PREVIOUS SUCCESS STORIES
January 2007
Lindy
Lindy is an 8 year old spayed female Cairn Terrier owned by Nancy and Rick of Arvada, CO. Lindy was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia on May 19, 2005.
When Nancy was asked to comment on Lindy’s symptoms prior to her AIHA diagnosis she replied, “Lindy showed progressive weakness that we thought was related to the bulged disk in her back. In the two months prior to her AIHA diagnosis, she had been treated for this disk problem. She was started on Metacam and after being on that drug for approximately 6 weeks, with no improvement, I noticed her stools had turned orange. The Metacam was discontinued and a week later Lindy was started on Rimadyl. Once again, her stools turned orange so upon instructions from the veterinarian she was taken off the Rimadyl. Lindy would no longer go on her much loved walks with me and I found it necessary to carry her in and out to go to the bathroom. Two days prior to her AIHA diagnosis, Lindy went outside on her own and could not make it back inside. She just sat in the corner of the yard trying to hold her head up.
”We took Lindy into our regular veterinarian on May 17, 2005 where she was given a blood test as well as an ultrasound. Because of Lindy’s low PCV of 14.9, enlarged liver and slightly enlarged right adrenal gland, we were referred to a veterinary internal medicine specialist. On May 19, Lindy was admitted to the specialist’s clinic where she was diagnosed with AIHA and given an immediate blood blood transfusion. She was started on 10 mg prednisone twice per day as well as 25 mg Cyclosporine twice per day. The next morning Lindy’s PCV had risen to 45 and she was released to go home with us. Her discharge medications included 10 mg prednisone twice per day and 25 mg Cyclosporine twice per day.
”Even though Lindy was receiving excellent care from the specialist’s clinic, we decided to take her to Colorado State University (CSU) for a follow up exam. Lindy was first seen at CSU on June 2, 2005. Although she was not as yet regenerating new red blood cells, her PCV was 44. Lindy's medication was not changed at this time, however, on her next visit to CSU, on June 15, her prednisone was decreased to 5 mg once per day and her Cyclosporine was decreased to 25 mg once per day. On June 29, when Lindy’s PCV had decreased to 38 and a slightly regenerative anemia was noted, her prednisone was increased to 10 mg once per day with the cyclosporine being increased to 75 mg per day (50 mg in the morning and 25 mg in the evening). We took Lindy to CSU every two weeks throughout the summer. During that time the first vet who treated Lindy left for private practice, so we saw three other vets throughout the summer. Lindy continued to do well and by September 13, her prednisone had been reduced to 5 mg every other day (eod) with the Cyclosporine remaining at 75 mg per day.
”On October 10, 2005, I noticed Lindy's gums and the inside of her ears were pale, so we immediately took her to CSU. She was admitted to the ER with a PCV of 18. Upon admittance Lindy was given a blood transfusion and a bone marrow aspirate was done. Three days later, when Lindy’s PCV had risen to 28, she was released from CSU on the following medications: 10 mg prednisone twice per day, 25 mg Azathioprine once per day, and 75 mg Cyclosporine per day (50 mg in the AM & 25 mg in the PM). The doctor at CSU who treated Lindy during this AIHA relapse was disturbed that Lindy’s medications had been reduced so quickly following her initial AIHA diagnosis. After Lindy’s relapse, when it came time to once again reduce her medications, the reductions happened only every two months and the decrease was only 25% each time. There was one exception made, that being when the Cyclosporine was reduced from 50 mg to 25 mg, since there is no way to cut a liquid capsule in half. Lindy is currently taking 5 mg prednisone and 10 mg Pepcid AC once per day as well as a 25 mg Azathioprine every other day. We do not use any heartworm preventative and since Colorado does not have fleas and only has ticks in the mountains we do not use any flea/tick preventative. Lindy has received no vaccinations since her AIHA diagnosis.”
When Nancy was asked to comment on the current state of Lindy’s health she replied, “Lindy is happy and lively and is enjoying life to the fullest. She goes into our local vet for a PCV every two weeks and now sees the specialist at CSU every two months. Her PCV at her last blood check on December 13, 2006 was 48. Lindy loves to charge out through her doggie door to clear the yard of squirrels and is a happy, bright-eyed wonder to us. She enjoys going for a long walk in her doggy stroller and runs around the park for a few ‘potty stops’ before I lift her back into her stroller to finish our walk. She is thriving in spite of AIHA and she each day we have her with us is a gift.”
