Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Vet Visit/Darcy

The holistic vet came out this afternoon and gave Darcy two B12 shots. She added a vial of Chinese royal jelly to her regime of supplements. She shook her head, as she always does whenever she looks at Darcy's gums and tongue. She told me that she didn't have long and that whenever she starts just sitting and gasping for air that will be a sign that she no longer has any quality of life. This same vet told me over three weeks ago that Darcy had maybe two weeks left. When the vet arrived today, Darcy greeted her and made to jump up on her, but she pushed her aside as she always does. This really pissed me off. My poor baby is sick and weak and I'm thrilled whenever she greets me like that. Oh well, I digress. Darcy did eat most of her chicken tonight and took her supplements. Later, I shared my dinner of scrambled eggs with her. She is off a lot of her food, but still eating some good things. Also, she goes in and out to potty and drinks water. She's not falling around, but I can tell that she's weak because all she wants to do is lay around. I wish she could tell me how she feels and what I should do. She just rolls those big brown eyes at me and I feel like she wants to fight this d--- thing. I don't want her to suffer. As long as she is still eating and walking around okay, I'll fight tooth and nail for her. I wish I could do more for her, but all I can do is what I've been doing, which includes lots of prayers. It just hurts so much and I'm already missing her. Forgive me for going on so, but I'm feeling so sad right now.

Karen NC

Karen, I am so sorry. I probably would have told my vet how ticked that made me, I can't imagine! Give Darcy a big hug and kiss and hold her close. You are in my thoughts. Amy

amy texas

Don't overly worry if Darcy sits around and sounds like she is gasping (unless she gasping really hard). Tessy did the same thing for the first week she was home often on and now she's getting better. Keep feeding her good food and keep with the meds. Things will hopefully get better with time. Hold in there and be strong. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny and Tessy

Jonathan

man that vet pisses me off!!! the main thing i wanted to get across though, before i go off on a tangent about your inconsiderate vet, is that...dont overly put too much stock into the coloration of the gums and etc... for someone to look at the gums/tongue and from that give a prognosis of how 'long they have left' ...im sorry, but that is almost laughable to me. sways gums/ears for the most part have NEVVVER been red or flushed at any time, they tend to remain very light red at best and sometimes white and light greyish- in my experience, this does not reflect the high or low of her specific numbers... sway has been high 20's (which is great for her) and still have white gums etc. my point is, if a vet would have given sway a life expectancy diagnosis off of strictly her gum color or breathing pattern at any given time, well hell..she would have been dead in 2007. you are going to do right by darcy, that vet is pretty rediculous imo.

josh california

Karen, Hugs to you and Darcy. As long as Darcy is eating and drinking, she wants to fight. She will let you know if it is too much for her. As for the Vet, well I would question any Vet who doesn't welcome an enthusiastic greeting from a dog. I would think that is what Vets live for, but maybe that's just me. You and Darcy are in our prayers, Julie

Julie IL

^^^exactly, how can she just brush off an excited greeting from a 'sick' dog? thats truly a compassion gauge right there...

josh california

Karen, Nothing to add, just that we love you guys, and our truly hoping for the best as always. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Karen -- It just seems incomprehensible that any vet worth a damn would behave as this vet has when she knows what you and Darcy have been through. I wonder if this vet is behaving his way, because she's already given a grave prognosis and Darcy is proving her wrong. If this vet had any professionalism, honor, compassion, she would be glad to admit that she was wrong and that Darcy, with your love and help, was fighting a good fight. Please take care and love that beagle girl as much as you can, which is never enough for beagles. They are such love sponges! But they also are merry little hounds, and that description seems to fight your sweet Darcy to a T!

Brenda VA

Karen, I'm always amazed by your posts...you have so much love and compassion for this little beagle. Know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon

Sharon CT

Karen, dealiing with this illness in our pets is taxing enough without having to cope with inconsiderate behaviour from our vet. It sounds to me like you are doing everything you can for your girl so just keep on going. Could you possibly find a different vet in your area? Maybe someone with a better bedside manner? Take care. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Karen, That is pathetic behavior by your Vet. This disease is hard enough without a Doctor Doom being part of the treatment. Yes we are all realistic about how serious things are but when a dog is still exhibiting the signs that Darcy is I can't believe she would say the things she is saying. I think Darcy is telling you what she wants you to do and you are doing it by giving her every chance to beat this. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Thanks, you guys, for your great comments and encouragement. Darcy is actually acting like she feels much better today. She got in bed with me this morning, something she hasn't done in ages, and she ate a good breakfast and took her supplements. I'm just so thankful. About the vet. I think a lot of vets are like weather forecasters. They like to predict the worst scenario possible. I still can't understand her lack of affection for Darcy. She always makes over my cat, but not my dog. She is a very cold, strictly professional type person. I have gone through two vets already -- the psycho internal specialist who went into a rage when we ordered blood from Dr. Dodds and our old vet who accused me of making Darcy suffer by prolonging her life. This one seems mild in comparison to those two. Josh, thanks for reminding me that I shouldn't go by the way the gums and tongue look. From now on, I'm going by faith, not sight. Keeping all of you and your babies in my prayers, Karen

Karen NC

That is great news Karen. Darcy has a good Mom and she knows you are there for her. As far as the vet goes....well, I'ld be pretty pissed off about the whole glim prognosis your vet gave Darcy. I left my original vet because they recommended to maybe put Tessy down instead of givinh her a transfusion. I just can not see how doctors can act like this. It really disgusts me. If a doctor pushed my Tessy away like that I wouldn't be able to say what I'ld do. Keep hanging in there and give Darcy all the love she can handle. Cherish every moment you have with her and let her know how important she is to you and everything will hopefully get better. Tessy sends wags her way and I pray for a full recovery. You and Darcy are in our hearts. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Karen, Wanted to let you know that Darcy's name crosses my mind several times a day. I ask the Lord to heal her and restore her. Give her a huge hug for us! SUE

Susie Delaware

Thanks Johnny and Susie. My thoughts and prayers are with you also. Prayer does make a difference.

Karen NC

Karen, I too am totally put off by the way that vet greets Darcy. She sounds like such a jerk!! I agree with you to follow your instinct and faith and not her pessimistic attitude. I'm sure she has some good qualities too or you wouldn't use her but I never...... Sorry I know you don't need to hear me rant on and on. I would have put Alex to sleep in October had I listened to my vet and he is surviving wonderfully today. Just hang in there as you never know what the next day will bring..... You and Darcy are in our thoughts - and we wish you both only the very very best!! Chris Alex

Chris Pa

This thread was discussed between 10/03/2009 and 11/03/2009

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