Please Help With Duncan's Care

We've had an unexpected family emergency and need help.

This past Saturday, Duncan became ill. We began transporting him to Denver to get him closer to his doctor. On the way, he started bleeding, and his gums and tongue lost all their color. Family members frantically reached out to emergency vets along our route from Salida, but none could provide any services that he required. Thankfully, we were able to get him to the veterinary teaching hospital in Fort Collins in time, where they immediately began working to save his life. He stabilized but remained in critical condition.

Duncan has been diagnosed with IMHA. Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) is a severe and life-threatening condition affecting dogs and cats. Duncan's immune system, which typically fights off invaders and infections, is now fighting his red blood cells, resulting in destroyed red blood cells, anemia and inflammation (damage) throughout his body. He is currently in an oxygen kennel at the hospital and has been given many tests - and this is the primary condition.

His doctor, Dr. Wong, says he has a strong fighting chance, but he needs closely-monitored care right now. She explained that IMHA comes on out of nowhere and affects dogs almost like an allergy...they had several cases just last week. The good news is that, through all their tests, they have found that he is overall in excellent health, aside from his body suddenly attacking his red blood cells.

IMHA is a disease that has been reported in small animals for over 80 years, but there isn't a perfect treatment for the condition. Many newer drugs and treatment options can give Duncan a much better chance of survival. With careful treatment, up to 75% of dogs with IMHA can make a full recovery and lead an everyday life. They say he has a good chance of recovery if we can continue treatment.

If you have any way to contribute so that we can bring him home, it would mean the world to our family. Duncan has been our constant companion since the day he came into our lives at eight weeks old, a tiny, rescued cast-off from New Mexico. His seventh birthday is next week.

Please, please help us bring him home.