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Memorial Day... So much to be Thankful For
Thank you to all of Service Women & Men, past, present & future.
It is about remembering and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
No matter what your plans are today, remember the reason behind this day.
xoxo
News
We were able to bring Cooper home yesterday afternoon. It is all very scary.
Scary to know that he could have a relapse at any moment, scary that he can't tell us, scary that his lil body needs to be supported by so many medications and by the responsibility of us.
The Doctors said that it wasn't Evan's Syndrome, but he has the immune disorder IMHA.
When we left the hospital yesterday his PCV had dropped, but still holding steady at 25%. It was around 28 for a couple days... it really needs to be in the high 30's-40's.
The medications he is on, cause him to drink, eat & pee alllllll of the time. It is really hard on his body. He takes sooo many pills and will have to for as long as he is stable. He runs the risk of throwing a bloodclot, so that scares us all of the time. Is he breathing normal? Or is he breathing weird?
He has to have bloodwork every 3-4 days.
They said that if he relapsed, there were more options.... of course, more transfusions, and more drugs they didn't try this time.
Right now, he is just not himself. He breathes & pants so hard... (side effects from meds) he can't play for any longer than 1-2 minutes at a time, and sleeps so much. So sad for a 9 month old puppy. (Although, he did try & steal a turkey sandwich...lolol)
So, we check his gums, eyes, ears, pulse, heartrate, pee & poodie, 24-7, and are nervous nellies & keeping fingers crossed.
Whew... i will keep everyone posted.
thank you for your concern
xoxo
Scary to know that he could have a relapse at any moment, scary that he can't tell us, scary that his lil body needs to be supported by so many medications and by the responsibility of us.
The Doctors said that it wasn't Evan's Syndrome, but he has the immune disorder IMHA.
When we left the hospital yesterday his PCV had dropped, but still holding steady at 25%. It was around 28 for a couple days... it really needs to be in the high 30's-40's.
The medications he is on, cause him to drink, eat & pee alllllll of the time. It is really hard on his body. He takes sooo many pills and will have to for as long as he is stable. He runs the risk of throwing a bloodclot, so that scares us all of the time. Is he breathing normal? Or is he breathing weird?
He has to have bloodwork every 3-4 days.
They said that if he relapsed, there were more options.... of course, more transfusions, and more drugs they didn't try this time.
Right now, he is just not himself. He breathes & pants so hard... (side effects from meds) he can't play for any longer than 1-2 minutes at a time, and sleeps so much. So sad for a 9 month old puppy. (Although, he did try & steal a turkey sandwich...lolol)
So, we check his gums, eyes, ears, pulse, heartrate, pee & poodie, 24-7, and are nervous nellies & keeping fingers crossed.
Whew... i will keep everyone posted.
thank you for your concern
xoxo
Baby Woo-Woo
Here is Baby Woo-Woo on one of the times we got to take him outside. This was after the transfusion.
Coopie Update
Well, he has been in ICU for many days. We make the drive and visit as often as allowed, or as we think is best for him. I have taken pictures of him and will post them later (he is p-pitiful).
He doesn't even know who we are.
Last night he took a turn for the worse and the doctors made the decision to give him the blood transfusion. When we left him his platelets had just dropped again and he was running a fever of 105.
The doctors told us that no news was good news throughout the night.... sooooo, we were on pins and needles. But, there was no call until 9:33 am this morning. Doggies are like people when they receive a transfusion... there are so many risks; so we didnt know with his lil week body, if he could handle it.
But he pulled through.
We went to visit and we were able to take him for a walk outside. They still have ekg pads taped onto his lil feet. He was happy to be outside. He pee-peed, but it was completely red. This means he is still losing red cells. Not a good sign.
We fed him around 30 kernels of his food... just like a baby goat.... he hasn't been eating.
His Doctor, who is fabulous, came out to speak to us. The news was poor.
The issue is in his veins, not so much in his organs. I can only explain what i understand. This is why he is still peeing dark blood. If the pee was clearer... it would be organs, and a little easier to treat.
An immune disorder is so hard to treat. So, what the next step was a human drug that costs 4-600 dollars a shot. So, this afternoon, he that done. It is IVIG, and takes about 6 hours or so to to start showing signs.
There is always the possibility of another transfusion to help.
Okay, the doctor called and said his fever was down to 103. This is a good thing. Not out of the woods yet!
Keep you posted.
xoxo
He doesn't even know who we are.
Last night he took a turn for the worse and the doctors made the decision to give him the blood transfusion. When we left him his platelets had just dropped again and he was running a fever of 105.
The doctors told us that no news was good news throughout the night.... sooooo, we were on pins and needles. But, there was no call until 9:33 am this morning. Doggies are like people when they receive a transfusion... there are so many risks; so we didnt know with his lil week body, if he could handle it.
But he pulled through.
We went to visit and we were able to take him for a walk outside. They still have ekg pads taped onto his lil feet. He was happy to be outside. He pee-peed, but it was completely red. This means he is still losing red cells. Not a good sign.
We fed him around 30 kernels of his food... just like a baby goat.... he hasn't been eating.
His Doctor, who is fabulous, came out to speak to us. The news was poor.
The issue is in his veins, not so much in his organs. I can only explain what i understand. This is why he is still peeing dark blood. If the pee was clearer... it would be organs, and a little easier to treat.
An immune disorder is so hard to treat. So, what the next step was a human drug that costs 4-600 dollars a shot. So, this afternoon, he that done. It is IVIG, and takes about 6 hours or so to to start showing signs.
There is always the possibility of another transfusion to help.
Okay, the doctor called and said his fever was down to 103. This is a good thing. Not out of the woods yet!
Keep you posted.
xoxo
Your peaceful Thoughts on COOPER & a lil advice!
Our lil boy Coop is very sick.
Right now he is being treated at NC State Vet Hospital for a serious auto-immune disorder/disease (whatever... he is sick). We are not sure. It goes like this.....(they already ruled out the parasites & ticks...