February 2007
Desi
Desi is a 7 year old intact male Irish Setter owned by Hilda & Jim of Enumclaw, WA. Desi was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia on May 12, 2004.
When Hilda was asked to comment on Desi’s symptoms prior to his IMHA diagnosis she replied, “Desi had little interest in eating. He was also quiet and slept more than usual. I attributed this tiredness to the fact that the previous week he had won a 3 pt major in confirmation. Desi seldom showed and when he did he was always tired and sluggish afterwards, so I wasn’t alarmed at first.
”When Desi did not resume eating or appear less tired, I took him to the veterinarian. Blood testing indicated a PCV of 12 which led the veterinarian to referr us to an emergency veterinary hospital that had more equipment necessary to handle Desi’s IMHA. Additional blood testing revealed a negative Coombs test and a positive Lyme disease test. Although Desi had been no where he could have been infected with Lyme disease, he was treated for it, ‘just in case’. Desi’s PCV dropped to 7 at the emergency hospital but he still continued to stand and wag his tail which amazed the veterinary staff. During the 8 days Desi was hospitalized, he received 4 blood transfusions and was started on prednisone and Doxycycline. Desi was hospitalized again on May 25th and June 16th, each time for 3 days. On July 4th Desi was again hospitalized for 3 days after he developed pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. Because of the pancreatitis and diabetes complications, the prednisone dosage was decreased and Desi was started on cyclosporine and azathioprine as well as Humulin N insulin for his diabetes. Later sucralfate was added to the treatment regimen for stomach coating. As Desi’s PCV increased we started to slowly decrease the medications used to treat IMHA.
”In early August, 2004 Desi was diagnosed with detached retina’s which caused blindness. We worked with a wonderful eye specialist in Seattle and treated Desi’s eyes with daily prednisone acetate drops to try to save them. The specialist told us that eventually Desi’s eyes would need to be removed. On June 18, 2005 Desi woke up and wouldn't let me touch him. He made no noise but I knew he was in pain from one of his eyes. We immediately took Desi into our regular vet where both eyes were removed and his eye lids were sewn shut. Desi was nauseated most of that day. The next day he was to come home but he wouldn't eat. When I did bring him home for the day he still wouldn't eat but he slept well. I took him back to the vet in the afternoon where they continued his IV’s. Since Desi was not improving, it was suggested by our regular vet that we take him to the ER again. We did and it was discovered that he had infection in both eye sockets. They reopened the sockets, drained them and closed them back up leaving straws in for drainage and air circulation. Our regular vet indicated to us that there was a 1 in 200,000 chance of this happening. We brought Desi home and I got him to start eating again. 10 days later, the stitches and straws were removed.”
When Hilda was asked to comment on the current state of Desi’s health she replied, “Desi is doing great. For all that he has been though, I could not be more pleased with his recovery. We did have a rough time getting his diabetes under control as well as finding foods that would benefit him and at the same time be low fat, no sugar and little starch. Desi now has a special diet of cooked human food. Blood work on January 3, 2007 revealed a PVC of 41.7. Desi currently takes 40 units of Humulin N insulin twice per day as well as 50 mg azathioprine every 4th day. He sees his vet every 3 months for a glucose curve and every 6 months we run a full blood panel. We use no flea/tick or heartworm preventative and Desi has not been vaccinated since his IMHA diagnosis. When Desi was diagnosed with IMHA, he was given a 50% chance to survive. Later when he developed pancreatitis, we were told his survival chance had dropped to 30%. There were times when I didn’t know if we should keep treating our boy or let him go. However, Desi never gave me any indication I should let him go, he just kept on fighting. All the time he was sick he never lost his gentle nature or love for humans. Today, Desi is a wonderful, happy Irish Setter who follows me around everywhere I go. He has no problems communicating his needs. He has a dog door he uses to go into his big fenced yard. When he’s hungry he sits in front of the fridge for meat, a cabinet for a homemade dog biscuit or the table where he has homemade peanut butter cookies. He is always anxious for his twice daily walks and he will bring you a toy for taking him for a walk. We listen to the radio since he loves music and he still plays ball. If you bounce it he will go get it and bring it back to you. Desi is a remarkable dog, full of love, who always has a hug for everyone. I am thankful for his survival and for the years I have had him with me. I am hoping and praying I have many years left with him.”
