calliope
Houston, TX (Heights)
Posts:10
 |
| 02/01/2012 4:08 PM |
|
(thread title should read IMHA, but it wouldn't let me edit)
Hey everyone... I haven't posted here in quite some time as life has been crazy and my rescue GSP, Opie, had grown out of most of her troublesome puppy behavior.
In December Opie (nearly 6yrs old) was diagnosed with an immune disorder called Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. The short description is that the dog's body attacks it's own red blood cells, resulting in life threatening anemia. After 2 transfusions of packed red blood cells, a transfusion of human gamma globulin, 7 straight weeks on 2 chemotherapy drugs, prednisone, and others the disease got the best of her.
Opie began having strokes (clots are common in this disease) on Sunday night and by Tuesday morning she had lost vision in one eye and could not walk. Yesterday I took her into the vet and honored her wishes by helping her end the fight. It is a wicked disease and my Opie was taken from me far too soon.
Has anyone else dealt with GSP's and vaious immune disorders? I want another dog (in a few months) but I want to do anything that I can do lessen my chances of having to experience this again.
For those experienced with breeding in general... I got Opie from TX GSP rescue when she was 5 months old. I don't know any of her history prior to adoption. Question: Do you think that I could have a higher chance of encountering this (and other) diseases thru a breed-specific rescue because of the higher chance of getting a dog from a backyard/inbred litter? I'm trying not to let paranoia take over, but after having my heart ripped out and spending thousands of dollars in vet bills, I want to make the most informed decision in the future.
Thanks for any input
Ang in Houston |
|
Ang |
|
|
kpwlee
Raleigh, NC
MH
Posts:535
|
| 02/01/2012 4:46 PM |
|
I am sorry - hugs for you and Opie I know you are running wild and free now!
I know of IMHA from another forum and although there is a very long thread on it there that spans years I don't know of any GSP's that were mentioned there. I do think i recall hearing that it does strike cocker spaniels more than other breeds but I don't know all the details. So I guess I'm saying that I don't believe that GSP's are particularly prone to it.
Once again I am very sorry for your loss - I do know through others how awful a disease it is |
|
It's Bugsy's world...
http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:6941
|
| 02/01/2012 5:57 PM |
|
I am so sorry --- there are no words. They are with us such a short time anyway and having one taken early is so hard.
As far as IMHA I have had shorthairs now for almost 10 years and actually bred my first shorthair litter a little over a year ago. I have never come across IMHA with shorthairs even when I was researching the breed many years ago. One of the reasons I have shorthairs now is they are one of the healthier breeds (I had cocker spaniels before). The health clearances that are recommended by the parent club are cardiac, CERF (eye), LD (Lupoid Dermatosis, not considered a big problem, but we don't want it to become a big problem as it is a horrible disease), Cone Degeneration, Hips/Elbows, and von Willebrands (also not considered a major issue yet). Thyroid is also recommended, but again it is not a huge issue yet. I have just started the health clearances for my young female as I do plan to breed her in a year or so, so I have been staying up on the health issues. Most reputable breeders do all or most of the clearances for the items I listed above. I am personally doing hips, elbows, CD, LD, Cardiac, and CERF. So, I guess the point I am trying to make is if you know the breeder and you know the health clearances you stand a better chance of not having issues. However, all of this is still a gamble as we are only scratching the surface in genetics. You still run the risk of getting a puppy that will have issues, but I think the risk is pretty small as you will have the health testing and the knowledge about the pedigree your puppy comes from. With rescues most of the time you don't have that history which makes it a riskier proposition. All that said, I believe that even with shorthairs from rescue your risk is less than with other less healthy breeds like cocker spaniels, goldens, etc.
I would say the odds of you getting another shorthair with IMHA is probably very small, but then my vets thought I had incredibly bad luck when I had two cockers from differents breeders and different lines that both developed retinal atrophy.
I know you were looking for something more definitive, but there are no guarantees, all you can do is mitigate the risks. |
|
Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
     
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
|
|
Smylinacha
Connecticut
MH
Posts:845
|
| 02/01/2012 6:49 PM |
|
| I am so sorry for your loss! I don't know anything about the disease but just wanted to send you my condolences. |
|
|
|
|
juliej
Kentucky
MH
Posts:106
|
| 02/01/2012 7:57 PM |
|
| Terrible Terrible loss. |
|
Julie
Aldo von der Raucherei |
|
|
mjbuck
Hancock, MI
MH
Posts:90
|
| 02/01/2012 8:33 PM |
|
So sorry. I couldn't imagine having to deal with that.
|
|
|
|
|
Phillyo118
UK
MH
Posts:668
|
| 02/01/2012 11:53 PM |
|
| So very sorry to hear about your loss. I have no information regarding the disease but like the others I wanted to pass on my condolences and my thoughts and prayers. |
|
"From the dog's point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog."