Warning this is long:
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, IMHA, AIHAImmune-mediated hemolytic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, IMHA,
AffectedAnimals:Dogs of all ages may be affected with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Young to middle-aged female dogs are thought to be affected more commonly with immune-mediated disease than their male counterparts. Older dogs often have underlying or concurrent problems when IMHA develops. In some dogs, IMHA can precede the identification of cancer or other serious systemic diseases. Breeds including cocker spaniels, poodles, Old English sheepdogs, Lhasa apsos, and Shih-tzus may have a higher incidence of IMHA than other breeds.
Young dogs, especially beagles, Basenjis, and English springer spaniels, may have specific red blood cell enzyme abnormalities that result in hemolytic anemia at an early age; however, this anemia is not mediated by the immune system.
Overview:Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA, is a relatively common syndrome in dogs. The immune system normally helps to protect the body from outside invaders. However, it can become active against normal cells or parts of the body, or against normal cells that have been altered by exposure to infectious agents, medications, or other disease processes in the body. Although a variety of factors may be associated with the development of IMHA, in most situations it occurs without an identifiable trigger or underlying cause. This is referred to as idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Affected dogs show the symptoms common to anemia due to any cause -- lethargy, weakness, increased respiratory rate, and pallor, or pale mucous membranes. In situations where the anemia develops rapidly, signs can be severe, with some animals actually presenting to the veterinarian in shock. In other cases, especially when the targeted red blood cells are in the bone marrow rather than in circulation in the blood vessels, the onset can be very slow and gradual.
There is no single test that is absolutely diagnostic for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. It is usually diagnosed based on suspicion and the absence of any other specific causes for anemia. Bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, bone marrow examinations, and other diagnostic tests are part of the evaluation of an anemic dog. These studies are helpful in ruling out underlying or associated conditions, identifying additional abnormalities that require treatment, and in monitoring complications of the disease and its treatment.
Treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is aimed at restoring red blood cell numbers and trying to stop the ongoing destruction of additional red blood cells. Underlying causes or predisposing factors, when present, need to be addressed. If medications were being used prior to the diagnosis, they are usually stopped, in case they may have triggered hemolysis in the affected dog. Transfusions may be needed in severely ill dogs, but are generally useful only as a temporary measure unless the underlying cause of the red cell destruction is arrested. A large number of drugs have been used to suppress the immune response in dogs with IMHA. The cornerstone of treatment is prednisone. Only an attempt at treatment will provide an answer about the outcome for an individual patient with IMHA. There is an extremely wide range of severity of the condition, as well as an unpredictable response to treatment. Some animals are saved with relatively non-aggressive treatment and monitoring, while others succumb despite almost heroic efforts, either to the disease itself, complications like pulmonary blood clot formation, or side effects from the medications used to treat the disease.
Clinical Signs:The common signs associated with anemia include lethargy and pallor. Many patients with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia have a recent history of nonspecific signs that can include anorexia and vomiting. Changes in breathing patterns are common, and can range from panting to dyspnea, especially if pulmonary thromboembolism, or blood clots to the lungs, has occurred. The presence of jaundice in an anemic animal is highly suggestive of immune-mediated hemolysis as a cause of the anemia. Dogs with IMHA may present to the veterinarian collapsed or in shock.
Symptoms:Most anemic dogs act weak or tired. Their mucous membranes and skin may appear to be pale or jaundiced, with yellow discoloration. Many dogs with IMHA have symptoms like vomiting or loss of appetite that may precede or accompany the onset of their anemia. Respiratory symptoms are often present. Panting is the most common respiratory sign in anemia, but since some dogs with IMHA have problems with blood clots in the vessels supplying their lungs, severe respiratory difficulty may be seen. Some animals may present with very sudden onset of shock-like symptoms in severe cases of IMHA.
Description:In immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are removed from circulation by interactions between components of the immune system and cells called macrophages, which essentially "eat up" the altered red blood cells. Veterinarians believe that antigens, or foreign substances, alter red blood cell membranes and stimulate formation of immune system antibodies. The antibodies in turn form an immune complex with the affected RBCs by attaching to the antigen. Circulating macrophages, or immune-system "scavenger" cells, are attracted to the immune complexes. Macrophages engulf the red blood cells with the complexes and destroy them.
This process occurs outside the blood vessels, especially in the spleen, and is termed extravascular hemolysis. Less commonly, immune complexes attach to the red blood cells in circulation, causing intravascular rupture or hemolysis. If no trigger mechanism or antigen is recognized, then the process is attributed to an exuberant or defective immune system that fails to recognize the dog's normal red blood cells as "self." Antibody molecules are produced against the normal or unchanged red blood cells.
Diagnosis:Anemia is diagnosed by documenting the presence of decreased red blood cells. This is most commonly done in the hospital with measurement of a packed cell volume, or PCV. Measurement of a hematocrit is usually done in a reference laboratory. Once anemia has been documented there are many tests that are useful in further classifying the anemia.
Anemias may be classified as regenerative and nonregenerative. Regenerative anemias arise from factors that generally do not suppress the bone marrow, the normal source of red blood cells. Nonregenerative anemias occur as a result of bone marrow-suppressing events. Reticulocytes are immature, developing red blood cells. A reticulocyte count tells how many immature red blood cells are in circulation. Most dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia show a regenerative response, with increased reticulocyte counts or large numbers of nucleated red blood cells in circulation. The most common causes of regenerative anemias are blood loss and hemolysis, or red blood cell breakdown. Hemolysis should be suspected if there is a regenerative anemia with no evidence of internal or external blood loss. Not all forms of immune-mediated anemia are associated with increased numbers of reticulocytes. When the immune-mediated injury is directed at cells in the marrow, the reticulocyte count is decreased. This form of immune-mediated, non-regenerative anemia, is sometimes referred to as pure red cell aplasia.
Additional red blood cell features are helpful in classifying anemia as regenerative or nonregenerative. Red blood cell size is often increased and color is often less intense than normal in regenerative anemias. Nucleated red blood cells, which are released early from the bone marrow when demand is high, are often elevated in regenerative anemia. The most specific red blood cell change in IMHA is the formation of spherocytes. A spherocyte is a round-looking red blood cell that lacks the typical zone of paleness in its center when examined on a blood smear. It is thought that spherocytes are only seen with immune-mediated injury.
