Save Milhouse from IMHA
Donation protected
Hi everyone, we’re Milhouse’s owners, Anna and Sam. If any of you know us, you know that Milhouse is the absolute light of our life. He is usually such a happy, smart and energetic dog who would spend 24/7 playing fetch if he could. He’s always by our side and goes pretty much everywhere with us. He brings us and others so much joy. He’s our absolute best friend.
On Nov. 12, we had just gotten back from a weekend trip, and we soon realized that something was terribly wrong with our little “Mil Man.” He was shaking and could barely hold his head up or stay awake. We rushed him to his primary vet in a panic. After they ran his bloodwork, we first heard these 4 dreadful letters that have since changed our lives: IMHA.
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia is a very complex and fickle autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly destroys its own red blood cells. It’s extremely difficult to put into words just how difficult this disease is to deal with unless your pet is going through it, but let’s just say that it REALLY, REALLY sucks (click here for more info). Even though it’s only been 2 months, we’ve already experienced an emotional roller coaster of extreme ups and extreme downs.
Milhouse does stand a chance at beating this, but we need your help. Treatment is unfortunately incredibly aggressive (although not painful for sweet Mil) and expensive, and we’ve already spent well beyond our means to try to save him. We’ve started to look at other ways to earn income, but for now, we’ve had to face the reality of if we can continue on because he needs immediate treatment.
Before we turn to complete despair, we’re turning to our friends and family and those who love seeing Milhouse’s cute little smile. We’re so thankful to the people who have already donated to his previous hospital stays and blood transfusions at the beginning of this journey. Now, we’re asking for your help to continue his treatment. All funds raised will be used to pay his medical expenses, including:
- Blood transfusions (these are temporary solutions to keep him alive until we can get him into remission. They cost about $500 per. He’s already had 4 and may need more.)
- IVIG Transfusion (This are antibodies used to fight back. It’ll cost $600-$700)
- Stem Cell Therapy (This is a new progressive treatment that we’re pursuing should the funds allow. He’ll need 2-3 injections that cost $1,250 each)
- A possible splenectomy (This is a last resort but his Specialist is starting to explore this. It'll cost around $2,000)
- Diagnostic testing to find any underlying causes (so far we’ve spent at least $1,500 on this)
- All of his medications (He’s currently on 8 that range from $30-$100. He’ll continue to be on some of these for the rest of his life.)
- Overnight hospital stays (Sadly, this costs around $150 per night.)
Support of any kind (including just sharing this post!) is greatly appreciated. Alternatively, my Venmo handle is @Anna-Plaisance. We just want to do whatever we can to get our boy healthy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️
On Nov. 12, we had just gotten back from a weekend trip, and we soon realized that something was terribly wrong with our little “Mil Man.” He was shaking and could barely hold his head up or stay awake. We rushed him to his primary vet in a panic. After they ran his bloodwork, we first heard these 4 dreadful letters that have since changed our lives: IMHA.
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia is a very complex and fickle autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly destroys its own red blood cells. It’s extremely difficult to put into words just how difficult this disease is to deal with unless your pet is going through it, but let’s just say that it REALLY, REALLY sucks (click here for more info). Even though it’s only been 2 months, we’ve already experienced an emotional roller coaster of extreme ups and extreme downs.
Milhouse does stand a chance at beating this, but we need your help. Treatment is unfortunately incredibly aggressive (although not painful for sweet Mil) and expensive, and we’ve already spent well beyond our means to try to save him. We’ve started to look at other ways to earn income, but for now, we’ve had to face the reality of if we can continue on because he needs immediate treatment.
Before we turn to complete despair, we’re turning to our friends and family and those who love seeing Milhouse’s cute little smile. We’re so thankful to the people who have already donated to his previous hospital stays and blood transfusions at the beginning of this journey. Now, we’re asking for your help to continue his treatment. All funds raised will be used to pay his medical expenses, including:
- Blood transfusions (these are temporary solutions to keep him alive until we can get him into remission. They cost about $500 per. He’s already had 4 and may need more.)
- IVIG Transfusion (This are antibodies used to fight back. It’ll cost $600-$700)
- Stem Cell Therapy (This is a new progressive treatment that we’re pursuing should the funds allow. He’ll need 2-3 injections that cost $1,250 each)
- A possible splenectomy (This is a last resort but his Specialist is starting to explore this. It'll cost around $2,000)
- Diagnostic testing to find any underlying causes (so far we’ve spent at least $1,500 on this)
- All of his medications (He’s currently on 8 that range from $30-$100. He’ll continue to be on some of these for the rest of his life.)
- Overnight hospital stays (Sadly, this costs around $150 per night.)
Support of any kind (including just sharing this post!) is greatly appreciated. Alternatively, my Venmo handle is @Anna-Plaisance. We just want to do whatever we can to get our boy healthy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Anna Plaisance
Organizer
New Orleans, LA
Sam Olmsted
Beneficiary