any Dog owners with IMHA expieriences?? Please

[aldochina]

My 6.5 year old bullmastiff was just diagnosed with IMHA, a form of anemia. I have been reading all I can find on it, and it doesnt sound good. Treatment seams very intensive, very expensive, and long term, with a very high mortality rate regaurdless:cry: Very torn here, as obviously I love my pooch, but he is in his senior years for his breed, and I am just a blue collar dude with a young family and hefty bills:(
He never responded well to steroids even in small doses for his allergies, so i am fearful of what heavy prolonged doses would do to him. Time for tough decisions to be made as from what I understand this disease is aggressive and fast moving!! Wondering if anyone has any first hand info on their expierience!
http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/aldochina/DSCN1738_zps120ebd05.jpg (http://s674.photobucket.com/user/aldochina/media/DSCN1738_zps120ebd05.jpg.html)
http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/aldochina/DSCN1240.jpg (http://s674.photobucket.com/user/aldochina/media/DSCN1240.jpg.html)

[MRSOUND]

Talked to a coworker who does extensive work with a golden retriever rescue. She said there is foundations out there that will assist with vet bills if you fit the criteria. I have no idea what that criteria may be but can't hurt to explore those options. Here's a link to a list of some the foundations. http://www.warreneckstein.com/g/Groups-Providing-Financial-Assistance-For-Veterinary-Bills/299.html My understanding there are many more out there. Just got to find them. May be one out there specific to your breed?

[atc007]

I am ONLY posting this because I sense the tone in your post ,,I THINK,,cuz after all this is the internet lol. I'm so sorry Cory. He is obviously a huge part of your family. But we've sort of been through this before on the forum. QUALITY of life :). MAYBE you can extend HIS life,,but at what expense? You don't want him to needlessly suffer a bunch of medical treatments. Either way,my hearts with you. Amazing how HUGE of a part of our lives these awesome critters become :) :) Good luck however you proceed. I hope things work out well.

[trizilla]

i have no expeirence with the disease Rory, but i understand what you are going through. just a few short months ago we lost our beloved Dogue De Bordeaux Daisy. wish i could fix it from here for you and your family. we ultimately had to make the dreaded decision to end her suffering. hasnt been easy but i try to focus on how fortunate my family is to be able to call her ours. i wish you the best of luck through this difficult time.


here's a pic of our only red haired child

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and here's a pic of our big boy Butch, and his new brother Bartholomew Sampson, Sampson for short.lol

184425

[jays375]

Man I myself am getting closer to being in your position and it sucks.Will know more in a few weeks.I've been in a really fowl mood.Have had my faithful pooch for 14 years.Mother abandoned her when a puppy.Goes everywhere and does everything.Never had kids so basically it is my kid.The vet didn't seem to concerned.Wouldn't be so bad if she was in poor health and moped around.Her arthritis has kicked it up a notch.Doesn't help she might be a little over active.Past few years I have said hope that decision never comes.Right now you have to believe in your vet.You really have to look at quality of life.Feel for you on this one.

[jeffatc250r]

Bummer, unless your loaded, theres no real affordable options. Hang onto him until he becomes miserable. Treat him to a few steak dinners and a lot of pats.
I feel for ya, puttin down a dog is harder than a human sometimes.

[Dirtcrasher]

Rory, I'm a huge animal lover, animals are harmless and sometimes even harder to deal with their death than a death of a family or extended family member.

IDK how much longer he can live, but I'd do my own research as much as possible and give him even more love than you do now. I'm sure he gets plenty now as it is!!!!

Take care bud!

[aldochina]

thanks to those who replied! Kind words appreciated. Unfortunately we are going to have him laid to rest tomorow. He very rapidly deteriorated to the point were he cant get up. He is still eating and drinking, but I have to help him to his feet, and he just cant walk anymore. He was walking pretty good just 2 days ago! had to cary him outside the last few times to pee!

I have been trying to figure a way to get a hole dug! Was gonna burn a bunch of pallets, but someone suggested a propane torch would make fairly quick work of it. Sucks for sure!

[atc007]

I;m sorry for you guys,but glad for him. He will RIP,hopefully your boys can come to grips he's better off too. So sorry for you guys Cory.

[czac]

I am ONLY posting this because I sense the tone in your post ,,I THINK,,cuz after all this is the internet lol. I'm so sorry Cory. He is obviously a huge part of your family. But we've sort of been through this before on the forum. QUALITY of life :). MAYBE you can extend HIS life,,but at what expense? You don't want him to needlessly suffer a bunch of medical treatments. Either way,my hearts with you. Amazing how HUGE of a part of our lives these awesome critters become :) :) Good luck however you proceed. I hope things work out well.

I agree with atc007 100%.