Red blood cell agglutination, or clumping, may be noted when blood is collected from dogs with IMHA. The presence of agglutination is usually thought to be specific for immune-mediated anemia, but its absence does not rule it out. Agglutination may be either macroscopic, which means visible to the naked eye, or microscopic, indicating it can only be noted when drops of blood are examined under a microscope.
When IMHA is suspected, a direct antibody, or Coombs test is usually performed. This test looks for antibodies against red blood cells. Although many dogs with IMHA will have a positive Coombs test, some do not. A negative Coombs test does not rule out the possibility of IMHA. Coombs test results should always be interpreted in light of other clinical and laboratory findings.
Serum biochemical profile abnormalities are common in IMHA, but none of the commonly seen changes are specific for the diagnosis. Serum bilirubin levels are increased due to excessive red blood cell breakdown. Liver enzymes may be elevated; this occurs when anemia causes the liver to receive a decreased amount of oxygen. Protein levels are usually normal to increased in hemolytic anemia. This is a key point in distinguishing hemolysis from blood loss, since protein levels are usually decreased in whole blood loss situations.
Changes in the white blood cell and platelet counts may be seen in addition to red blood cell count abnormalities on a complete blood count. Some dogs with IMHA have marked increases in their white blood cell counts. This occurs when all cell lines within the bone marrow are excessively stimulated. Other dogs with IMHA may have decreased platelet counts, particularly if the immune-mediated injury involves platelets as well as red blood cells. This is called Evan's syndrome, and may be associated with a worse outcome in most patients than with IMHA alone.
A complete blood count will also help reveal underlying causes for hemolytic anemia. Red blood cell parasites that can cause hemolysis may sometimes be seen on evaluation of a blood smear. Although rarely seen, Heinz body formation in dogs can occur from onion ingestion or from acetaminophen overdose. Heinz bodies are structures composed of denatured hemoglobin that can also be seen in some dogs with hemolytic anemia.
Other diagnostic tests may also help identify an underlying cause for hemolytic anemia. These tests may help differentially diagnose IMHA from non-immune-related hemolytic anemias. Chest and abdominal x-rays and abdominal ultrasound may be used to screen for evidence of cancer in older dogs with suspected IMHA. Cancer, especially lymphosarcoma, is often associated with immune-system abnormalities. Abdominal x-rays may also be useful in identifying zinc-containing foreign objects like coins, which can induce hemolytic anemia in dogs. Tests for tick-borne infectious diseases may need to be considered as well. Geography influences the incidence of such diseases; many tick-borne diseases occur more commonly in the southern and the southeastern parts of the United States. Bone marrow evaluation may be recommended if the CBC reveals unusually low platelet and white blood cell counts, or if the anemia is nonregenerative. This is done primarily to rule out the presence of diseases like leukemia within the bone marrow itself, and to further document the marrow's ability to respond to the demand for new blood cells.
When IMHA has been tentatively diagnosed, when no likely underlying cause has been identified by additional testing, and when there is no history of recent drug or vaccine exposure that may have triggered the event, the condition is often referred to as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or AIHA. It is assumed in these cases that for unknown reasons, the immune system targets otherwise normal red blood cells, and tries to remove them from circulation.
Prognosis:Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a very serious disease. While overall about 20 to 40 percent of patients with IMHA are thought to die either from the disease itself or from its complications or treatment, this figure may be as high as 80 percent for the most severely affected dogs. Many studies have looked at possible factors that play a role in prognosis. Some factors that may be associated with greater likelihood of a poor outcome include a marked elevation of serum bilirubin, lower packed cell volumes at the time of presentation, the need for multiple transfusions, and the occurrence of pulmonary blood clots. Only an attempt at treatment will help determine the outcome in an individual dog. Those dogs that respond rapidly and favorably to treatment may do very well. Other dogs may require hospitalization for days to weeks before it becomes clear if they will survive or not.
Transmission or Cause:Hemolytic anemia may occur secondary to an underlying trigger or cause. Such causes can include red blood cell parasites, tick-borne infectious diseases, exposure to vaccines or other biologic products, medications, bee stings, toxins like zinc or onions, and cancer. In some specific breeds, inherited red blood cell enzyme abnormalities can trigger hemolytic anemia. Although the underlying cause of anemia in these instances is hemolysis, or red blood cell breakdown, not all of these cases are due to hemolysis that is immune system-related.
There are many possible triggers for the development of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Sometimes IMHA is associated with exposure to certain medications that may alter the red blood cell membranes, or that serve as a stimulus for antibody production themselves. Red blood cell parasites may either attach to the red blood cell membranes or invade the red blood cells directly, triggering an immune response. Infectious diseases like ehrlichiosis may be associated with immune-mediated hemolysis. Some forms of cancer, particularly lymphosarcoma, can serve as triggers for IMHA. However, in most patients, there is no identifiable trigger or obvious underlying, associated condition. This situation is referred to as idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The exact cause of this syndrome and the mechanisms that perpetuate it are not completely understood. In these patients, some abnormality in the immune system allows for the destruction of otherwise normal red blood cells. Veterinarians believe that there may be a hereditary predisposition to this condition. It may occur alone or in conjunction with other immune-mediated disorders.
Treatment:Treatment is directed toward any identified underlying causes of the hemolytic anemia and toward symptomatic illness secondary to the IMHA itself. Emergency treatment of a patient with IMHA frequently requires blood transfusion or the use of synthetic hemoglobin solutions to temporarily stabilize the patient and to permit time for other treatments to work. Packed red blood cells from a universal or cross-matched donor are used if available, but whole blood may also be used. It is possible that transfused red blood cells may also be destroyed by the patient's immune system, so the benefit from transfusion may only be temporary.
Synthetic hemoglobin solutions have the advantage of a longer shelf life compared to blood, so they can be used in hospitals where blood donors are not available. However, their expense and their interference with the ability to monitor some biochemical parameters in patients with IMHA must be kept in mind. Plasma may also be given to patients that are thought to have serious blood clotting abnormalities secondary to their disease.
The main thrust of drug treatment in IMHA is the use of drugs to suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids like prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone are most commonly used to accomplish this goal. High doses are necessary, and therefore side effects are common. Some side effects like increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and panting are not very serious, but others, including the potential for gastrointestinal injury, can be severe. When immunosuppressive doses of steroids are used, most animals are placed on drugs to protect the gastrointestinal tract from ulceration.
