Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Uh-oh

We went for our evening walk today; we had to cut it short. Toqua has been quite low key this afternoon. She wasn't her normal, bouncy and roo-rooing self when we were getting ready to go. She was just there waiting. She lagged behind from the get-go. By the time we crossed the park all she was doing was walking very slow. We only made it about 1/3 of the way along our route. She tripped on her hind right foot a few times, and was ready to turn around when we did. She picked up her pace a little. I think she wanted to get home. No interest in Fin, and her gums looked paler from what they were yesterday. She seems sullen. I hope she is just having a low day. I can handle that. Not ready for anymore problems yet. Fingers and paws crossed.

Jessi BC

Jessi, We are in your corner! Also crossing fingers, toes and paws. Thinking of you and Toqua girl, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

dear Jessi Sorry to hear Toqua hasn't been that great today. I hope she's just having an off day. Are you going to see the vet just in case? Thinking of you and Toqua, Sam and Millie

Samantha Geelong australia

I'm feeling the dread right along with you that you must be feeling. Sending love & light to both you and Toqua. How do her gums look?

Jennifer

Hey. Thanks for your kind words. She is holding strong, just seems down. it isn't as bad as the last time she crashed, but her gums are looking quite pale this morning. I am taking her into the today. it's the long weekend and the last I want is for something to happen when the vet in on emergency rates! Also, we are planning to head down to Vancouver for my niece's first bday. My fam is looking so forward to seeing their brave Toqua; they haven't seen her since Xmas. I'll keep you all posted. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Jessi, I will be thinking of you and Toqua. I am glad you are taking her in and I am hoping it is just an off day for her.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

We just got back from the vet. The colouring of her gums and eyes is great. Her heart beat and temperature are perfectly normal. She made me look like a fool again, as she seems to be doing much better than yesterday. My vet didn't find anything to suggest it was merely a down day for her. So, we are still planning to go see the fam this weekend, they are all so anxious to see miss Toqua. I am also relieved that my vet, not Dr. Worst-case, is on call this weekend, so should anything go wrong he is at our beckon call. He was so happy to see Toqua, and to see she is still doing so well. He asked, should she begin to show signs of an anemic episode, what I had decided to do. I asked, should we do nothing other than spend the remaining time we have with her, would she be in any pain? He said unless another tumor is present and is causing discomfort, she will just get tired and go to sleep. No pain. We do have the option to put her back on pred, but like he said, you can put them back on it for the rest of their lives. It just depends on what we want for her. I did not like how she was, at all, when she was on pred. Then, too, when do you draw the line? Of course I want her around for as long as possible, so what do you do? I think putting her on the pred would not be my choice. I think it would be very selfish of me to keep her here longer than she was meant to. For me, and for her, I don't want to draw this out any longer than is necessary. So, we just keep our eyes on her, and if she starts showing signs of being lethargic, we keep her quiet. And wish her well on her journey. Today she is pretty much how she has been for the last month and a half. Tail is wagging, she has eaten, tongue is licking, and the light is back in her eyes. Paranoid mom!! Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend, with your four-leggeds. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

I was anxious to check back, I'm glad to hear it was just an off day and you can go enjoy your weekend. It's amazing how paranoid these illnesses can make you!! I know 'cause I've been there! I'm glad you also had the discussion with your vet on what to do if/when she has another anemic episode. That way you won't be so scared and wondering what to do. You know, I'm kind of with you on not putting her on pred. It makes me sad to think of what it did to Riley. I don't think you'd want to remember her that way. Give Toqua a scratch for me!

Jennifer

Alright Jessi....you made my heart stop for a second when I read the title of this post!!!! I'm so glad it's a false alarm and that Toqua is still going strong! TOQUA...don't be scaring your momma like that!!! and us! You just keep up the good work and continue to amaze us! ((((HUGS)))) Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johnny - I was freaking out when I posted. I was convinced things were starting up again. Wasn't sure what my next post would be. Talk about paranoid. And talk about making my heart stop. I've had two months to prepare for "the end", but every day that she continues to do so well the fear goes further and further into the back of my head. Well, all the emotions came rushing back the other day. I think I am still getting over it. Toqua is doing fine. She isn't much into her food, but we are at the folks'. Fin isn't too into his food either. My folks' live right on a river with tonnes of well fed HUGE grey squirrels. Toqua has always had it out for them. She will try to climb trees to get to them. She just got to chase one. I think that just might have made the three hour truck ride with Fin hogging most of the back seat worth it for her. :) As much as I want to keep her here I just don't feel that putting her back on pred is the right thing to do. You justify putting them on it, but how do you justify when you stop giving it? One week? One month? The summer? My vet was completely supportive of my choice. He told me just how lucky I truly am - the majority of hemangio dogs who go in for surgery, don't make it out of the operating room. Because the cancer doesn't present until the dog is so sick, they don't really stand a chance. Plus, after we got her home from surgery I promised her that when she got too tired it was ok. She could go to sleep and I'd be ok (tear jerker). So, I can't break that promise. Both hounds are sitting at the sliding glass door at the front of the house. They get a lot of foot traffic as the main path to the river runs right alongside the house - lots of people and dogs going by all day. And the dogs are both so tired. Their heads are bobbing as the try to stay awake to make sure they don't miss anything. Oh, too cute. Have a great weekend!! Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Well, what can I say. We are back to the vet today. Toqua has slowed right down over the past two days. Our walk yesterday was so painstakingly slow, take 2 steps, wait for Toq. This morning her belly seems quite swollen. Hoping it is just indigestion, but my fears are that her abdomen is full of fluid. Not sure what, if anything, they will be able to do for her should that be the case. Everything is moving; number 2's are normal. Gums and eyes are bright, and her tail still wags. Had a melt down yesterday. I know "the day" will come sooner than I want, and I can't keep begging for more time with her. It is just so hard. It is hard to think of how "normal" she was a couple days ago, and it is also so hard watching Fin run and bounce around, knowing Toqua should be that way, too. On a good note, though, we were finally able to let the dogs on the newly sodded yard. They thought it was great. I thought they would both run around like yahoos, but they both just wanted to lie and roll around on it. Fin was just smearing himself in the grass. I think they liked it. :) Guess we will wait and see what Dr. Stover has to say this week. Here's hoping Toqua just needs some tums. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Hi Jessi, You said it right, "the day" will come sooner than you want.... Toqua had a great life so far. Take it one day at a time and stay positive. We are NEVER ready to loose them. If you have time to read, try and find the book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" it might make you smile (also a tear or two) It is written from the viewpoint of an old dog. The author is Garth Stein. Best wishes, thinking of you, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

This thread was discussed between 21/05/2010 and 01/06/2010

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