"My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am." |
|
|
Doglover
JH
Posts:29
|
| 02/02/2012 12:45 AM |
|
I am sooooo sorry for your loss! These dogs bless our lives, but are with us for just too short a time!
As far as I know IMHA is not common among GSP's and it is unlikely that you should encounter this again. Although I suppose there never is any guarantee.
You will be in my thoughts!
Helet |
|
Linca 2009
Ghita 2010
http://gspghita.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:2863
|
| 02/02/2012 4:08 AM |
|
I'm so sorry for your loss. We had a friend lose their eight yo GSP to this last year. It's an awful thing ... He was perfectly fine and within 24 hours they had to make that awful decision. He was beyond treatment. From the reading I did at the time, this is just one of those sneaky diseases that sneaks up on dogs without reason. I don't think it's more prevalent in any breed, so I don't think it's an issue of good or bad breeding. Bless you for giving Opie a happy home for as long as you had her. |
|
Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
|
|
bravepoint
North Gower, ON Canada
MH
Posts:894
|
| 02/02/2012 4:34 AM |
|
| So sorry for your loss!I have had GSPs for almost 25 years and have never heard of this disease. |
|
Gail, Moka, Avery, Terra & Rayne
Bravepoint GSPs
|
|
|
pixie bee
MH
Posts:4122
|
| 02/02/2012 4:37 AM |
|
I'm so sorry.
Is that him in your avatar?
Nothing can ever replace him, but a new dog can certainly keep you busy enough.
Francine
|
|
"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
|
|
|
weerubbertummy
Ayrshire, Scotland
MH
Posts:498
|
| 02/02/2012 4:58 AM |
|
I'm so very sorry for your loss and for what you have gone through with your girl x
|
|
Miss you forever Kintra baby xxx |
|
|
Splat
Illinois (Northern)
MH
Posts:2581
|
| 02/02/2012 5:21 AM |
|
| So sorry to hear about your loss |
|
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=2553
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=2554 |
|
|
Max2
Oneonta NY
MH
Posts:822
|
| 02/02/2012 5:39 AM |
|
| Sorry for your loss . You sound like the type person who gave all to Opie & I am sure she loves you for it. These creatures are here way to short a period of time. |
|
Chris |
|
|
Nancy D
No. Lower MI - Gaylord Area
MH
Posts:585
|
| 02/02/2012 6:35 AM |
|
My heart goes out to you over the loss of your sweet Opie. It's never easy, but I know Opie will always be in your heart. Sleep softly Opie. You were truly loved.
Ang, I think you would be honoring Opie's memory by getting another GSP to love.
Nancy in MI |
|
|
|
|
everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:2863
|
| 02/02/2012 7:26 AM |
|
| Angela ... I was going to mention the Facebook support group, but saw you had already joined. Once again, i'm so sorry for your loss. |
|
Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
|
|
calliope
Houston, TX (Heights)
Posts:10
|
| 02/02/2012 7:47 AM |
|
Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. It gets a little easier to remember the happy times as each hour passes. I'm no longer on the verge of tears all day long.
Yes, that is Opie in my photo.
I think that I will go with another GSP when I'm ready, but when I think back to those puppy days and the opened laudry detergent and shredded beds I'm worried that I might be crazy. I guess its a little like giving birth... its one of the most painful thing that you'll ever go through, but it doesn't stop you from having more children.
|
|
Ang |
|
|
MOOSE1
Fruitport, MI
MH
Posts:1738
|
| 02/02/2012 7:57 AM |
|
| I am so sorry for your loss! HUGS |
|
Rajah-APBT- USUV UMJCH Flying High Rajah-TDI Certified
Phoenix-GSP- USJCH UWP GRCH BNJ Shooters Rising Phoenix-CGC Tested
Cody- GSP- AKC/CKC CH UKC UWP GRCH Legacyk n Estate Sunray Minor FDJ CGC Tested
Tucson-UJJ CH Legacyk FlwrCrk The Old Peublo
Rumor- URO1 GRCH BNJ Rumor Has It- NA II
www.ezydog.com |
|
|
Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:6941
|
| 02/02/2012 9:20 AM |
|
| The reward of owning a GSP far outweighs the challenges. I now have 4 (3 girls and a boy). |
|
Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
|
|
pixie bee
MH
Posts:4122
|
| 02/02/2012 10:48 AM |
|
Don't let property damage keep you away from a puppy.
If we are diligent in raising them then the damage is minimal - These last 2 dogs didn't cost a penny in damages - of course Barbie feels a bit slighted about missing shoes  |
|
"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
|
|
|