Additional drugs to suppress or modify the immune system are commonly used to treat IMHA. It is thought that combination therapy may be more effective in some patients, and that it may limit side effects from over-reliance on a single class of drugs. These drugs have the potential to cause serious side effects, such as liver injury or bone marrow suppression, so patients must be carefully monitored. The medications may be used on a one-time only basis, or for longer periods of time during treatment. Examples of these drugs include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and danazol.
Some very expensive medications may also be used in the fight against IMHA. These include human intravenous immunoglobulins, and cyclosporine, a drug commonly used in transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection.
In some IMHA-patients that have failed to adequately respond to medical treatment, surgical removal of the spleen may also be considered. This invasive step is seldom performed, although there are some reports that indicate it can be associated with a high degree of success. Because many patients with IMHA are in such critical condition, the risk of general anesthesia may be too high.
Despite a relatively large number of treatment options and treatment protocols with these medications, there is no one agreed upon, universally effective treatment for IMHA. All possible treatments have potential side effects that need to be carefully monitored, and once an animal is successfully managed through an initial crisis, long-term treatment is usually necessary.
Prevention:For most dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, there is no known means of prevention of the disease. Modified live-virus vaccinations may trigger IMHA in some dogs. Patients that are suspected of having had vaccine-related IMHA in the past probably should not be given these vaccines again.
Sooooo..... he went from the Small emergency animal hospital in Aberdeen to NC State. I am not asking for sympathy, but I am asking and telling you to ALWAYS watch your pets. Watch your pets & keep their records together. We learned many years ago with owning several pets that it is IMPERATIVE to keep proper records. If something happens after hours and you are not able to reach your vet for a health history or vaccine records, how are you to help your pet?
Do it now... get a simple folder or binder.... and instead of throwing each receipt away or putting it in the drawer to never be seen again, put it in the binder.
Off to Visit Coopie-Luv.... i will keep you posted!
xoxo
Right now he is being treated at NC State Vet Hospital for a serious auto-immune disorder/disease (whatever... he is sick). We are not sure. It goes like this.....(they already ruled out the parasites & ticks...
Warning this is long:
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, IMHA, AIHAImmune-mediated hemolytic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, IMHA,
AffectedAnimals:Dogs of all ages may be affected with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Young to middle-aged female dogs are thought to be affected more commonly with immune-mediated disease than their male counterparts. Older dogs often have underlying or concurrent problems when IMHA develops. In some dogs, IMHA can precede the identification of cancer or other serious systemic diseases. Breeds including cocker spaniels, poodles, Old English sheepdogs, Lhasa apsos, and Shih-tzus may have a higher incidence of IMHA than other breeds.
Young dogs, especially beagles, Basenjis, and English springer spaniels, may have specific red blood cell enzyme abnormalities that result in hemolytic anemia at an early age; however, this anemia is not mediated by the immune system.
Overview:Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA, is a relatively common syndrome in dogs. The immune system normally helps to protect the body from outside invaders. However, it can become active against normal cells or parts of the body, or against normal cells that have been altered by exposure to infectious agents, medications, or other disease processes in the body. Although a variety of factors may be associated with the development of IMHA, in most situations it occurs without an identifiable trigger or underlying cause. This is referred to as idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Affected dogs show the symptoms common to anemia due to any cause -- lethargy, weakness, increased respiratory rate, and pallor, or pale mucous membranes. In situations where the anemia develops rapidly, signs can be severe, with some animals actually presenting to the veterinarian in shock. In other cases, especially when the targeted red blood cells are in the bone marrow rather than in circulation in the blood vessels, the onset can be very slow and gradual.
There is no single test that is absolutely diagnostic for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. It is usually diagnosed based on suspicion and the absence of any other specific causes for anemia. Bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, bone marrow examinations, and other diagnostic tests are part of the evaluation of an anemic dog. These studies are helpful in ruling out underlying or associated conditions, identifying additional abnormalities that require treatment, and in monitoring complications of the disease and its treatment.
Treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is aimed at restoring red blood cell numbers and trying to stop the ongoing destruction of additional red blood cells. Underlying causes or predisposing factors, when present, need to be addressed. If medications were being used prior to the diagnosis, they are usually stopped, in case they may have triggered hemolysis in the affected dog. Transfusions may be needed in severely ill dogs, but are generally useful only as a temporary measure unless the underlying cause of the red cell destruction is arrested. A large number of drugs have been used to suppress the immune response in dogs with IMHA. The cornerstone of treatment is prednisone. Only an attempt at treatment will provide an answer about the outcome for an individual patient with IMHA. There is an extremely wide range of severity of the condition, as well as an unpredictable response to treatment. Some animals are saved with relatively non-aggressive treatment and monitoring, while others succumb despite almost heroic efforts, either to the disease itself, complications like pulmonary blood clot formation, or side effects from the medications used to treat the disease.
Clinical Signs:The common signs associated with anemia include lethargy and pallor. Many patients with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia have a recent history of nonspecific signs that can include anorexia and vomiting. Changes in breathing patterns are common, and can range from panting to dyspnea, especially if pulmonary thromboembolism, or blood clots to the lungs, has occurred. The presence of jaundice in an anemic animal is highly suggestive of immune-mediated hemolysis as a cause of the anemia. Dogs with IMHA may present to the veterinarian collapsed or in shock.
Symptoms:Most anemic dogs act weak or tired. Their mucous membranes and skin may appear to be pale or jaundiced, with yellow discoloration. Many dogs with IMHA have symptoms like vomiting or loss of appetite that may precede or accompany the onset of their anemia. Respiratory symptoms are often present. Panting is the most common respiratory sign in anemia, but since some dogs with IMHA have problems with blood clots in the vessels supplying their lungs, severe respiratory difficulty may be seen. Some animals may present with very sudden onset of shock-like symptoms in severe cases of IMHA.
Description:In immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are removed from circulation by interactions between components of the immune system and cells called macrophages, which essentially "eat up" the altered red blood cells. Veterinarians believe that antigens, or foreign substances, alter red blood cell membranes and stimulate formation of immune system antibodies. The antibodies in turn form an immune complex with the affected RBCs by attaching to the antigen. Circulating macrophages, or immune-system "scavenger" cells, are attracted to the immune complexes. Macrophages engulf the red blood cells with the complexes and destroy them.
