Help Ruby Beat IMHA

My friend Alex's dog, Ruby, has been struck with a terrible disease called Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). IMHA is an autoimmune disease that can strike suddenly and without warning, attacking the dog’s red blood cells, and causing extreme anemia. This condition requires several days of hospitalization and intensive care, including several blood transfusions. But if they can make it through this episode, Ruby otherwise has a clean bill of health, and the doctors believe she should have several good years left in her. Many dogs go into complete remission after a single episode.

 

Ruby has now been hospitalized since Thursday morning, and Alex’s bills have already far exceeded the annual limit on her pet insurance, but Ruby might require even more time in the hospital, plus medication for a while and frequent checkups upon discharge. The cost of daily hospitalization has ranged from $2,400 to $4,000. As of this morning (April 5), Alex has spent $9,121 beyond what her insurance will cover for the year. She works in non-profit legal services in Brooklyn and her husband is a public defender.

 

One moment, Ruby was playing and wrestling with her little brother and loudly demanding her 3 pm dinner, and the next, she was so sick that she couldn't lift her head or even eat. She has been stable and responding to the treatment, and it would be absolutely devastating to withdraw treatment now.

 

She is such a little fighter, and it will be no surprise to anyone who knows Ruby that she has charmed every person at the hospital. Ruby has been Alex’s emotional support dog since she adopted her as a senior in college during an extraordinarily difficult and traumatic period. Through all the growing pains of adulthood, Ruby has been there, standing sentry, taking care of us all.

 

Please consider donating to help us give Ruby the care she needs. Every little bit helps and will be deeply appreciated.