AIHA vs. Molly

[Mary-Jane]

Hello everyone.

I’m Mary, and I went through the AIHA nightmare with my girl, Molly, in December 2013. Molly had a rare form of non-regenerative AIHA which attacked the reticulocytes in her bone marrow.

Molly was slightly different to the usual “clientele” here, because Molly was a cat. She was generally healthy, although had suffered more than her fair share of health problems, many of which were immunological in nature. I’ll never know what kicked off her IMHA. I had stopped vaccinating her two years previously.

She spent 2 weeks in a specialist veterinary hospital, receiving oxyglobin and blood transfusions, prednisolone and chlorambucil. She did not become regenerative and I brought her home.

Whilst Molly compensated for her anaemia relatively well, she became very sick very quickly. Two days after she came home, I knew she’d had enough, and for her, it would have been wrong to continue.
I made most devastating decision of my life and had her euthanized at home the same day. She was 6 years old, and my little soul mate.

Despite the agony of this time, I was extremely fortunate to have been put in touch with Sheena, who has been unbelievably helpful, informative and supportive, both during and after
Molly’s illness.

I would like to think that in some small way, I may be able to “pay it forward” and support others who are embarking on a trip on this emotional rollercoaster. For Molly, it wasn’t right to continue, but Sheena taught me that there is hope for many animals with this dreadful disease.

Thank you to Sheena and all who have created this site. It will help so many.

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[admin]

Hi Mary-Jane

I am so pleased you have joined us! A big welcome to you. I can take no credit for creating this site – it is our wonderful Patrice who has made this possible. You know how sorry I am about your sweet girl Molly from our private e-mails. This disease is devastating & affects us all deeply, dog or cat. I know IMHA is incredibly rare, even more so in cats & I was so sad that Molly did not respond well to treatment. The pathology is different in cats from dogs, but as Patrice says, we can learn & can hopefully help other cat owners too. I know you have a very knowledgeable medical background in nursing & appreciate your taking the time to join us. Hoping your little Mable is not missing her sister quite so much now.  We all understand it takes a long time to get over the loss of a much loved pet, if you ever really do.

Lots of love from your friends Worzel & Ollie (& me of course!)

[Patrice]

Dear Mary Jane

I am so glad you have come to this website. I am, however, sad about the reason you are with us. I will think about Molly today.

You and I are a pair in some ways. My dog Chance had the same condition as Molly and it was a very difficult treatment. There was a time after we had been treating him for quite a while that I thought we would need to compassionately euthanize him. I was able, with Dr. Dodds help, to help him recover. But it took significant effort and my medical knowledge to accomplish it.

Mary Jane, I have come across information, when I was studying, about these hematology diseases in cats. I have read enough to know that the presentation is a bit different in cats, such that at the time, I didn’t want to get sidetracked. But now, as we start this site, I want to see if we can also serve owners with cats as well. I don’t think there are many resources for them. I have a veterinary textbook and probably can find information that we need when it is necessary.

If you would agree, I would like you to be a part of our team and be our lead person for helping other cat owners. Sometimes the most important thing that owners need to hear is “I know the pain you are feeling and you belong here.”

my best, patrice

[Joe Palmer]

Hi Mary Jane,

 

I am so sorry for your loss.  The disease is horrible and devastating.  My pup, Dunes, did survived 5 years but never quite kicked the disease.  Most of those years she did not know she was sick.

 

However, when you lose them it is so hard.  I did the same thing for Dunes in late October 2013.  My heart still beaks and aches for her.  I still cry.  It is a process.  I hope you will feel better.  I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Joe

[Vally]

Hi Mary-Jane

I’m so very sorry that you’ve lost your Molly. It’s such a horrible disease in that it hits so suddenly and aggressively and unfortunately so very often the disease wins the battle.

I  think you’re just absolutely fabulous to come here and offer to support others.

My very best

Vally (& Bingo)

[Mary-Jane]

Hi Joe, Vally, Patrice and Sheena

Thank you so much for all your lovely replies. I would love to join you and try to help other cat owners, and dog owners too of course, if possible. I struggled to find any information at all about non-regenerative IMHA in cats. I am sure that others, like me, will greatly value a site which will help them find this information.

 

Joe – I am so sorry to hear about Dunes. I completely understand how hard it is and it certainly takes time. It is a cruel disease with so many unknowns.

 

Thank you all again for your welcomes. I look forward to joining your wonderful site

 

Mary

• This reply was modified 10 years, 8 months ago by admin.

[Linda]

Hello Mary. I am so sorry to read about your precious little Molly. I know you are devastated. I send huge consoling hugs – so very sorry the loss of your little fur girl.

AIHA is the most gripping and emotional of canine illnesses I have heard of ever. At the onset and even during ‘treatment’ – the sense of helplessness is overwhelming and the questioning of exactly what to do is exhausting. You will be a tremendous help with your background, AIHA experience and empathy dealing with this horrid disease with Molly. You are an asset to this forum and I am so very glad you are joining us.

Much love, Linda

[admin]

Hi Linda

Thank you so much for your warm welcome and kind words. I am very much learning the ropes and am working on Molly’s story but I feel really excited about having the opportunity to reach out to people and hopefully support them through such a difficult time.

Mary (and Mable x)