This process occurs outside the blood vessels, especially in the spleen, and is termed extravascular hemolysis. Less commonly, immune complexes attach to the red blood cells in circulation, causing intravascular rupture or hemolysis. If no trigger mechanism or antigen is recognized, then the process is attributed to an exuberant or defective immune system that fails to recognize the dog's normal red blood cells as "self." Antibody molecules are produced against the normal or unchanged red blood cells.
Diagnosis:Anemia is diagnosed by documenting the presence of decreased red blood cells. This is most commonly done in the hospital with measurement of a packed cell volume, or PCV. Measurement of a hematocrit is usually done in a reference laboratory. Once anemia has been documented there are many tests that are useful in further classifying the anemia.
Anemias may be classified as regenerative and nonregenerative. Regenerative anemias arise from factors that generally do not suppress the bone marrow, the normal source of red blood cells. Nonregenerative anemias occur as a result of bone marrow-suppressing events. Reticulocytes are immature, developing red blood cells. A reticulocyte count tells how many immature red blood cells are in circulation. Most dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia show a regenerative response, with increased reticulocyte counts or large numbers of nucleated red blood cells in circulation. The most common causes of regenerative anemias are blood loss and hemolysis, or red blood cell breakdown. Hemolysis should be suspected if there is a regenerative anemia with no evidence of internal or external blood loss. Not all forms of immune-mediated anemia are associated with increased numbers of reticulocytes. When the immune-mediated injury is directed at cells in the marrow, the reticulocyte count is decreased. This form of immune-mediated, non-regenerative anemia, is sometimes referred to as pure red cell aplasia.
Additional red blood cell features are helpful in classifying anemia as regenerative or nonregenerative. Red blood cell size is often increased and color is often less intense than normal in regenerative anemias. Nucleated red blood cells, which are released early from the bone marrow when demand is high, are often elevated in regenerative anemia. The most specific red blood cell change in IMHA is the formation of spherocytes. A spherocyte is a round-looking red blood cell that lacks the typical zone of paleness in its center when examined on a blood smear. It is thought that spherocytes are only seen with immune-mediated injury.
Red blood cell agglutination, or clumping, may be noted when blood is collected from dogs with IMHA. The presence of agglutination is usually thought to be specific for immune-mediated anemia, but its absence does not rule it out. Agglutination may be either macroscopic, which means visible to the naked eye, or microscopic, indicating it can only be noted when drops of blood are examined under a microscope.
When IMHA is suspected, a direct antibody, or Coombs test is usually performed. This test looks for antibodies against red blood cells. Although many dogs with IMHA will have a positive Coombs test, some do not. A negative Coombs test does not rule out the possibility of IMHA. Coombs test results should always be interpreted in light of other clinical and laboratory findings.
Serum biochemical profile abnormalities are common in IMHA, but none of the commonly seen changes are specific for the diagnosis. Serum bilirubin levels are increased due to excessive red blood cell breakdown. Liver enzymes may be elevated; this occurs when anemia causes the liver to receive a decreased amount of oxygen. Protein levels are usually normal to increased in hemolytic anemia. This is a key point in distinguishing hemolysis from blood loss, since protein levels are usually decreased in whole blood loss situations.
Changes in the white blood cell and platelet counts may be seen in addition to red blood cell count abnormalities on a complete blood count. Some dogs with IMHA have marked increases in their white blood cell counts. This occurs when all cell lines within the bone marrow are excessively stimulated. Other dogs with IMHA may have decreased platelet counts, particularly if the immune-mediated injury involves platelets as well as red blood cells. This is called Evan's syndrome, and may be associated with a worse outcome in most patients than with IMHA alone.
A complete blood count will also help reveal underlying causes for hemolytic anemia. Red blood cell parasites that can cause hemolysis may sometimes be seen on evaluation of a blood smear. Although rarely seen, Heinz body formation in dogs can occur from onion ingestion or from acetaminophen overdose. Heinz bodies are structures composed of denatured hemoglobin that can also be seen in some dogs with hemolytic anemia.
Other diagnostic tests may also help identify an underlying cause for hemolytic anemia. These tests may help differentially diagnose IMHA from non-immune-related hemolytic anemias. Chest and abdominal x-rays and abdominal ultrasound may be used to screen for evidence of cancer in older dogs with suspected IMHA. Cancer, especially lymphosarcoma, is often associated with immune-system abnormalities. Abdominal x-rays may also be useful in identifying zinc-containing foreign objects like coins, which can induce hemolytic anemia in dogs. Tests for tick-borne infectious diseases may need to be considered as well. Geography influences the incidence of such diseases; many tick-borne diseases occur more commonly in the southern and the southeastern parts of the United States. Bone marrow evaluation may be recommended if the CBC reveals unusually low platelet and white blood cell counts, or if the anemia is nonregenerative. This is done primarily to rule out the presence of diseases like leukemia within the bone marrow itself, and to further document the marrow's ability to respond to the demand for new blood cells.
When IMHA has been tentatively diagnosed, when no likely underlying cause has been identified by additional testing, and when there is no history of recent drug or vaccine exposure that may have triggered the event, the condition is often referred to as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or AIHA. It is assumed in these cases that for unknown reasons, the immune system targets otherwise normal red blood cells, and tries to remove them from circulation.
Prognosis:Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a very serious disease. While overall about 20 to 40 percent of patients with IMHA are thought to die either from the disease itself or from its complications or treatment, this figure may be as high as 80 percent for the most severely affected dogs. Many studies have looked at possible factors that play a role in prognosis. Some factors that may be associated with greater likelihood of a poor outcome include a marked elevation of serum bilirubin, lower packed cell volumes at the time of presentation, the need for multiple transfusions, and the occurrence of pulmonary blood clots. Only an attempt at treatment will help determine the outcome in an individual dog. Those dogs that respond rapidly and favorably to treatment may do very well. Other dogs may require hospitalization for days to weeks before it becomes clear if they will survive or not.
