Poppy’s Fight Against IMHA

I hate to even ask people for help with anything let alone vet bills, but Poppy, my 4 year old goldendoodle is in the fight of her life. Thursday evening she was lethargic and by Friday she was near death diagnosed with immune-mediated hemotylic anemia which is a terrible disease. She showed absolutely no signs or symptoms until she collapsed in the parking lot of the vet office. She has been hospitalized since Friday evening and not had any real signs of improvement except that her spleen was not as enlarged yesterday when the doctor repeated the X-ray.

Monday afternoon, Piper, my 6 year old Golden Retriever did a live donation for a transfusion for Poppy. This involved Piper being put under anesthesia and her jugular on both sides of her neck being tapped for as much blood as possible to transfuse. She is recovering at home and is my hero.

We are hoping and praying that Poppy begins to respond to the immunosuppressants now that she received the transfusion. Unfortunately, Piper is not an exact match so it was a once in a lifetime donation and transfusion. There are no blood banks locally that can supply her the medication. I may have to to take her to Cornell or Penn if she gets strong enough to make the trip. That would be an ideal situation if she does not respond to the medication in the next day or so.

Basically, this disease has Poppy’s body attacking any good red blood cells she has and it is attacking her spleen. She can live without the spleen, but it not strong or healthy enough for anesthesia for removal at this point. When I saw her Saturday evening her gums, eyes and even her belly were yellow from jaundice.

I appreciate all the prayers, but now I need help and I really am embarrassed and hate asking for help. Poppy is the kindest, sweetest, most loving dog I’ve ever owned and she is fighting hard. Please help Poppy. ❤️