Desi’s veterinarian had the following comments after Desi’s last check up on January 3, 2007, “The state of Desi's health is nothing short of amazing and all due to having wonderfully diligent and loving owners. He has had his challenges in the past year and is now in good health and is in a controlled state with his diabetes and his immune disease. He faces everything we ask of him with his usual patience and good humor and amazes us everyday!”
March 2007
Willy
Willy is a 3½ year old intact male Boston Terrier owned by Aileen and Dan of Gaithersburg, MD. Willy was diagnosed with immune-meditated hemolytic anemia on June 2, 2005.
When Aileen was asked to comment on Willy’s symptoms prior to his IMHA diagnosis she replied, “Willy was perfectly fine on June 1, 2005, however, on the morning of June 2, he appeared profoundly lethargic and completely disinterested in food. He didn’t burst out of his crate as he typically did each morning and no amount of coaxing could get him to eat breakfast, which he typically devoured. He seemed to be yawning frequently and wanted to sit rather than stand, which was very unlike his usual exuberant puppy behavior. When upon closer examination, I found Willy’s mucous membranes to be very pale and his urine color a very dark amber, we immediately took him to an emergency veterinary clinic in our area. Although all vital signs were within normal limits, urine was strongly positive for bilirubin, which was suggestive of red blood cell hemolysis. Blood testing revealed a PCV of 34 and Willy’s temperature was 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Willy was seen by a veterinarian who, despite our report of profound lethargy, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes and dark amber urine, advised us to take Willy back home and try to encourage him to eat. In view of the fact that my husband and I are very attentive pet owners, I didn’t feel that this advice was prudent, therefore, we took Willy directly to our regular veterinarian since that clinic was, by this time, now open for regular appointment hours.
”Willy was hospitalized and serial PCV counts were obtained which led to a tentative diagnosis of IMHA. This was further corroborated by laboratory testing revealing progressive anemia, increasing serum bilirubin and agglutination of the red blood cells when viewed microscopically. IV steroids were immediately started, however, despite interventions initiated by our veterinarian, Willy’s PCV dropped to 12 by the next morning and we were advised to transport Willy to an intensive veterinary care center that could better monitor and treat his deteriorating condition.
Upon admission to this facility, blood work was done and a bone marrow aspiration was performed in an attempt to determine the source of the anemia and whether or not it was regenerative. Results of the blood work indicated a PCV of 12/Total Solids 6.5, an elevated white blood cell count and a negative Coombs test. Upon hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit, Willy received a transfusion of packed red blood cells immediately. He was also placed on 15 mg prednisone, by mouth, twice a day; 45 mg IV Doxycycline twice a day, to address the elevated white blood cell count; 16 mg IV Reglan every hour; 5 mg Pepcid IV twice a day (both of which were added to the treatment regimen to protect the GI tract from the effects of the prednisone usage) as well as IV fluids. On June 4, 2005, 500 mg Sucralfate aka Carafate, by mouth, three times a day was added to the medication regimen also to protect the GI tract. Five hours after the initial transfusion, when Willy’s PCV was 17, he was transfused again. Willy’s PCV rose to 31 after this transfusion but 24 hours later it dropped back to 20 and Willy received his third transfusion which stabilized him for another 24 hours. However his PCV soon began to fall once again. He was again transfused at 9 pm on June 6. 19 mg Azathioprine, every 24 hours, was started and another unit of packed red blood cells was administered at 10:30 pm on June 6.
”Willy was very lethargic and disinterested in food during this time period. When we visited him, he would barely acknowledge our presence. However, the veterinary staff encouraged us to visit and stay as long as we could, since he would eat very small amounts of food when we were with him. I would spend the days, curled up with him in his cage visiting with him. We would take walks strictly to ‘take care of business’. Willy was very disinterested in any activity and had very limited exercise tolerance due to the profound anemia. On June 7th (the fourth day of hospitalization at the specialist’s ICU), Willy was not maintaining his post transfusion blood counts, indicating an ongoing hemolysis. He was started on 19 mg Cytoxan, by mouth, every 24 hours to be given for a total of four days. Additionally, 1 mg Norvasc (Amlodipine), an anti-hypertensive medication, given by mouth every 24 hours, was administered for two days in an attempt to reduce Willy’s blood pressure which had spiked and Willy was again transfused. On June 8th, Willy sustained a reaction to the transfusion he had received the previous day. He was monitored and stabilized and the attending veterinarian felt it was now prudent to administer Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) in light of ongoing hemolysis. After a test dose ascertained that he would be able to tolerate this substance Willy was given 90 ml of IVIG intravenously.
