spaniel 1yr ago on 7th June last year to this horrible disease and his name was also Tucker. This disease attacks so rapidly we dont have a chance to accept that our dogs are ill before we have to say good bye. We lost our Tucker in 7 days. I truly know what you are going through and can only say that in time you will be able to speak his name without crying every time but you will never forget him or what he meant to you and he will also have known that you loved him so very much. i would like to think that our dogs have found each other at the rainbow bridge and are playing together with other dogs free of pain, until we meet them again. The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful but sad poem and helps me when i feel dispair. If you do not have it and would like it please let me know and i will send it to you. You are and will remain in my heart and thoughts.

Sue UK

Hi Laura,I was sorry to hear about Tucker. I lost my dog Cali on June 21st to this disease. She had been doing very well & relapsed quickly after her meds. were lowered. She too brought such joy to our household things haven't been the same. I thought I was done crying until I started writing this. Our other dog Brandy seems lost. She will be 11 this year and the two were best buddies.(Cali was just shy of 6 years old) She hasn't been eating her rawhide treats lately. Cali use to always steal them & run around with 2 in her mouth at all times. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I know exactly how you are feeling. Take care, Dee

Dee

Oh Laura...I am so sorry for your loss. I am new to this board and therefore do not know the histories of all the dogs. My heart breaks for you...I cannot imagine. May God comfort you. Cliff & Curt's Mom, Janice

Janice Newnan

This thread was discussed between 14/06/2008 and 30/06/2008

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