Transmission or Cause:Hemolytic anemia may occur secondary to an underlying trigger or cause. Such causes can include red blood cell parasites, tick-borne infectious diseases, exposure to vaccines or other biologic products, medications, bee stings, toxins like zinc or onions, and cancer. In some specific breeds, inherited red blood cell enzyme abnormalities can trigger hemolytic anemia. Although the underlying cause of anemia in these instances is hemolysis, or red blood cell breakdown, not all of these cases are due to hemolysis that is immune system-related.
There are many possible triggers for the development of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Sometimes IMHA is associated with exposure to certain medications that may alter the red blood cell membranes, or that serve as a stimulus for antibody production themselves. Red blood cell parasites may either attach to the red blood cell membranes or invade the red blood cells directly, triggering an immune response. Infectious diseases like ehrlichiosis may be associated with immune-mediated hemolysis. Some forms of cancer, particularly lymphosarcoma, can serve as triggers for IMHA. However, in most patients, there is no identifiable trigger or obvious underlying, associated condition. This situation is referred to as idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The exact cause of this syndrome and the mechanisms that perpetuate it are not completely understood. In these patients, some abnormality in the immune system allows for the destruction of otherwise normal red blood cells. Veterinarians believe that there may be a hereditary predisposition to this condition. It may occur alone or in conjunction with other immune-mediated disorders.
Treatment:Treatment is directed toward any identified underlying causes of the hemolytic anemia and toward symptomatic illness secondary to the IMHA itself. Emergency treatment of a patient with IMHA frequently requires blood transfusion or the use of synthetic hemoglobin solutions to temporarily stabilize the patient and to permit time for other treatments to work. Packed red blood cells from a universal or cross-matched donor are used if available, but whole blood may also be used. It is possible that transfused red blood cells may also be destroyed by the patient's immune system, so the benefit from transfusion may only be temporary.
Synthetic hemoglobin solutions have the advantage of a longer shelf life compared to blood, so they can be used in hospitals where blood donors are not available. However, their expense and their interference with the ability to monitor some biochemical parameters in patients with IMHA must be kept in mind. Plasma may also be given to patients that are thought to have serious blood clotting abnormalities secondary to their disease.
The main thrust of drug treatment in IMHA is the use of drugs to suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids like prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone are most commonly used to accomplish this goal. High doses are necessary, and therefore side effects are common. Some side effects like increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and panting are not very serious, but others, including the potential for gastrointestinal injury, can be severe. When immunosuppressive doses of steroids are used, most animals are placed on drugs to protect the gastrointestinal tract from ulceration.
Additional drugs to suppress or modify the immune system are commonly used to treat IMHA. It is thought that combination therapy may be more effective in some patients, and that it may limit side effects from over-reliance on a single class of drugs. These drugs have the potential to cause serious side effects, such as liver injury or bone marrow suppression, so patients must be carefully monitored. The medications may be used on a one-time only basis, or for longer periods of time during treatment. Examples of these drugs include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and danazol.
Some very expensive medications may also be used in the fight against IMHA. These include human intravenous immunoglobulins, and cyclosporine, a drug commonly used in transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection.
In some IMHA-patients that have failed to adequately respond to medical treatment, surgical removal of the spleen may also be considered. This invasive step is seldom performed, although there are some reports that indicate it can be associated with a high degree of success. Because many patients with IMHA are in such critical condition, the risk of general anesthesia may be too high.
Despite a relatively large number of treatment options and treatment protocols with these medications, there is no one agreed upon, universally effective treatment for IMHA. All possible treatments have potential side effects that need to be carefully monitored, and once an animal is successfully managed through an initial crisis, long-term treatment is usually necessary.
Prevention:For most dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, there is no known means of prevention of the disease. Modified live-virus vaccinations may trigger IMHA in some dogs. Patients that are suspected of having had vaccine-related IMHA in the past probably should not be given these vaccines again.
Sooooo..... he went from the Small emergency animal hospital in Aberdeen to NC State. I am not asking for sympathy, but I am asking and telling you to ALWAYS watch your pets. Watch your pets & keep their records together. We learned many years ago with owning several pets that it is IMPERATIVE to keep proper records. If something happens after hours and you are not able to reach your vet for a health history or vaccine records, how are you to help your pet?
Do it now... get a simple folder or binder.... and instead of throwing each receipt away or putting it in the drawer to never be seen again, put it in the binder.
Off to Visit Coopie-Luv.... i will keep you posted!
xoxo
Poor Little Boy...
Yesterday, our bestest lil cat "Futchy", had to be rushed to our vet.
It all started in the morning when i saw him tumble down the stairs.
Granted, it was only 3 or 4 stairs, but, it was not normal.
We went about our day as usual. I told Jen about what happened & never thought seriously about it.
Later we had to get ready for some late afternoon appointments, when she decided to check on him. She brought him to me with that ugly-red-wet horrible sore on his belly. It hadn't been there two days before that... what could have happened? It just looked so raw...
Soooo, i called the Vet, hoping for an emergency walk-in appointment... & they said YES!
(working at the Animal Medical Center, we used to get swamped with emergency walk-ins either on Mondays or Fridays... wonder why that is? Friday, when you want to start your weekend and Monday, all the animals get hurt over the weekend) I knew it was going to be crazy at Whispering Pines and was prepared to wait. But as usual, they were effecient and professional. (and i was right.... it was a crazy friday)
Okay, we don't know how it happened, but he licked himself raw. His diagnosis is moist dermatitis....a.k.a. a really bad hot spot.
Hot spots in dogs and cats are usually self inflicted lesions that are red, moist, and painful. With treatment, hot spots will heal nicely. They also gave him his rabies shot and drew a blood panel. He has lost a lot of weight recently. (Keeping fingers crossed its ok.) But back to the present problem
He now has to wear a "BITE NOT", which has replaced the E-Collar (elizabethen collar)... or should replace your E-Collar! I agree with our Vet, this thing is wonderful! It looks like a neck brace you wear from being in a wreck, but then you also wrap a strap around your pets armpits.
It is simple to put on and take off.
He looks pitiful in it. But he can eat & drink & sleep! Unlike the e-collars that bang into everything and get dirty and scare your pet!
After one night of being in the bite-not, and spraying him with a special betagen spray, Futchy is on his way to healing. I am amazed. I sprayed him again this morning and he was lying on his little bunny bed.... sweet sweet Futchy!