“On June 9th, things began to look better for Willy. He was more alert and more interested in taking a walk. In addition, his appetite had improved, and he was very responsive to my husband and me. It is unclear whether this change was the result of the IVIG or the cumulative effect of the therapies he had received until this point in time. Willy continued on the same medications with 4 mg aspirin, by mouth every 24 hours, added to the treatment regimen to avoid abnormal blood clotting, which is sometimes associated with IMHA. On June 9th, Willy’s PCV was 35/Total solids 7.8. He maintained this blood count until discharged to go home on June 10th. Willy was discharged on the following oral medications: 15 mg prednisone twice a day; 4 mg aspirin once a day; 500 mg Sucralfate, three times a day; 50 mg Doxycycline twice a day for 21 days; 10 mg Pepcid twice a day, 1 ml (17 mg) Azathioprine every 24 hours, and 1 ml (4 mg) Aspirin suspension every 24 hours. When Willy was seen by the intensivist one week later, he was stable with a PCV of 38/TP 6.0. He was to continue on the same medication regimen with the exception of a decrease in the prednisone dosage from 15 mg twice a day to 7.5 mg twice a day. When Willy developed diarrhea, he was given ½ tab Flagyl, twice a day for 10 days, which ultimately resulted in resolution of the diarrhea. As Willy’s PCV continued to rise, the medications were tapered and eventually discontinued. The Azathioprine was stopped on October 3 2005, the prednisone was discontinued on January 23, 2006, and the aspirin suspension was discontinued on May 31, 2006.”
When Aileen was asked to comment on the current state of Willy’s health she replied, “To date, he is doing very well. He is currently being monitored every three months. His PCV at his last blood check on November 22, 2006 was 58, Total Solids 5.5. He is happy, exuberant, tireless and his appetite is ravenous! Interestingly, it wasn’t until we discontinued the prednisone that the hair on his shoulder and hip (areas that had been shaved and prepped for the bone marrow aspiration procedure on June 3, 2005) began to regrow. It is unclear as to a precipitating factor causing the IMHA in Willy’s case. He had not been immunized within six months of the onset. The only possibility that we can isolate is the administration of the antibiotic, Keflex, which was prescribed for Willy by a veterinary dermatologist for staphylococcal dermatitis. Willy was unable to tolerate the administration of this medication (he developed vomiting and diarrhea) and we discontinued it after four 250 mg doses. This medication was initiated 10 days before the onset of IMHA symptoms. The attending veterinarian is also at a loss as to a single, clearly implicated precipitating factor, which makes his case even more complex in that we don’t know what we must avoid to prevent a recurrence. Although we cannot correlate vaccines with the onset of Willy’s IMHA, upon recommendation from our intensivist, Willy will never again be vaccinated. Willy receives no flea/tick preventative but does take Heartgard for heartworm prevention. We feel very fortunate to have our boy still with us and are so thankful for the wonderful veterinary resources available to us. His committed team of veterinary intensivists did not give up and after the acute phase seemed to be under control, they followed up very carefully, monitoring his PCV weekly for several months to ensure a relapse did not escape early detection. They were also very careful to withdraw the medications very slowly over a long period of time. We are thankful for Willy’s continued good health and recovery despite insurmountable odds.”
Editor's Note: To learn more about Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) that is mentioned in Willy Success Story please visit the following Web pages.
Use of human intravenous immunoglobulin in dogs with primary immune mediated hemolytic anemia
Intravenous administration of human immune globulin in dogs with immune-meditated hemolytic anemia
Effects of human intravenous immunoglobulin on canine monocytes and
lymphocytes
Intravenous human immunoglobulin for the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in 13 dogs
April 2007
Bailey
Bailey is an 8½ year old neutered male Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese mix owned by Lisa of Tampa, FL. Bailey was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in mid August, 2004.
