Shih Tzu with Evans Syndrome & IMHA, 11 years old Health

Discussion in 'Shih Tzu' started by Lovie, Nov 10, 2017.

  1. Lovie

    Lovie New Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Female
    Name:
    Natalie Joy Pierce

    Shih Tzu with Evans Syndrome & IMHA, 11 years old

    November 9, 2017
    Lovie had her appointment with the Internal Medicine Specialist Team at UGA Vet Hospital in Athens, Ga. The appoitment took 8 hours.
    To update her diagnosis's and what is wrong, Lovie is an 11 year old Shih Tzu that has IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), Hepatopathy of unknown etiology, Ascites of the abdomen, Evans Syndrome as well as a grade IV/VI Left Apical Systolic Murmur.
    Lovie was dianogsed with IMHA in 2015 in which she underwent a blood transfusion. She did wonderful for a year or so then had a small relapse / a bump in the road. Off and on for a year she has gone up and down with medication therapy, treatment, fluid therapy etc. But this time the above isn't working on conservative therapy.
    I wanted to update you on the costs from today in regards to Lovie's campaign that you have helped with. I need more help. Lovie needs more care than today, she is in need of a blood transfusion, an ultrasound and chest xray and more labs we are hoping next week if I can raise the money for her care.
    Today UGA Vet did a full CBC and Chem blood panel on her, an abdominal tap to test the fluid in her abdomen, urinalysis, a cardiac consult (rule out heart issues), they removed over a half a liter of Ascites fluid off her abdomen. The doctors have switched out her medications. She was taken off the Azathioprine. Her dosage of Prednisone has been increased to 20mg a day from 14 mg a day. They added 2 other medications, Cyclosporine 50mg which is an immunosuppresive medication and Denamarin 225mg which is a liver protectant to help with liver functions. She is also on Amoxicillian for an infection cased by the steriods. The total today was $572.79
    The goal is for Lovie to have an abdominal Ultrasound and Chest Xrays which total about $700 and another blood transfusion which totals around $700.
    Lovie's campaign is still in need as you can see. Please donate to help Lovie beat this disease. Dogs with great care as Lovie is getting and hopefully will continue to get care beat this disease for a good period of time. Dogs who do not get care will not survive.
    She is the only child I have, I can not have children and never have so she is my child. 11 years I have devoted myself to raising her. Unconditional love. I will do just about anything to help her, please help us.

    We are finally home after a long day at the hospital and hopefully her story will touch your heart and anything you can do to help is very much appreciated.
    Love always,
    Natalie & Lovie

    Attached Files:

  2. Registered users won't see this advert. Sign up for free!

  3. Malka

    Malka Member

    Likes Received:
    7,757
    Gender:
    Female
    Name:
    Juli
    Whether your story touches my heart or not, may I please ask why you are putting an 11 year old dog through all these tests with no guarantee that there is a cure? And asking all over the internet for people to help pay for all this?

    I do feel for you but I feel more for your little dog Lovie, having to go through so many tests at her age - tests that will not give a cure.

    And yes, I do know what I am talking about having been blessed by an epi dog, but tbh I never did, and never would, have put her through tests that would have not helped her. Nor did I ask anyone to help pay for her treatment.

    Please just love your dog and do not put her through more tests hoping for a miracle.

    Just love her as she is now.
  4. Lovie

    Lovie New Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Female
    Name:
    Natalie Joy Pierce
    It's not just tests, The blood transfusion that she had in 2015 was the best thing ever. She bounced back for over a year and had no relapse. One would never know that she was sick. It is what is recommended for IMHA. The Ultrasound and Chest Xray that is needed goes along with the transfusion to make sure nothing else is wrong prior to the procedure. To ensure she's in good health otherwise.

    I love her more than the world, she is not in pain, she is fully functionable so there is no way I would not get and look for the best care for her. 11 years old is NOT old for a shih tzu, it's young actually.

    To each is there own. I understand what you mean but everyone has different opinions and do things differently for their fur babies.



  5. Malka

    Malka Member

    Likes Received:
    7,757
    Gender:
    Female
    Name:
    Juli
    I am not disputing your reasons but I wonder if it is because Lovie is the child you never had and want now to keep with you come what may.

    The picture in my avatar is of my beloved epi angel Pereg. I loved her so much that at times it hurt. And she was a happy girl, fully functioning, until enough was enough.

    She was only 6 years and 3 months old when she was given peace.

    Because she deserved peace.

    And I loved her enough to give her that peace.

    [​IMG]

Share This Page