Re: Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia?

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

Your pup is so young to be so sick, just getting started in her adult life. It's so sad to see her in this state, and I'm sending heartfelt wishes that she'll get better. It sounds like you are getting the best care for her. Labs are such sweet dogs.

Sammycat1 · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for the update on Beckley -- prayers are continuing for your special girl that she can start making some platelets and be home to you soon!!

DogMom · ‎04-21-2010

conniec - I feel your pain so well. My elderly mother's dear 5 year old pug suffered this very same diagnosis this past March. It seemed to come on suddenly. Her platelet count went to zero and she was also bleeding internally. After a total of 11 days in the ICU of our emergency specialty hospital and many transfusions and medications later, we had to make the very painful decision to let her go. After 6 days, her platelet count began to climb and within an additional couple of days climbed to almost normal. We were then able to take her home. Two days later we took her back for a blood count and her platelet count had dropped again to zero. It was devastating. We were with her everyday at the hospital. She would rally for a bit and then her platelet count would drop again and require another transfusion. The costs were climbing - well over $6,000 was spent and the vet gave us a less than 50% chance that she would beat this given that she had a relapse so soon. Even in remission there would always be the chance that her platelet count could drop again and she would need more transfusions in the future. Also, we had to give her medication that was going to cost more than $500+ per month. The vet anticipated that we would need to give her these medications for approximately 4 to 6 months. My mother doesn't have unlimited financial means and simply could not afford to go on - especially when we were told the odds were not that promising.

I know this is not the news you wanted to hear, but unfortunately, this was our experience with this terrible disease. Having said this, this DOES NOT mean that your sweet baby will have the same outcome. Our vet told us that many dogs do recover and lead long healthy lives. In fact, the exact same scenario that you described is what we experienced in that there was another dog in the hospital that had been there a couple of days longer and it did recover.

I have said a prayer that your Beckley is one of those that beats this. Keep us posted and I hope we hear good news soon. Think positive!

dreamytoo · ‎03-12-2010

Conniec, I am so sorry for all that you and your pup are going through...

I lost two dogs to AIHA within 15 months of each other...the diseases have quite a lot in common so I understand the roller coaster you are on.

I believe there is some good info. on both diseases here http://users.cloudnet.com/jdickson/

Sending positive thoughts and healing energy...

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

Awwwwwwwww, I'll be praying for you all. Hope it all turns out well for you all.

Tissyanne · ‎12-07-2012

Praying for Beckley. I hope she is able to overcome this, and return home soon.

Karie2022 · ‎03-26-2010

**update: finally some good news! Vet called yesterday to say they found some baby platelets...they weren't mature but she was optimistic...today she called and they got a few mature platelets...she is eating great and drinking, she did pull out her iv --the vet thought she was tired of being there, and I'm sure somehow she knew it was Thanksgiving and she loves to eat!! She is hoping she can come home in a few days..I am so nervous about bringing her home...I want to make sure she is stable enough to come home..I am worried she is not going to be the same...I know it will take time, i guess I am just nervous about taking care of her and want to make sure I do everything right...but more than anything, i am so grateful that my baby is coming home...what a great thanksgiving this has been!!

Take time every day to enjoy where you are without a need to fix it

beastielove · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/27/2014 conniec said: **update: finally some good news! Vet called yesterday to say they found some baby platelets...they weren't mature but she was optimistic...today she called and they got a few mature platelets...she is eating great and drinking, she did pull out her iv --the vet thought she was tired of being there, and I'm sure somehow she knew it was Thanksgiving and she loves to eat!! She is hoping she can come home in a few days..I am so nervous about bringing her home...I want to make sure she is stable enough to come home..I am worried she is not going to be the same...I know it will take time, i guess I am just nervous about taking care of her and want to make sure I do everything right...but more than anything, i am so grateful that my baby is coming home...what a great thanksgiving this has been!!

What wonderful news! Smile