When Lisa was asked to comment on Bailey’s symptoms prior to his IMHA diagnosis she replied, “What alerted me that something was wrong was that Bailey suddenly had a craving for dirt. He would go out on the patio and gulp the potting soil out of the potted plants and then he would, of course, throw it up. He would also lick the pavement when I would take him on walks. I don’t recall that he exhibited any other symptoms other then this insatiable craving and desire to eat dirt.
”I took Bailey into the veterinarian on August 10, 2004 and blood work was done which revealed a PCV of 22. Since the vet thought Bailey was ‘just anemic’ he prescribed Hi-Vite drops, a liquid vitamin supplement. When Bailey became very weak and started falling over, I took him back to the vet on August 18th. A complete blood count and chemistry panel was done as well as a bone marrow aspirate, tick titers and x-rays. Since the PCV had now dropped to 19, IMHA was suspected. Bailey was started on 5 mg prednisone twice per day as well as Doxycycline. When Bailey’s PCV continued to drop it was recommended that I take him to a veterinary internal medical specialist. Upon admittance to the specialist’s clinic on September 1, 2004, Bailey had a PCV of 9. I had to leave him for sonograms, x-rays and more. They called me several hours later and said that Bailey needed to have an immediate blood transfusion or he would not survive the evening. Following the blood transfusion Bailey’s PCV rose to 36. The specialist commented on his notes that ‘the previous workup suggests immune mediated anemia at the level of the bone marrow, also possible myelbofibrosis concerns. Bailey’s anemia appears to be poorly regenerative in nature given the low hematocrit. I have discussed with Bailey’s owner/caregiver that his condition will likely require long term medications as well as the possible need for repeat blood transfusions.’ Bailey was released to go home the next day with discharge medications of 5 mg prednisone twice per day and 25 mg cyclosporine twice per day.
”Over the next few weeks Bailey seemed to be doing well, however on October 5, 2004 his PCV dropped to 20 and he appeared listless. He was given another blood transfusion and his cyclosporine was increased to 50 mg in the AM and 25 mg in the PM and 10 mg Azathioprine once per day was added to the treatment regimen. Over the next few months Bailey received 3 more blood transfusions and his medications were adjusted several times. On February 1, 2005 Erythropoietin (Procrit) was added to the treatment regimen. On February 15, 2005 it was recommended the Azathioprine be discontinued due to bone marrow suppression and the possibility this drug actually might be suppressing the red cell line. The vet also recommended stopping the Procrit at this time as well.
“On March 5, 2005, I took Bailey to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida where a bone marrow biopsy and blood work was done. Bailey’s PCV at this time was 22. Bailey’s medications upon release from U of FL were 5 mg prednisone once per day and 75 mg cyclosporine per day, with 50 mg to be given in the morning and 25 mg in the evening. I was advised that Bailey’s cyclosporine level should be checked in one week to insure he was receiving the proper dosage of that medication. Over the next several months Bailey’s PCV seesawed up and down but he did not appear to be regenerating new red blood cells. Finally in early December 2005, when Bailey’s PCV was 25, he started to regenerate red blood cells. As Bailey’s PCV continued to slowly rise, over the next few months, his medications were slowly decreased.
”In mid November, 2006 Bailey started vomiting and shaking and had no appetite. He was admitted to the emergency veterinary clinic on November 12 where, after extensive testing, he was diagnosed and treated for pancreatitis. Bailey’s bout with pancreatitis was very severe, and it was touch and go as to whether he would survive it or not. But in the end, Bailey, the little fighter, hung in there.”
When Lisa was asked to comment on the current state of Bailey’s health, she replied, “Bailey is doing wonderful. He is off all medications and even though his PCV was only 31.6 at his last blood check on February 5, 2007 it appears his body has adjusted to that low level, allowing him to live a good life. Bailey has been through so much in the last 2+ years that it is hard to put those years into words. All I can do is tell anyone who has a dog diagnosed with IMHA not to give up hope. I know all cases are not the same but when I looked into Bailey’s big brown eyes, I knew I had to save him. Bailey has been a real fighter throughout all his treatments, but without the care of his vet, I know, we wouldn’t have made it this far. I truly believe she cares about Bailey’s well being and I think this was as much a challenge for her as it was for me. She stood by my decision to take him to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Gainesville, Florida and often consulted the doctor who saw Bailey there, when deciding whether to increase or decrease his medications. Bailey’s medical records indicate that one of the internal medicine specialist’s on his case commented, ‘I hope that Bailey’s frequent need for blood transfusions will reduce over time, although I am not optimistic he will ever become transfusion independent.’ However, Bailey has not had a blood transfusion since February, 2005 and is living proof that dogs can survive IMHA and go on to live a normal happy life.”
