The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

There is one more test due to come in but the vet is rather sure Annie has IMHA. Her blood tests from yesterday (20) dropped lower this morning (17) but - the good news - is she is already producing some red cells and her number tonight showed an increase (22) - slight but going in the right direction. The vet (who had her own dog with IMHA and so has both medical and first hand experience) started her on prednisone. Since she wasn't eating I ran to the market and got some nice beef and made her favorite hamburgers and she actually ate about half of one for dinner. With her meds it's important to keep something in her stomach. She is acting so normal if you saw her you'd never know she's sick let alone with something so serious.

So please let me echo what Dawn (thank you SO much for your support and knowledge!) and anyone else dealing with this disease has said - IF YOU THINK YOUR DOG ISN'T RIGHT - GET THEM CHECKED! The vet told me (as many others have said) time is of the essence. The vet said we could not have found it sooner. Annie had a check up on last Saturday and everything was okay. Not even two days later this had cropped up. I hate to think what would/could have happened if I sat around saying "well she was okay Saturday so how serious can this be?". As far as doing the right things to prevent this from happening so not having to worry - Annie came from a good breeder, there is no history of this disease anywhere in her family on both sides, we titer instead of over-vaccinating, she gets all the right food, etc. etc. and yet here we are.

Please keep your prayers coming.

Vickie, many, many prayers for your and Annie both

My prayers are with you, I pmed you.

Many prayers good thoughts and hugs for Annie on the way

I'm so glad you caught this in its very beginning. It also sounds like your vet will be a huge help. I know you and Bob will do the very best for her. Love to you, Vickie!

I am so so sorry that Annie is going through this. My prayers, support and good thoughts with you and Annie. Hope her blood levels start creeping up and she gets her appettite back. My heart was sad about Holly today and a decision I might need to make and then I read about Annie and it just saddens me. Many love nd kisses for that girl.

Prayers on the way and Moose is aware

Dang - I'm sorry to read this. I was hoping she just had a bit of an upset tummy.

Your clues were just that she wasn't eating and seemed a bit "off"? Had her gums begin to lose color? This is so concerning, as I know my husband would talk me into waiting for a few days before I ran to the vet. To think you've done all we know to prevent your pups from suffering from this disease. Sometimes there are just powers above, aren't there?

You know Annie and all of you are held in my prayers and I'm sending positive thoughts.

Thank you for sharing. Annie is blessed to have you and Bob for her "parents." I look forward to reading of her improvement.

Prayers coming from here.

Keeping little Annie in my prayers.

So sorry to read this... prayers coming your way.

Vickie, big prayers and positive thoughts for Annie, Bob, and yourself. So glad that you took her to the vet QUICKLY!! Dawn is so right, it is a roller coaster ride, but we are looking forward to hearing about continued improvements!! (big or tiny ones) Parker wants me to tell Annie to keep eating and taking your medicine!! He wants her to know that he even had a poodle leg for a while!!

She hadn't been eating for several consecutive meals. Normally she gets fussy and skips a meal but will eat the next one. She's also been halting when we walk the pack. Usually after a few urges, she'll get moving again. Results of Saturday's yearly scheduled exam were all normal except she was slightly anemic. I mentioned that there was a change in the color of her feces (more tan) but whatever fecal exam done showed nothing abnormal. By Monday I was noticing that her lips and gums had gotten a lighter color so when Vickie called me at work on Tuesday that we had to take Annie to the vet... no arguments here.
We love our fur kids.

Thanks for the further explanation. Well, you know the power of prayers and there certainly are a lot for little Annie. {{{HUGS}}} to all of you.

MJ--I will happy to educate your husband if he tells you to wait! Mia nearly died the first time we battled IMHA because I thought I was over-reacting. The only reason she lived as long as she did the second time was because I went straight to the vet and practically demanded to be seen immediately.

IMHA is pure evil--it strikes quickly and without warning. A colleague at work shared that her daughter's poodle was fine in the morning and 12 hours later passed away at the vet's office from IMHA.

Vickie--Many, many,many prayers from my family to Annie and for your family.

I so hate reading this update but I know Annie is lucky to have a mom who doesn't waste time and will do everything that needs to be done. Annie is in GREAT hands with her mom and DAD.

I will keep Annie in my prayers.

Prayers coming nonstop from SE Wisconsin . . . ."Annie"

debbierg

Sending prayers over!

Like others I was hoping that it was just a temporary upset. Sorry to hear that it is that awful disease. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

Prayers for Annie! Good call on the hamburgers, we did a similar thing with Penny and steak (the vet surgery though we were mad) if she stops eating again the vets may have a high calorie, invalid dog food which is brilliant for getting their strength up and is alkaline to help balance their acidic stomachs. With a dog who is three years in remission from this diesase my heart goes with you. Annie is lucky to have an owner who is so on the ball!

you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all keeps going in the right direction.