My dog is sick!

[dojoboy]

My wonderful dog has developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia. She crashed over the weekend, not eating and vomiting each time she drank water. At first, I figured nothing out of the ordinary, but it lasted too long. I really became worried, feeling something bad was up.

Hannah is 13 years old. I got her while I was in the Peace Corps in Nevis (West Indies) - born Feb. 8, 1992. I know she isn't the most beautiful animal, but she is truely the sweetest dog ever. I guess you have to be when you're ugly.

Her brother, Popple, developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia when he was still young, and he is still going strong, outside of a couple relapses within the last 10 years. He belongs to a friend, fellow PCV.

My vet did stress that with Hannah's age, the treatment could cause other issues. But, her blood work, in regards to her organs, looks very good.

Man, this really has me down. I know there are much more important things in the world - like people dying - but this really sucks. What a great dog!

[SlowwHand]

Bad deal. I have more use for animals than I do most people.
Here's hoping for a complete recovery.

[Wezil]

Sorry to hear. Pet lovers can relate.

How sick is she?

edit: You mentioned treatment and I am unfamiliar with her condition...

[JohnT]

Poor dog.

Hope she gets better!

[dojoboy]

Originally posted by Wezil
Sorry to hear. Pet lovers can relate.

How sick is she?

edit: You mentioned treatment and I am unfamiliar with her condition...

Thanks Wezil. She is very lethargic and shaky. Usually, she is very energetic, loves running. The condition is where the body attacks its own red blood cells. Prednisone (steroid) can be all that is needed once she is stabilized. My worry is how her age may affect getting the autoimmune hemolytic anemia under control.

[ajbera]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Bad deal. I have more use for animals than I do most people.
Here's hoping for a complete recovery.

I second this sentiment. Hannah is in my thoughts and extremely infrequent prayers (more like "If You're up there, kindly help out so-and-so.")

[Wezil]

Lethargic and shaky is rarely good in an animal...

Best of luck, she looks like a sweet dog.

[Pyrodrew]

She doesn't look ugly, I've seen far more ugly dogs than that.

My dogs never made it past 7yrs , so be glad for the 13 and be there for her now. Best of luck.

[Ninot]

That's one lovely looking dog.

Sorry to hear. Hopefully she gets better somehow.

[Pekka]

I'd rather have a stupid person dead than a lovely dog sick.. here's hoping everything goes well

[dojoboy]

Update. Hannah is doing great. Her packed red blood cell count is up to 40, normal the vet said this morning. She is back to barking at the mailman, sunbathing, etc. Whew! Now, it's a matter of maintenance, bringing her off the steroid without crashing again.

Pic is of Hannah chowing during her recovery.

[Az]

[Mrs. Tuberski]

Good news Glad to hear the pup is ok. I lost my dog after i had here for 11 years and i cant bring my self to get another dog. But my dog died of cancer i was told and there was nothing we could do

[ajbera]

[Bkeela]

A beloved pet is just as important as a human. (In some situations, I think there are animals that are MORE important than humans.)

It took me about two years to get over the death of my dog in 1998.