May 2007
Spencer
Spencer is a 6 year old neutered male English Springer Spaniel owned by Kim & Keith of Cheektowaga, NY. Spencer was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in March 2005.
When Kim was asked to comment on the symptoms Spencer displayed prior to his AIHA diagnosis she replied, “We lived in Richmond, VA at the time Spencer became ill. The symptoms we noticed at the onset of his AIHA were tiredness and lethargy or ‘Mopey’ as we called it back then. It appeared to us that the disease came on overnight. We took Spencer to the veterinarian who started him on 40 mg prednisone twice per day.
”In May 2005 Spencer began having a black tarry diarrhea which the vet said was caused by internal bleeding, a side effect of the prednisone usage. We took Spencer to an emergency veterinary clinic where he received a blood transfusion and was hospitalized over night. When his PCV rose to 22, the next day, we were allowed to take him home and arrangements were made for us to see a veterinary internal medicine specialist at another clinic. At that point Spencer was so lethargic he had to be brought into the clinic on a gurney. We were told that Spencer had a 50/50 chance to survive, but he would have to beat the internal bleeding as well as get his PCV to increase. He was given a lower dose of prednisone and Neoral (Cyclosporine) and Azathioprine (Imuran) were added to the treatment regimen. During the 9 days Spencer was hospitalized he was given the antibiotic Baytril and an iron supplement called Feosol as well as another blood transfusion to ‘buy him time’ until his medications started to work. We visited him every day, and even though he wasn’t sitting up or lifting his head, he would wag his tail when he saw us. We would lay with him and talk to him till the staff told us it was time to leave. His PCV gradually started to rise, and by the end of his hospital stay, he was able walk outside to go to the bathroom.
”In October 2005 we got the OK from our vet to move back to NY where Spencer continued to improve. It seems the colder he is, the happier he is. Making snowdog angles is one of his favorite wintertime activities. We were fortunate to find a vet close to our new home who is familiar with AIHA and we have become very comfortable with her. As Spencer’s PCV continued to rise we started to reduce his medications. The Feosol had been discontinued at the end of May 2005, however, Baytril was given from time to time since Spencer had abscesses or open ulcers on both elbows and the right side on his tailbone. We would clean the wounds every day with Betadine and a saline wash and keep Neosporin in the holes to hopefully keep out infection. The ones on his elbows would sometimes be wrapped to keep out the environs. On occasion, they would ooze a liquid and to keep away infection, Baytril was given. Those wounds healed from the inside as the prednisone was slowly reduced and then finally discontinued in January, 2007. Spencer is currently taking 75 mg Azathioprine twice per week as well as 100 mg Neoral every day. Spencer has not been vaccinated since his AIHA diagnosis and we have no plans to vaccinate him anytime soon.”
When Kim was asked to comment on the current state of Spencer’s health she replied, “He is doing great, in fact better then we had ever expected. His PCV at his last blood check on March 28, 2007 was 46 with all other values, including liver and kidney functions, in the normal range. Our vet commented that, ‘I have never seen blood work this good (especially in an AIHA dog)’. Spencer is the boss dog of our house. He runs, plays, does dog angels in the snow, chases leaves and squirrels and loves to ride shotgun in ‘dad’s’ car. He is still on some medications, and may not be able to be weaned off them completely, but after being given only a 50/50 chance to survive when we brought him into the emergency clinic, it is just a blessing to see him run around and be himself. We enjoy every day we have with him and try to take care of his needs to the best of our abilities and give him as much love as we can. This disease took a financial and emotional toll on us, but every day I see Spencer wag his tail makes everything worth it. We had some very special people taking care of him through the tough part. They showed us infinite patience with all of our uncertainties and questions. Going for our walk at 5am is no longer a chore, but a blessing. Spencer is looking forward to swimming laps with his dad in ‘Grammas’ pool this summer, now that we are back in NY. We continue to pray that we make the right decisions for Spencer and that he will continue to live a long, happy life without further illness.”
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