Boxer dying possibly of IMHA

[crwcrw]

Hello
I have a 7.5 year old brindle boxer female spayed who is ill and possibly dying from Auto-immune mediated anemia (IMHA). We were told based on her blood counts that she had very little time to live. Two weeks ago she looked so ill and collasped from exhaustion just walking from one room to another.

Today, She runs, plays outside, goes up and down stairs, eats normal and is no longer lethargic. It is strange. Two weeks ago she was so ill we had to carry her to go outside and up the staircase. Now she looks healthy. Her gums are no longer pale, she eats normal, goes outside on her own, up and down stairs, her eyes are bright and she plays with our other boxer. She looks better now than she did a month ago. Very odd!

I understand with this disease it can take a month or two for a dog to pass. Our vet said it would be days or a week since her counts were so very low. It has been two weeks, and she looks so much better. It is strange. Please know that prior to her diagnosis of this IMHA, they thought she had a bad case of LYME which they gave her anitbiotics for. After the diagnosis we stopped these meds. The vet told us they were not going to help with her IMHA. So rather than force her to take meds with peanut butter we just stopped them.

Has anyone else had and experience with IMHA? What happened to your dog? What was the starting point and of course ending?

I am truly worried but so pleased she looks better. Whatever happens I am just so thankful, I have been allowed to be a part of my dog's life. She is by far the most Godlike creature I have ever met. I will cherish these days, weeks, months or maybe longer with her.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Rocky's-Mom]

I am so sorry to read your post. I found out Jan 10 that my now 8 yrs old male has bone cancer so I know your feelings. Rocky has a tumor on his leg but he is still eating and all wiggles so like yourself enjoy each day we have. Everyone on here has said to cheerish each moment, take lots of picture, give them special treats they normally don't get in other words spoil them rotten and that's exactly what I have done. Everyone says that they will let you know when they are ready to go so. I am sure you will get more people who know about your probelm posting....so hang in there and we will keep you in our thoughts...Rocky & Mom

 

[Donna1969]

I had a similar thing happen with my girl Blizzy..she became very lethargic and her gums, tongue, cheeks etc became a scarey pale white/grey color. I brought her to the vets..they ran some test and told me her clotting time was way way off..I did some research and thought it was IMHA. (She had "crashed" about a month after her yearly vaccines so both the vet and myself thought IMHA was a great possibility) She perked up after some IV fluids and a few days in the hospital. Came home and was acting like nothing was wrong. Brought her to a specialist because they had seen something in the XRay and wanted a better look with the ultrasound. She didn't have IMHA, she had lymphoma. The specialist didn't think it was a bleed because she perked right back without a transfusion. I had 6 wonderful weeks with my girl before I helped her to the Bridge.

I have no experence with IMHA but I am wishing you and your furbaby the best. Cherish each and every second with her, take lots and lots of pictures, do the things she loves to do, give her the foods that are normally a no-no. Love her to pieces..and if/when the time comes she's ready to go, let her go.

Again, sorry to hear your baby isn't well. Sending out some positive and healing vibes to you and her.

 

[Net45582]

Enjoy every moment you have. It was a week ago yesterday I helped my Kiddo cross to the bridge because of lymphoma. If your Boxer baby has perked up without intervention,you may want to get retested or maybe a second opinion...just a thought.

 

[lafsalot]

Sorry that to hear about your furbaby's recent diagnosis. From what I have read, IMHA (secondary) can be caused by any number of things including vaccination, drugs (including those presribed to treat lyme), and toxins or tick borne illnesses. It might be wise to get a second opinion from another well qualified vet. Good luck and do keep us posted ~ Cathy

PS Sorry I missed your intro

 

[Austin's Mom]

I'm really sorry to hear about your baby. ((((hugs))))

 

[KonaKoffe]

I would definitely seek a second and possible third opinion. They can also test (titer) the dog to see if it actually has lyme disease - did the vet do that before he gave medication.

What other tests did the vet(s)run before he/she came to that conclusion. I would be real skeptical with that diagnosis unless they ran a battery of tests to rule out other possibilities - considering the drastic improvement so far.

 

[courtney323]

Hi crwcrw -

Welcome to Boxerworld!

Please take a second to post your Introduction. This is required of all new members, and should have actually been your very first post
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[DannyB]

I would urge a second opinion. If your dog has IMHA that can be managed medically - it isn't necessarily a death sentence. If it isn't IMHA it may be another condition that could be treated.

 

[Britbox]

I am so sorry to hear about your baby...please keep us posted, sending lots of healing vibes her way.