He just lets you do anything to him.
We told him he looked like he was in a car wreck!
He just laughed...
It all started in the morning when i saw him tumble down the stairs.
Granted, it was only 3 or 4 stairs, but, it was not normal.
We went about our day as usual. I told Jen about what happened & never thought seriously about it.
Later we had to get ready for some late afternoon appointments, when she decided to check on him. She brought him to me with that ugly-red-wet horrible sore on his belly. It hadn't been there two days before that... what could have happened? It just looked so raw...
Soooo, i called the Vet, hoping for an emergency walk-in appointment... & they said YES!
(working at the Animal Medical Center, we used to get swamped with emergency walk-ins either on Mondays or Fridays... wonder why that is? Friday, when you want to start your weekend and Monday, all the animals get hurt over the weekend) I knew it was going to be crazy at Whispering Pines and was prepared to wait. But as usual, they were effecient and professional. (and i was right.... it was a crazy friday)
Okay, we don't know how it happened, but he licked himself raw. His diagnosis is moist dermatitis....a.k.a. a really bad hot spot.Hot spots in dogs and cats are usually self inflicted lesions that are red, moist, and painful. With treatment, hot spots will heal nicely. They also gave him his rabies shot and drew a blood panel. He has lost a lot of weight recently. (Keeping fingers crossed its ok.) But back to the present problem
He now has to wear a "BITE NOT", which has replaced the E-Collar (elizabethen collar)... or should replace your E-Collar! I agree with our Vet, this thing is wonderful! It looks like a neck brace you wear from being in a wreck, but then you also wrap a strap around your pets armpits.
It is simple to put on and take off.
He looks pitiful in it. But he can eat & drink & sleep! Unlike the e-collars that bang into everything and get dirty and scare your pet!
After one night of being in the bite-not, and spraying him with a special betagen spray, Futchy is on his way to healing. I am amazed. I sprayed him again this morning and he was lying on his little bunny bed.... sweet sweet Futchy!He just lets you do anything to him.
We told him he looked like he was in a car wreck!
He just laughed...
LISTEN UP.... or WATCH.... oooooh, i am so excited!!!
You know, over the past years, every sector has had their own specialty "reality" shows. Let's see, Real World, Road Rules, Survivor, Big Brother, Biggest Loser, Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, The Apprentice, Amazing Race, The Real Housewives, wooooow... I could go on & on & on & on....
But now, it's my turn (and other groomers) to be represented! There is a new super duper cool GROOMING REALITY show, called groomer has it on the Animal Planet, airing Saturday April 12th, @ 9pm. So, set your dvrs or tivos and get ready to watch what we do every day!
The winner will receive a brand new mobile grooming van from the company i purchased mine from.... Wag'n Tails http://wagntails.com
Here is a complete write up about the show...
ANIMAL PLANET PREMIERES THE TOP DOG OF REALITY SHOWS, GROOMER HAS IT
Animal Planet enters the world of doggie style with the premiere of its new competition series, GROOMER HAS IT, hosted by Emmy award-winning actor and singer, Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”).
GROOMER HAS IT sniffs out 12 of America’s most devout dog groomers to compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals as they shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges that will crown only one as “Groomer of the Year.”
The contestants will be put through their paces to see who can turn the shaggiest pooch into a beautiful, prancing pup beginning Saturday, April 12, at 9 PM (ET/PT).These self-proclaimed best groomers will live together in a swanky Los Angeles loft the “Dog House;” work elbow-to-elbow in one salon; and face grooming challenges that range from styling pups for their runway debut to grooming some of the most exotic dog breeds to making adoptable pups look their fetchingly best for new homes. After each challenge, Jai and our outspoken panel of judges, including esteemed veterinarian Dr. Karen Halligan, champion dog handler Xavier Santiago and leading U.S. grooming expert, Joey Villani, will decide which contestant does not make the cut. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $50,000, a mobile grooming salon from Wag'n Tails Mobile Grooming and the title of “Groomer of the Year” – three prizes totaling $125,000 that could jump-start the groomers’ careers and change their lives.
Each of these groomers thinks he/she has what it takes to be top dog in this competition, but in reality, only one… GROOMER HAS IT.
Joey Villani, an IJA Judge at all Barkleigh shows, is the leading U.S. expert in grooming and began his remarkable career apprenticing for industry visionary, John Nash. Having trained thousands of groomers as a top instructor for Mr. Nash's schools, in 1998, Joey became president, director and owner of the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in New Jersey. In addition to his three decades of grooming experience and impressive teaching career, Joey is an IJA (International Judges Association) registered judge and has been nominated four times for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for excellence in dog grooming show judging. Joey tells it like it is, and when impressed, he offers a giant grin and his trademark, "That's it, baby!"
Viewers can visit AnimalPlanet.com for more information about the cast including bios, photos and video as well as blogs recapping the previous week’s episode and interviews.
The following is a clip/trailer from the show... ooooooh i am sooooo excited!
http://animal.discovery.com/search/results.html?query=groomer+has+it&search
I wish I could have tried out for the show, but since this is my first year, i knew i had obligations. Plus, would they really pick me? Nah.... But it is so fun to dream!!!
But now, it's my turn (and other groomers) to be represented! There is a new super duper cool GROOMING REALITY show, called groomer has it on the Animal Planet, airing Saturday April 12th, @ 9pm. So, set your dvrs or tivos and get ready to watch what we do every day!
The winner will receive a brand new mobile grooming van from the company i purchased mine from.... Wag'n Tails http://wagntails.com
Here is a complete write up about the show...
ANIMAL PLANET PREMIERES THE TOP DOG OF REALITY SHOWS, GROOMER HAS IT
Animal Planet enters the world of doggie style with the premiere of its new competition series, GROOMER HAS IT, hosted by Emmy award-winning actor and singer, Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”).
GROOMER HAS IT sniffs out 12 of America’s most devout dog groomers to compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals as they shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges that will crown only one as “Groomer of the Year.”
