Scruffy

[admin]

Hi Julie.  I am so sorry to read about your precious Scruffy.  Thank you for sharing and sending his pictures – what an adorable little guy.  If I may ride on Vally’s coat tail on her loving comments – ditto from me.

I think it’s very valuable for readers to see your post.  The costs involved in keeping a pet well is staggering enough, but when dealing with an ‘unknown’ illness – it’s just devastating financially.  And we are at the mercy of the vets because, like you, I was the infamous deer in the head lights – had never, ever, heard of AIHA/IMHA.  I think I can readily say, that was all of us here.

Had I not found VetNet at the onset of Sadie’s diagnosis, she would most certainly, not be here today.  When VetNet shut down, I totally panicked.  And then, thank goodness Patrice started this forum.  I am thankful every day for her unselfish diligence and devotion in helping all in need while dealing with their pet’s AIHA/IMHA.

Do you have any idea what triggered Scruffy’s IMHA?  Vaccine?  Flea/Tick mediation?

I am so glad you posted Scuffy’s story.  I know it’s still hard to deal with it all.  I think the we all, after what we have been through, no longer feel obligated to accept all advice from our vets without questioning what we don’t understand and/or agree.

I am happy to hear you have three more dogs!  I, for one, adore pit bulls.  They are incredible dogs.  I am sure all three are wonderful pups and YOU are undoubtedly a loving and equally wonderful fur mom!  :)

Sending our love and a very huge thank you for posting, Linda and Sadie

 

[Julie]

Hi Linda and Sadie,  I am starting to write the story of Scruffy and will be sending it to Patrice as soon as I have it finished.  It will be a help to someone even if it highlights how you can get lost when vet information is so inconsistent.

I don’t know what triggered it but I it was not vaccines or flea treatment.   On the pathology report they wondered if there was  Sertoli cell tumour.  I never knew what they meant and it wasn’t discussed with me.  I only found out later when I requested copies of all tests.

They also suggested a bone marrow aspirate.  This was also never discussed with me.

What may have triggered it was leaving him home with my daughter whilst I went away for a week on a holiday.  Stress maybe?  Also he took a bite out of a toadstool.  Surely that wouldn’t have caused it.

I will never know.  But sometimes he was reluctant to go for a walk.  Was this a sign of something?.  He passed his health check and also was desexed at 5 months with no apparent problems.  I guess this is the mystery of IMHA not knowing what the trigger was.  I was told he may have had cancer but I now know he had non regenerative IMHA and they don’t see that often.   The vets told me that it was highly unusual not to regenerative but I have seen it often on the forum.

[Julie]

I just looked up Steroli cell tumour and that can be ruled out.  He was desexed.  I got copies of everything and will use these reports in his story.

[Lynda]

Hi Julie – thanks for sharing your story of Scruffy.   It is so ghastly seeing them with this horrible illness.  Like you,  we fought Honey’s IMHA through several transfusions, but lost the awful battle in the end.  We are still completely heartbroken.  Honey, like your Scruffy, holds a special place in our hearts.

I’m so glad you find this site;   people here have been so supportive and lovely.  I concur with everyone else who has posted;  you did all you could.

Yes, do add your story to the Bridge.  Patrice set up a Bridge commemoration for Honey, which I then added to – it was such a beautiful thing to do.  It would be a lovely tribute to Scruffy.

Take care – I’m glad you have some other dogs.

 

Lynda, Consuelo (and Dora and the very naughty new girl, Shona, who chews everything!!)

[admin]

Oh Julie, bless you.  I am so glad you’re writing in honor of your precious Scruffy.  His story will most certainly help others.   Thank you.

Lynda, I think of you, Consuelo and Honey all the time.  I hope you’re doing okay and Dora and Shona are well.  Please update a pic when possible.

Love, Linda and Sadie

[Ruth]

I’m so sorry about Scruffy. He was beautiful! It is so hard when you have to rely on ‘experts’ for advice. I’m so glad you have a good vet now and some lovely dogs in your life. This site has been amazing!! Xxxxxxx

[admin]

Hi Julie

I’m so sorry to hear about your little cat too. You’ve really been through so much and I know how much it hurts. I was also told not to look on the internet. To some extent, I agree with vets about this, because some sources of information are not accurate. However, there is great information out there (thankfully) so I hope that in time, vets will be able to direct people to reliable sources.

Much love, Mary & Mable x