Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Beckster258 · 10-03-2006, 12:38 PM

This is my first time to this site. I recently lost my dog to AIHA and am devastated. She was only 4. Has anyone else had experiences with this?

alundy · 10-03-2006, 03:45 PM

No I haven't but I'm really sorry for your loss. That must have been so hard....

Beckster258 · 10-04-2006, 09:29 AM

Thanks for your post, Alundy.

3dogsplus · 10-05-2006, 07:48 PM

I am sorry for your loss - I know it is difficult.
I have seen many dogs with immune mediated hemolytic anemia and it can be a truely devistating disease. Unfortunately, it is most common in middle aged (yes, 4 years old is middle aged) female dogs. Even with very aggressive therapy to try and stop the destruction of the red cells, the survival rate is only 50%. I have seen dogs hospitalized and treated for weeks only to succumb to the disease. In most cases the causing factor is not discovered. It is thought that something the dog came in contact with (medication, bacterial or viral infection, vaccinations) caused the dog's immune system to no longer recognize it's red cells as it's own so starts destroying them.

Beckster258 · 10-06-2006, 09:14 AM

Thanks for your reply, 3dogsplus! You certainly do know alot about it. How did you learn all this? My dog was a little short haired jack russell named Lucy. You're right, the vet doens't know what caused it and it hit her within a day. Her PCV count was down to 8 (yes, in 24 hours....) and a normal dog should be between 35 and 60. They did present me with the option of multiple blood transfusions and lots of medications probably for the rest of her life, but they said her chances were only about 25%. I didn't want to give up on her, but I also didn't want her suffering, weak in a hospital somewhere for weeks wondering where I was. Especially if she did pass a blood clot and die, I didn't want her to be there without me in a strange place when that happened, so I made the decision to put her down. At first I didn't know if it was the right decision, but now, 7 weeks later, think I did the right thing.

alundy · 10-06-2006, 10:42 AM

I am sure you did the right thing. There is a little selfish part of us that wants to do 'whatever it takes' to prolong a dog's life beyond what is reasonable, but we have to ask if it really benefits the dog at all in the end. It's good Lucy did not have to suffer.

Do you have any thoughts of getting a new puppy?

Beckster258 · 10-06-2006, 12:46 PM

You're exactly right. This was the first time I've ever had to make that decision, and I had to force myself to NOT think about me, and think about Lucy instead.

Yes, I'm starting to want another one. I've NEVER not had a dog. I'd take another Jack Russell in a minute. It is best for me to wait until the spring, though, because this is my busy season at work and I wouldn't be able to be home enough, in my opinion, until after it is over. My fiance is OK with me getting another one, I just want to have the time I need to devot to a puppy. The spring is just SO FAR AWAY!!!

I'm just not sure if I want another one to make me feel better, or if I want another one to have another one, ya know? I can't believe what a hard time I'm still having. I know it has only been 7 weeks, but honestly, it feels like 7 MONTHS. I'm tired of being sad......any suggestions?