ITP

I am glad you found the IMHA thread and you have several answers there.  IMT (immune-mediated thrombocytopenia ... sometimes ITP ) is pretty much the same way as       IMHA.  Same immune-suppressors ... but it sounds like your little one may also have IMHA.  The two together is usually called Evans Syndrome.  (I'm just talking terms here if anyone reads this but hasn't posted.  There is a huge "AIHA or IMHA" thread on here.)

This is the URL to the AIHA or IMHA thread: http://community.dog.com/health/diseases_az/f/29482/t/90432.aspx?pi239031349=582

Hi I totally sympathize with you years ago I was in a similar situation. If your dog is that old and could be suffering in any way it maybe time to just say your good-byes and let them go. I am so so, sorry. You just to have consider what his quality of life is.

In honesty, Sandi -- IMT or IMHA -- **neither** are at all painful.  They may become weak and the meds can be difficult, but often there is a completely full recovery **even** in an older animal.  It completely depends on the case.

IMT and IMHA aren't like cancer which usually ultimately worsens or may kill.  With IMT and IMHA they are for a season ... now you will always need to avoid some things to keep it from returning, but it is very very treatable.

with IMHA and IMT you absolutely must address the "quality of life" issue, and also whether or not you personally can afford to treat it.  But you have to approach it from a standpoint of "we should be able to get through this" rather than feeling like you are asking something pointless of them.  it is not .... once they are stable you can often get them completely off the drugs.  My Billy had the BEST three years of his life **after** IMHA.  He had a rough life before us with abuse and ill health (cocker ears never properly treated, bad allergies) ... but he loved his vets  and saw trips to the vet as wonderful adventures that ended in treats.  And he truly did have three wonderful years post IMHA.  

He was an "old" 12 when I lost him (to a heart attack -- yep, he was a cocker!)  and some of that was from IMHA, but truly most of it was simply that his life before us was terrible, and he embraced every day he had with us.  

I just don't want to leave this thread with the idea that IMT is some horrible thing that can't be treated.  it's difficult yes, but typically it's easier than IMHA, but really very treatable.

Trying to save a dog is understandable but there comes a time when we're saving them for our own selfish reasons.  I understand this all too well.  I'm very sorry you're dog is so sick. I understand the feeling of not being able to imagine life without your heart dog.  If it's time to let him go, do it because he's only got you to help him and he counts on you to not let him suffer needlessly.

Being in pain is not the only reason a dog should be humanely euthanized.   Not everyone is able financially or emotionally to keep trying to save a dog that should be let go.  I think sometimes it becomes an unhealthy obsession and the eventual loss of the dog is even harder to take in those cases.

^^^Well said, Jackie.

She connected with two of the ladies from the IMHA page,  and       I've been in contact with her via phone as well.  "Love Bug" is doing very well  and "Furbeedog"  appreciates the support she's gotten.  One of her biggest needs was to connect with people with experience with IMT so she could understand a bit better what was going on..