calliecritturs
Posted : 9/16/2009 9:44:35 AM
There are several forms of the auto-immune disease that causes the platelets to drop critically low. It's *similar* to immune mediated hemolytic anemia or IMHA (also called AIHA -- auto-immune hemolytic anemia) but typically when the platelets are involved and go super low they call it some form of "cytopenia" (like thrombocytopenia or pancytopenia).
Platelets are the part of the blood that makes it clot and there should be a certain amount (in the thousands) of platelets in the blood to make that happen. When the platelets are attacked and go so low, the body will bleed -- literally just walking across the floor can make them bleed (i.e. it doesn't have to be some significant injury) -- and it can be VERY difficult to see this coming because there are no significant signs that the platelets are low.
There are a multitude of "triggers" that may cause the body to attack itself in this way. Toxins are a common cause (it can be anything from cleaners to flea meds to environmental stuff -- from fertilizer to sprays) and can even be referred to to include vaccines and medications. Vaccines aren't really a "toxin" -- but they stimulate the body's immune response and that can be a trigger. And medications again somehow stimulate the body to "do" something and then the body generalizes and attacks itself rather than what it is supposed to deal with. They've now even isolated that things like stress and grief can help trigger these diseases.
None of this is intended to make you feel guilty -- YOU CAN'T -- because we all have to live on this planet and we have to deal with day to day life. We can't not give them flea preparations (because fleas, themselves, are dangerous). But more and more it's getting difficult to know exactly what to use and what not to use.
Some breeds seem to be more pre-disposed to auto-immune type responses. The reason why I tend to be a bit more knowledgeable about this is my cocker, Billy, is an IMHA survivor -- but it's been a long, VERY expensive road. Quite honestly, I got so angry with the disease I've made it one of my life's passions to help owner/guardians deal with this disease in their pets. It's just how I channel my own personal coping mechanism, I guess.
Schnuazers are one of the breeds that seem to have a tough time with IMHA and the immune-mediated diseases.
My huge sympathies to you on your loss of Tyson. Take huge comfort in the fact that he loved you and had a WONDERFUL forever home for the last years of his life. You heard when he was in distress and you got him help!
I understand only too well how empty and hurting you are right now. Please feel free to holler at me (even via email -- it is FINE!!) if I can help you in any way.
If it is any consolation -- these diseases often hit SO hard and fast that people can't even figure out what hit them. Most people have never heard of IMHA, nor do they have a clue what all the strange terminology means. It's just that fast and that devastating. The worst of it is -- you can sometimes treat a dog for quite a while, spending an exhorbitant amount of money only to still lose them. Immune-mediated diseases are vicious and nasty ... very very difficult to deal with.
You did your best and Tyson KNOWS it and he was proud as punch when he went racing over Rainbow Bridge. His comment to all who would listen was "My Mom loved me SO MUCH that she wasn't gonna let me hurt!!!" and somebuddy up there showed him that little peep hole that lets them see that we're ok down here so they can go enjoy the beautiful Meadow they wait for us in.
*hugs* Do check out the Rainbow Bridge section of this forum -- it will comfort you. And let us know if we can help you.