Learn How You Can Help Fellow Dogsters Beat Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia — May 30th Deadline
Thanks to Dogster Lena Malik for barking in about this great cause and Angel Mica’s Crusade to Beat this terrrible disease.
Dear Joy
I am hoping you could read my friend Angel Mica’s latest diary entry in regards to IMHA (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia)
I have lost close dogster pals to this disease and have other good pup pals who currently battle this infliction.
Mica’s family honors her memory with their dedication and hope to raise awareness in others and someday find a cure.
Thank you! sincerely, Lena Malik
Here’s Angel Mica’s post:
hi mates.
many of you have heard i advocate for and am seeking a cure & prevention of a disease that took me, and way, way too many even since i earned my wings by IMHA (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia).a very kind GSD tried to help us last fall- we raced for pals & corrals. he lost a k9 officer pal to IMHA and believes in our quest for a cure. this ONE dog is doing the kind-hearted thing that the rest of you can help with, simply with a click.
because mirra & i have WOOFDAYS in MAY, we will receive a dollar per corral ON my list until the midnight hour of mirra’s 1st woofday, THIS friday 30 MAY. as you see, time is also running short.please help me not only reach 10k in views, which will bring a rainbow star, but bring dogs to my page, in a effort to learn about this disease that often goes too long before it is diagnosed and then, for many it’s too late. there IS NO CURE, and we could use your help.
so many dogs write me about family members they lost to this disease too, or have just been diagnosed. others write to say what they learned actually DID save their lives.. 2 dogsters are among them.
WHEN a dog corrals ALL 3 of us in the family, there is a donation made. the DOLLAR per CORRAL contest ENDS at least where the philanthropic GSD is concerned, on mirra’s woofday at midnight. BUT!while you’re at it, please come wish my baby sister a happy 1st! she’s simply adogable.
WITH blessings and many thanks for your efforts on our behalf, to all those who wrote in their diaries or in groups about me, and those who came by to help in dogperson.
finally, a dog named Takoda also offered a gift, (a stunning piece of art) to be drawn randomly from those who corraled us in MAY. details will be in my diary after the event, or see his now.
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
(Formerly known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or AIHA)
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a condition where the patient’s immune system begins attacking its own red blood cells. What occurs on a microscopic level is that the branch of the immune system that produces antibodies begins to direct them against the patient’s own red blood cells.
The red blood cells become quickly coated with tiny antibody proteins, essentially marking these red blood cells for destruction.
Follow this link to read the rest of the article.
Thank you Lena for helping increase awareness of IHMA, such a devastating disease!
I lost my my best friend Buddie to IHMA 2 years ago this August. He was perfectly healthy beagle boy and once diagnosed, tragically passed away within 24 hours. It was devastating. I do not know anyone else who had dealt with this. What a terribly tragic disease and unless you have dealt with it first hand, it’s hard to understand.
I believe my dog was misdiagnosed within the first couple hours, which is a critical time for dogs diagnosed with IHMA. Then after hours of blood transfusions, he started to hemorrhage in his brain and I opted to euthanize him, I had no choice. More dog owners need to be aware of this disease and be knowledgeable of the warning signs and causes.
Thank you so very much, Beckie
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Lena and Mica for doing all that you can to increase awareness and find a cure for this dreadful disease.
Thanks for posting this important info. Thanks Lena for helping get the word out and Angel Mica, Mirra and their Mom for the work they do to help battle this disease and the great need for canine blood donors. The very least we all can do is corral a dear pal. Grateful woofs to you all.
I am SO SO SO sorry I only joined today - I’ve missed the opportunity to help by a matter of hours.
Our MacKenzie BEAT IMHA in 2001. I did a boatload of reading and was blessed with a wonderful vet who stuck with us and wouldn’t let the disease beat us. It also helped that Mackie was a big fighter. She ended up getting hunting titles, agility national rankings and being a junior handling dog after the disease. She remained on a low dose of pred for the rest of her life, and ate an “allergy” diet. For nearly 2 years I made venison & potato for her with the help of wonderful hunters in our area.
I cannot get to the home page to read the latest word on the disease. Back when, the suspected culprits were allergy, vaccines or tick borne diseases. I still have ALL the medical records, and all of the material I acquired along the way. If any can help some research, please give a yell.
MacKenzie lived to 11 years old, and considering her battle, we were thrilled to have her with us that long. Her kidneys finally failed her on May 11th 2005. We were so very blessed to have those extra four years.
Debbie,
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and it is never too late to make a difference, one more person sharing firsthand knowledge and experience makes us even more aware . And all of you who have shared the trials of IMHA show just how pressing this disease is and that none of us should feel too comfortable although we are responsible and avid pet lovers. I only learned within this past year because of fellow beloved dogsters and am grateful for what we can share and teach one another. I have made a vow to ask Lena Malik’s vet at her next check up and annually if she is fit to be able to donate blood to do so and encourage everyone else to think of what a gift that could be to someone else’s pet.
PS welcome to dogster Debbie, this is a special community, enjoy exploring!