On Labour Day Weekend our daughter and son-in-laws dog became ill suddenly. She was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Fortunately we have Ontario Vet College close by and they performed a miracle and she survived the sudden and aggressive attack. Of course she had been on strong immune suppressants. During the last week she was struggling and they took her back to Guelph. Unfortunately she had developed a leaking hole in her gut. To put her through surgery at this point seemed cruel and they made the decision to let her go. This has been incredibly sad for all of us. We have 2 dogs, one is 16 and we have been blessed to have her with us so long. We know she is healthy and happy now but it is so lonely without her.

Dogs have a way of getting hold of our hearts, don't live long enough, and are family members. It hurts to see them go but they are in a better place not suffering.

Many friends will greet her at the Rainbow Bridge. No more pain.We send our condolences.

So sorry read about your beloved pet. Remember all the good times you were able to share and they are no longer suffering.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. It's never easy losing a beloved pet.

I am sorry for your loss.We had a dog that was diagnosed with AIHA when she was 2. In AIHA, the immune system attacks that dogs body, usually the red blood cells and the dog collapses. Usually the cause is not known, but our dog collapsed after having her immunizations. Although on Frontline at the time, she had developed an allergy to fleas. As a result, we watched immunizations and only gave her those required and tried to stagger them. We also were extremely flea vigilant. As a result, she lived until she was 10 and at that time, her immune system started attacking her spinal cord and we lost her.

A Sad Ending | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

raindove
Explorer
Nov 26, 2014
AIHA strikes fear into my heart. I've had 3 of my own go through it. Seems cockers are more susceptible to it than some breeds. The symptoms always seem to be vague and varied. I've gotten to the point, if ANYTHING seems off, check the gums for a healthy pink color. If gums appear pale, white or greyish - run, don't walk to the vet. We caught two of ours in time to save them, but the third dog was on a low dose of pred for back issues and it apparently was enough to mask his symptoms until it was too late.

It's great that they were able to pull your dog through this.

So very sorry for your loss. It is never easy losing them and each one takes a piece of our hearts with them.
Scottiemom
Nomad
Nov 25, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.

Dale
campn4walleye
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014
Prayers are sent to your family. I know exactly how you're feeling. We had to let our darling go a week ago. Take comfort in the fact that his illness is over and he can rest in peace.

Time will heal your pain but memories last forever.
nabi
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss...being cared for at the OVC is the best ...she would have been treated with the greatest respect.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2014
Sorry - it's almost as hard to lose a grand-dog, as one of your own. Sympathies for your family's loss
skipnchar
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I feel your pain and there is something very tragic about loosing a live long pet. Your dog was lucky to have you to look after it's best interests. I've had a couple of comparable issues to deal with and it is very painful.
Good luck / Skip
portliz
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Thank you everyone for your kind words. IMHA is a horrible disease and a challenge to treat. We know they gave her every chance they could and they did have 3 months with her thanks to the OVC.
dturm
Moderator
Nov 24, 2014
IMHA is a really tough disease to treat. The vets at Guelph did a great job just getting the acute episode under control. Unfortunately, the immunosuppression has side effects and the control is quite difficult to achieve. Our best to you and your family in this difficult time.
agteacher
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I am sorry for your loss.
We had a dog that was diagnosed with AIHA when she was 2. In AIHA, the immune system attacks that dogs body, usually the red blood cells and the dog collapses. Usually the cause is not known, but our dog collapsed after having her immunizations. Although on Frontline at the time, she had developed an allergy to fleas. As a result, we watched immunizations and only gave her those required and tried to stagger them. We also were extremely flea vigilant. As a result, she lived until she was 10 and at that time, her immune system started attacking her spinal cord and we lost her.
xteacher
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. It's never easy losing a beloved pet.