Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia diagnosis today

[DKim81]

I took him today and his vet bill was $830.. my entire bank account. I'm a student applying for med school and won't have any income this coming year or the next 5 years for that matter so it will be extremely hard. My parents do not understand and are not willing to help me out.. it looks like his treatments will keep me occupied financially but I don't think i can do it..

The doctor said he will most likely have to live with this his entire life and possibly be on medication forever.. I would hate to do that to him and honestly can't see myself paying for it through med school, residency etc..


What should I do??

 

[Barb04]

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I don't know what to say but look deep inside your heart and know that whatever decision you make, we are here for you.

 

[Renee750il]

What will his quality of life be on the meds? That's the real question; that, and is he ready to give up . . .

 

[bubbatd]

Go with your heart---without regrets. It's a horrible decission for you to make. I know you'll have the best for your pup in mind. He may be ready. Let us know and your have our love and support.

 

[poeluvr]

can the vet halp benny, i say go for the meds if it means keeping him alive maybe he wont care and itll haelp him...i might have to take meds for the rest of my life

 

[DKim81]

Has anyone had to let their dog go? I know it sounds harsh and may be a taboo topic but I would hate to see him on meds to improve, get off and go right back down again. No doubt I will still give it more time b/c I think he has it in him to improve. Right now he is on a chemotherapy drug (Azathioprine) .. anyone know the side effects? It's so potent that I have to use gloves to administer it to him.

I think I may know what is best to decide but I don't want to say to the vet, hey, I don't think he can go on any longer, can you put him to sleep? Ahhhh.

 

[GSDFan05]

I have had a put down before...it was an extremely hard decision, but I've had no regrets.

I help euthanize animals daily at work, and I can assure you that most of the time it truly is a gift to the animal. The procedure is painless, they leave the world by slipping away to sleep with people stroking and holding them, there's no better way to go.

It is hard to make this decision, but I wish more owners would be like you and really consider how the animal will feel even if it's life is prolonged. Life is about quality, not quanitity, no question about that.

As for your concern about what to say to the vet, I know that my boss always has a lot of respect for owners that admit when they realize things are reaching and end point. I'm sorry you're in such a hard spot, it's never an easy choice to make. Talk to your vet about how the dog will feel a week from now, a month from now, six months from now, a year from now. Make a list of all of your dogs favorite things to do (ride along in the car wash, play with a favorite toy, walk in the evenings, etc) and figure out whether he'll still be able to do things, how much enjoyment he'll get out of life, etc etc.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm encouraging you to have your dog put down, you are the only one who truly knows what's best in your situation, just wanted to let you know there is NO shame in making that decision. Hang in there, you obviously care about him so much, keep us updated on how he's doing. Again, I'm really sorry you have to be in this situation.

 

[DKim81]

My dog seems to have neuropathy in both his eyes and now his mouth, which he cannot close fully. This is a picture I just took of him. He looks miserable ! I'm going to see how the next two weeks are with the new medication. He is on Azathioprine right now in addiiton to prednisone.

 

[bubbatd]

This is so sad!! Maybe it's time to move on. I've had to do it too many times in my 72 yrs.......the thought of it is agonizing , but the actual act is peaceful and loving. To be with your loving friend as you end their pain and suffering. Bless you, what ever you decide. Keep us posted. We care.

 

[DKim81]

Yeah, the thought of it kills me because I just want to see his hyper self once again but he's a completely different dog right now. I was reading some success stories with hemolytic anemia a few hours ago and it's given me hope.. but not at the expense of my dog. I just hope he will do better in the next 2 weeks.. I know azathioprine takes a few weeks before it kicks in. Anyone have experience with this medication?

Anyways, I know my dog better than any veterinarian would so with professional advice and my intuition, I hope I can make an informed decision over the next few weeks.

 

[DKim81]

Well I've decided to put Benny to sleep today and am just spending these last few moments with him before I take him to the vet. I wanted to post this as a memoir prior to his death and in loving memory.

 

[bubbatd]

By now your loving Benny is at rest..at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you...and you are one very sad soul. You did right by him. It's such a hard thought, decission , and final action ....please share thoughts with us and lots of Hugs,! I'm so sorry, knowing what today was for you.....but the passing is such sweet sorrow. I hope you had support .

 

[DKim81]

I just graduated college in May and my dream was to celebrate with my dog. I had plans to bring him to my graduation, exercise with him to lose weight (both of us), he was going to go through training as a therapy dog for a hospital here and to just relax with him. I stayed in and sacrified many Friday nights with him to watch a movie with him because he loved to watch the TV. I never regreted those days when my friends would make fun of me and I'm glad that I gave him a happy life. He only lived for 3 years and 3 months, but what a great experience with him. Benny trained me to love dogs more and appreciate the subtlty of such his actions. I miss him so much.

 

[bubbatd]

You are special !!! And so was Benny ..........your love for dogs will continue andd I hope we see you back here soon. Hugs tonight ! Grammy

 

[Barb04]

I am so sorry to hear about Benny. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog and you both loved each other. May his memory live on in your heart forever.