Help Jake Beat Blood Disease

For the past 10 years Jake has been my constant companion, always there for me with unconditional love. He has an obsession with tennis balls, going on walks, chasing the laser, doggie beach, and anything related to water. He is the most patient, sweet, and loyal dog and his happy personality is infectious. Jake is my family.

Last night he was admitted to the animal hospital with what we now know is canine immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) - an autoimmune disease. His body's immune system, which is designed to fight foreign substances, is now attacking his platelets – the cells responsible for clotting his blood. When platelet levels are low, clotting is slowed and spontaneous bleeding occurs. A healthy dog has 200,000-500,000 platelets; Jake only has 10,000. He is currently bleeding from his mouth, paw, sores on his body, and GI tract and cannot come home from the ICU until they find a way to stabilize him and stop the bleeding. Over the past 24 hours he has had numerous tests including an MRI, ultrasound, x-rays, critical care panel, IV fluids, one round of chemo as well as steroids. If he loses anymore blood he will need a blood transfusion, which can have serious side effects.

Please help Jake on his journey to recovery - nothing feels like home without him.

Thanks for reading, sharing, and any help you can give.

Love,

Rebecca & Jake