<div>A week ago today, Koda, my beautiful 4-year-old Bulldog x Cockapoo, was her usual happy, mischievous, greedy little self, running around with her sisters (my partner's mum's dogs). Nothing was wrong. Life was normal. We had no concerns in the world.
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<div>Then, everything changed.
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<div>On Saturday, Koda seemed unusually sleepy. She was still eating, but she wasn't quite herself. By Sunday, things had worsened. She stopped eating, stopped drinking, and spent almost the entire day sleeping. We took her to the vet, who initially ruled out pyometra, but by Monday night Koda was critically unwell and had to be admitted to hospital, where she has remained ever since.
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<div>At just 4 years old, Koda should have many happy years ahead of her. Instead, she is now fighting for her life against Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA), a devastating autoimmune disease where the body's immune system randomly and mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, and without them the body's organs cannot function properly. IMHA can progress frighteningly quickly and can become life-threatening within days.
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<div>The veterinary team have told us there is approximately a 50/50 chance that her current treatment will work. Every day without her feels unbearable. This is only day four of treatment, but it feels like day ten thousand. Each morning starts with anxiety waiting for an update, and each evening ends with leaving a piece of my heart behind at the hospital.
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<div>Since being admitted, Koda has required two blood transfusions and is receiving a combination of medications designed to suppress her immune system and stop it from destroying her red blood cells. Despite intensive treatment, her condition remains critical, and we are taking each day, and sometimes each hour, as it comes.
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<div>Anyone who knows me, or has ever known me, knows what Koda means to me. She has been by my side through some of the best moments of my life and some of the hardest. She isn't just my dog; she is my constant companion, my comfort, my shadow, and a huge part of who I am. If you've ever met me, chances are you've heard me talk about Koda, seen photos of her, or watched me completely revolve my life around her.
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<div>Koda is the love of my life, my absolute soul dog, and the most perfect best friend I could ever have asked for. She came into my life at a time when I needed her most and has given me unconditional love, comfort, laughter, and companionship every single day since. She is greedy, cheeky, stubborn, endlessly loving, and the centre of our world. Now it is my turn to do everything I can for her.
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<div>Before this week, I had never heard of IMHA. Since Koda became ill, I have spoken to countless other owners whose dogs have faced the same battle. Some have recovered, and some heartbreakingly have not. This disease can affect any dog, at any time, and it moves incredibly fast. If sharing Koda's story raises awareness and helps even one other owner recognise the signs early, then that will be something positive to come from this nightmare.
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<div>I have pet insurance, but we have already reached our policy limit. I am using my savings and will continue to spend every penny I have to give Koda the best possible chance. However, her treatment costs continue to rise rapidly, and there is a possibility that she may require specialist referral, additional blood transfusions, advanced diagnostics, intensive care, or other treatments if her current treatment does not achieve the response we are hoping for.
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<div>I have pleaded, begged, bargained, and prayed to God, the universe, and anyone who might be listening every single day to let my girl come home. This fundraiser is something I never imagined I would have to create, but I cannot bear the thought of finances becoming a barrier to any treatment that could help her.
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<div>I have never done anything like this before. Asking for help does not come naturally to me, and creating this fundraiser has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But Koda is worth every uncomfortable conversation, every penny, and every ounce of pride.
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<div>The reality is that the costs of treating IMHA are enormous. A single blood transfusion can cost over £1,000, and Koda has already required two. Alongside this are the costs of hospitalisation, around-the-clock monitoring, blood tests, medications, specialist consultations, and potentially further treatment if her condition does not improve. The bills are rising rapidly, but as long as Koda keeps fighting, so will I.
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<div>This fundraiser has been created to help cover Koda's ongoing veterinary treatment and any specialist care that may become necessary. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us continue fighting for her. If you are unable to donate, simply sharing Koda's story would mean the world to us.
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<div>If Koda responds well and does not require specialist treatment, any funds raised will still be used towards her existing veterinary bills, hospitalisation costs, medications, transfusions, and follow-up care. If, despite everyone's best efforts, Koda does not survive this illness, any remaining funds after her veterinary expenses have been settled will be donated in her memory to an animal welfare or veterinary charity, so that her story can help other animals and families facing similar battles.
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<div>Thank you for taking the time to read Koda's story. Thank you for every donation, every share, every kind message, and every thought sent her way. We are endlessly grateful for every bit of support during the most difficult time of our lives.
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<div>Please keep fighting, my beautiful girl. We are all waiting for you to come home. ❤️
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<div>This illness strikes quickly, so there is no pre-warning. The signs I personally noticed Koda was unwell (all dogs are different):
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<div>- extreme lethargy (from a girl who hardly stopped to a girl who slept all day)
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<div>- not drinking fluids
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<div>- not eating as much/at all
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<div>- pale skin (around the pink bits for koda)
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<div>- and as ot progressed over the day yellowing of her paws (jaundice)
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My soul dog: Koda's Fight Against IMHA: Emergency Treatment

Just £160£ to go! Make an impact.

My soul dog: Koda's Fight Against IMHA: Emergency Treatment

Just £160 to go!
Make an impact.