Sunny

[maura]

Hi Everyone
Yesterday Sunny’s PVc was 18. Today she is even more tired. Even less interested in food, ice cubes or moving. Is she suffering or just tired? I know she must be confused.
I am staying positive around her-I know she is a sensitive soul so I am taking all of your advices.
If she left transfusion at 25 last week and now is 17 , is it likely her numbers will suddenly go higher.
TTYS
Love
Maura and Sunny

[admin]

Well, I suppose that depends on how we define suffering…. but I think most of us here think that they are not in pain with AIHA. She is therefore only suffering in the sense of being incredibly tired. And yes she will be bewildered. But your love for her will support her. It is very unlikely that she is suffering in the sense of pain.
I don’t know where you live, but if the outside temperature is high, she will really feel it, and be unbelievably lethargic. Does she look any better when it gets cooler at night?

I would be interested to see what the others think, but as I understand it, I don’t think the numbers will go up until she starts to regenerate. You would have to see an increase in reticulocytes first, and that would be followed after a little while by an increase in red blood cells.

Keep sending her the positive vibes
Thinking of you all

Lynda
x

[Brigitte]

Hi Maure,
I am not an expert when it comes to transfusions. My dog had only one and unfortunately a few days later he died. if I would have to go through this again I would have some questions for my vet. I want to pass this on to you so maybe you can ask the vet before it comes to a third transfusion for Sunny.
I know that that first transfusion is “free” it has not necessarily to be matched. Usually there are no big issues about dogs reacting to it. I think Sunny was fine with the first one? Then the body builds resistance to that foreign blood and is ready to fight when the second transfusion happens. This happened to Sunny? I am not sure if I get all the science right on that but this s how I understand it. if you are looking at a third transfusion I would make sure you get the best possible blood for Sunny. Did the last one come from a donor at the clinic? How much do you know about this dog? Does it get yearly immunizations? If at all possible I would gt the blood from hemopet, a bloodbank in California. I have no idea how the cost compares to if you get it from a donor dog in your area. Hemopet is a non profit organization. If you would get it from hemopet you would know that it is the best possible blood, checked from absolutely healthy dogs. If that is not possible I would ask questions and be sure the blood is matched.
Hang in there, best wishes,
Brigitte

[maura]

Brigitte,
The vet says first she has to cross-match Sunny before transfusions. I know little about the science. I know Sunny had a tough time breathing with the second one. I was there with her till visiting hours ended and it was just a really tough time for Sunny ( i know she suffered). I believe she is at least mentally suffering now. I feel in anguish over the decision. I can’t eat or sleep but I am keeping up a strong front in front of Sunny and my daughter. But the situation feels so much like it comes down to my choice. The hemopet would have to send us the blood? The finances were not what i ever wanted to be a consideration but they are sort of creeping in as the reality of this situation.
I did not read grief and loss stories for reasons my heart can’t yet think. I am sorry you lost your pup to this horrible disease. Just doesn’t seem fair and it must make us feel robbed of time.
but it is what it is and i have a big decision to make.
Love ,
maura and Sunny

[maura]

Lynda and all,
I turned up the air conditioning for Sunny. You are right she is not in pain. I feel fortunate for knowing that. Thanks for the continued support. I apologize for constantly writing. I must seem like I’ve lost it.
Love,
maura and Sunny

[admin]

Oh Maura, please don’t feel you need apologise for writing. That is what we are here for and why we do this. I remember so vividly being in the position you are. I think we all do. It is a terrifying place to be, and yes, eating and sleeping are almost impossible at times. However, it is vital to look after yourself too, given that you are looking after Jill and Sunny. It’s like when you are on a plane, and they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first. There is a good reason for this.

It is very hard to know if they are suffering, but as has been said, it is not a painful condition and she is in her favourite place with her favourite people, which is a blessing. I did eventually feel Molly was likely to suffer if she went through any more, but the decision I made took time, and was something I felt, rather than thought. I never thought I would know when enough was enough, but I did. No-one can tell you what to do, but I believe that until you feel deep in your heart that it is time to stop, then it is not time. You are not mad or cracking up. You are a caring, loving person who is desperately trying to find the answer to what is an unbelievably emotional and challenging situation. Whatever you decide will be the right decision. I have no doubt about that.

I understand the difficulty with the financial side too. This is an expensive time and that is an added pressure, however much we want to avoid the reality of it.

Lynda is quite right, that you are unlikely to see a rise in PCV unless she becomes regenerative, and starts to produce reticulocytes. These take a few days to mature to red blood cells, which is when the PCV would start to go up.

Sending loads of love to you, Jilly and of course, little Sunny. Fingers, toes and paws crossed over here for some good news very soon.

Mary & Mable x

[Patrice]

Maura,
That is why we are all here, so you are never alone. We know all too well how it feels to try to do this alone. All your questions are valid and all your fears are taken seriously. For each of us, it is like reliving our own experiences.
my best
patrice

[admin]

My dear Maura

Don’t stop writing – we all care deeply about you & Sunny. Everyone here has been hit like a sledgehammer with this disease & it hurts. If or when another transfusion is needed, we will give you all the information you & your vet will need & I would urge you to use Hemopet too. I saw a program on TV about a poodle in the UK who had 15 small transfusions before he recovered, but this is exceptional – the most I’ve ever heard of. It seems so unfair that some dogs respond quickly to the drugs & others don’t – this must be frustrating you greatly and there is no way to predict how quickly Sunny will respond.

We are all here to help & we don’t care how many questions you ask. We are here because this happened to our pets, maybe in slightly different scenarios, but you can be sure everyone will always support you.

I hope Sunny is more comfortable in the cool air. The heat affects them so badly. Keeping positive is the best thing you can do – our babies do pick up the vibes for sure.

Sending love & hugs, Sheena xxxx