Dixie Lou

Hi everyone, my name is Christina. I'm sure you know that, but if you know me and Jen you have to know Dixie Lou. Dixie Lou is our mini Australian shepherd. She is the love of our lives and makes us the happiest in the world. On March 3rd 2024 Dixie Lou fell over stiff out of absolutely out of nowhere. We took her to Temecula emergency hospital because it was 11:00 p.m. We were told that it could possibly have been a seizure but there was no guarantee without blood work. We had basic blood work done and she had a fever of 103 and high blood pressure. They said not high enough for her to have a seizure so they weren't sure what was going on. They sent us home with seizure medication just in case and she did not respond to it. Next day she wasn't doing any better so I contacted the emergency again and took her in. At that point they told us there was nothing more they could do for her. She needed specialty so we ended up taking her to San Marcos specialty hospital where they did a full blood workout and found out that she has IMHA immune mediated hemologic anemia. I had no idea what that is, but when she let us know how deadly this disease was, our hearts broke into a million pieces the day that this happened. Dixie Lou turned 4 years old, the exact day. She was put on an antibiotic and a steroid and sent home to see her regular doctor. I immediately called the Palm Springs animal hospital the next day because she needed a CBC complete blood count to see where her red blood cells were just in case she needs a blood transfusion. She had her appointment and it was confirmed that she does have IMHA but the doctor was confused as to why she was fainting. He thinks that she has a secondary condition which could possibly be cancer, a mass or an obstruction. Had a chest x-ray done at Palm Springs animal hospital and he did not see anything major with the x-ray. The x-ray was sent out to a cardiologist for further inspection of her heart. She has an appointment this coming Friday for another CBC and a follow-up appointment with her regular doctor on Monday. We had no idea of any of this. She's so showed no signs whatsoever. She has always been a happy, healthy, bouncy loving dog. So this has completely blindsided us and caused a huge unexpected expense. Dixie Lou means the world to us and our family. If there's anything you can do to help even prayers It is so greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance