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"IMHA is an equal opportunity illness. it CAN strike any dog, cat or even our people at any time. we hope you'll join MICA'S TEAM & help us raise awareness & research dollars FUR IMHA."
"did you know that many of our pals are heroes? they give blood so that injured or sick dogs may live. won't you PAWlease consider becoming a k9 donor too?"
Likes: after her people, snow!!
Pet-Peeves: feral cats (but more likely the humans that create them)-she was a VERY smart dog afterall
Favorite Toy: mica was like a puppy with any new toy, even at age 9.. but a tennis ball was always with her
Favorite Food: cheese, then likely watermelon
Arrival Story: Mica was a highly intelligent, fiercely loyal companion and service dog with a keen sense of humor. She had a winning smile and a willingness to give. She was a real inspiration and a joy to know and love.
MANY have written asking HOW TO DONATE to Mica's IMHA Research FUND.
Please make check or money order payable to:
MICA'S IMHA RESEARCH FUND
ADDRESS:
USAGENCIES CREDIT UNION
ATTN: JAN D.
95 SW TAYLOR STREET
PORTLAND, OR 97205-3305
Bio: Our perfectly healthy and lovely 9 year old Belgian Tervuren was lost within 6 days of onset of 2 blood immune diseases, IMHA & IMTP: Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia & Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia. When present together, it is often called "Evans Syndrome."
IMHA occurs when the immune system attacks its own red blood cells (RBCs) prematurely & at a MUCH faster rate than new ones can be produced. It is life threatening & requires prompt, aggressive treatment. A lack of oxygen carrying RBCs may damage vital organs, while a high risk of death from blood clots occurs due to damaged RBCs. CAUSATION: It may be caused by an exposure to toxins, from cancer, an infection or even vaccines. Bee/wasp stings & tick-borne diseases (TBD) have also been implicated, as has the ingestion of ONIONS, GARLIC or PENNIES, or owner administration of Vitamin K and acetaminophen. It may be deemed IDIOPATHIC [id E-oh path ick] (no known cause) like Mica's, which is MOST often the case. IMTP adversely affects the blood platelets, which helps blood to clot normally accompanies IMHA in 50-70% of ALL IMHA cases. It can lead to excessive bleeding. PLEASE NOTE that bleeding can be interior and/or exterior in nature. For Mica it was the complications of IMHA that presented the greatest challenge.
Symptoms of IMHA can appear suddenly or be more gradual. Mica's onset was sudden, in less than 24 hours. Her energy level was down a bit one day, but she otherwise seemed well. After midnight she vomited once. By morning her breathing was labored and she was very weak. Later that day in ICU she became severely jaundiced. SIGNS TO WATCH FOR: Your pet may exhibit subtle weakness or lethargy. They may have an increase in heart & respiration rates (excessive panting) & have PALE GUMS or ears. They may vomit or stop eating altogether. With IMTP they may have unexplained bruising or bleeding.
EVERY SINGLE CASE is different with this illness, which is why treating it successfully is SO difficult. Supportive care comes 1st to try & stabilize a pet's condition. Next, immune suppression drugs try to stop the ongoing destruction of blood cells. Finding then treating the underlying cause IS critical. MICA'S ANEMIA BECAME SO SEVERE THAT SHE NEEDED CRITICAL LIFE-SUPPORT THAT INCLUDED THE HELP OF OTHER DOGS.
Did you know that dogs give blood, just like humans? If they didn't, there wouldn't be enough blood to provide the tens of thousands of transfusions dogs need every year. As with humans, blood must be readily available or a patient may die. THAT'S WHY CANINE BLOOD DONATION IS SO IMPORTANT.
Mica's condition improved significantly after multiple transfusions, & she fought valiantly-like the good Terv she was for nearly a week when complications of the IMHA finally took her from us.
PLEASE consider talking with your vet about involving your dog in a blood donation program. Blood transfusions like Mica received GREATLY increase a dogs chance of recovering from IMHA, IMTP & other illnesses or injuries.
IMHA & IMTP are devastating diseases. IMHA is the MOST common blood immune disorder in BOTH dogs & cats, and its mortality rate is staggering. At times it can be managed, but today there is no cure.
RESEARCH IS DESPERATELY NEEDED. Please consider Mica's IMHA Research Fund.. even a dollar at a time adds up! THANK you
This message is **HQ APPROVED**.
Forums Motto: WILD AT HEART
The Last Forum I Posted In: **HQ APPROVED** Mica's IMHA Research
MICA'S WINGS/Art with a Heart:
To leave her a legacy, a non-profit foundation took flight...Mica's IMHA Research Fund aims to raise awareness of immune-mediated disease and funds for prevention and a cure.
ecollage art benefits IMHA research. Please consider helping us help other dogs and cats in MICA'S name.
MICA'S TEAM: mates with purple stars have IMHA, or another IM disease. Those with green support Mica's quest with a donation. RED stars denote multiple donations..A few prefer to have another pack member join the team. Finally, the blue stars-which were added only recently! These donations are extremely generous.
hello everyone..
our mckenna is very active with Project Pooch..
this event is a big one in their year.. and comes up this NEXT week..
it's a phenomenal organization, and does much good..
especially in the lives of unwanted shelter dogs!
if anyone is interested and can help out, PAWlease do..
take a look..
My Account
(171) Winner: 