The contestants will be put through their paces to see who can turn the shaggiest pooch into a beautiful, prancing pup beginning Saturday, April 12, at 9 PM (ET/PT).These self-proclaimed best groomers will live together in a swanky Los Angeles loft the “Dog House;” work elbow-to-elbow in one salon; and face grooming challenges that range from styling pups for their runway debut to grooming some of the most exotic dog breeds to making adoptable pups look their fetchingly best for new homes. After each challenge, Jai and our outspoken panel of judges, including esteemed veterinarian Dr. Karen Halligan, champion dog handler Xavier Santiago and leading U.S. grooming expert, Joey Villani, will decide which contestant does not make the cut. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $50,000, a mobile grooming salon from Wag'n Tails Mobile Grooming and the title of “Groomer of the Year” – three prizes totaling $125,000 that could jump-start the groomers’ careers and change their lives.
Each of these groomers thinks he/she has what it takes to be top dog in this competition, but in reality, only one… GROOMER HAS IT.
Joey Villani, an IJA Judge at all Barkleigh shows, is the leading U.S. expert in grooming and began his remarkable career apprenticing for industry visionary, John Nash. Having trained thousands of groomers as a top instructor for Mr. Nash's schools, in 1998, Joey became president, director and owner of the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in New Jersey. In addition to his three decades of grooming experience and impressive teaching career, Joey is an IJA (International Judges Association) registered judge and has been nominated four times for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for excellence in dog grooming show judging. Joey tells it like it is, and when impressed, he offers a giant grin and his trademark, "That's it, baby!"
Viewers can visit AnimalPlanet.com for more information about the cast including bios, photos and video as well as blogs recapping the previous week’s episode and interviews.
The following is a clip/trailer from the show... ooooooh i am sooooo excited!
http://animal.discovery.com/search/results.html?query=groomer+has+it&search
I wish I could have tried out for the show, but since this is my first year, i knew i had obligations. Plus, would they really pick me? Nah.... But it is so fun to dream!!!
Hippity Hoppity Easter Weekend
Hi ya'll. It has been a long time since i have written anything of substance in the world of blogdome. Life just gets away from you. Before you realize it, days & weeks have gone by and you wonder where it all went? I guess that's what they say when "life just passes you by". It is so true.
Heck, sharing the Leprechaun & the Bunny in one week, is really screwing me up.
So, let's see what's been happenin'... *busy with work, *busy with the crazy kids at home. *We are trying to get started on our part of the Pet Responsibilty Day in April.
*Jenny got bit by dawggy last week.... he is a good dawggy... he just doesn't like having his nails clipped.... had to take her to the doctie this week... poor thing... had to get a tetnus shot and has a icky infection....so there is penicillin. *Had some strange & disturbing emails i had to take care of. There are some quacks out there....but, i guess thats the price you pay when you have a business and a website....anybody can contact you. *Taking Cooper to his Classes and trying to work with him. *Oh, one of the coolest things we have been doing... SPRING cleaning! YEP! On the weekends (when i normally spend lots of time writing to you) I have been going through cabinets, closets, the garage etc... and cleaning and throwing out old and useless stuff! You would not believe the crap i have. As i have said before, i live everyday in scrubs.... dont need to many clothes. Got rid of lots! Getting ready for a yard sale and taking rest to consignment.
Anyway, you get the idea, life has just been going on and passing me by. I spend everyday working hard at my wonderful job! As i am sure you all do! I hope you all love your jobs and are happy! I hope life isnt passing you by, and if it is, at least for this weekend, stop and smell the Chocolate Easter Bunnies.... or Peeps... or eggies....whatever Easter treat is around your house.
I wish ya'll a Hippity Hoppity Easter Weekend!
PUPPY CRUELTY.... Will it EVER STOP?
ANIMAL CRUELTY STILL EXISTS IN MOORE COUNTY!!
The above female puppy was dragged by a chain behind a vehicle and then tossed onto the side of the road on route 211 not too far from West End Vet Hospital.
The above female puppy was dragged by a chain behind a vehicle and then tossed onto the side of the road on route 211 not too far from West End Vet Hospital.
The man who dumped the puppy was driving a black truck, a rather new one, and the people following behind him, who witnessed him dump the puppy, are former adopters of a Boxer from Animal Advocates. The couple did not get a license number which is unfortunate. They picked up the puppy immediately and rushed it to Animal Health W.E. which was closed. They then transported the black lab pup to the Small Animal Emergency clinic where it is right now and AAMC is paying for the puppy’s treatment.
If you would like to be active in stopping such cruelty, please post this far and wide, since someone, some where, knows who did this. The puppy’s collar had been put on her when she was tiny and had grown into her fur and had to be cut off.
If we can begin to prosecute some of these cases maybe we can reduce the number of pitiful cases we see. Also how many puppies die from being tortured and we never see them or get a chance to save their lives.
THIS PUPPY WILL LIVE!
If you are interested in helping to pay for her care please send a check to:
AAMC marked “Dragged puppy” and your donation will go to her.
Send to address: 229A Ridgeline Drive, Aberdeen NC 28315
HAPPY LEAP YEAR DAY ....
Make it a Great Extra day today....I have been slacked in my writing as of late... but i will fill ya'll in soon... so, stay tuned.
BLUEPRINT
Well, maybe i am the last to know or the last to write a post about the Finality of Blueprint magazine. I received a postcard a few days ago stating that i would no longer be receiving my lovely eye candy! It was packed with great ideas, useful resources and beautiful and practical vignettes.
So typical for Martha.
My favorite, of course, was this issue with the PINK christmas tree and all things glitter and glow!
although, i will miss my quirky little publication, but i can still visit the blog
Bluelines.......
http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/blueprint/
It now leaves me with Real Simple, Country Home, & Country Living. Pretty Basic mag reading.
Here is an article I found about the cancellation of the magazine in the NY Times:
Martha Stewart Omnimedia will stop publishing Blueprint magazine on a stand-alone basis after the January-February issue.
The company said that job cuts would be associated with the decision but that some people would be reassigned to existing projects.
In a statement Monday, the company said it would produce Blueprint as focused special-interest issues within the home category, which it will introduce to brides-to-be through its Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.
Bluelines, the Blueprint blog, will continue.
Blueprint is a lifestyle magazine aimed at women ages 25 to 39, a younger audience than for the company’s flagship Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food publications.
bye bye blueprint .... xoxo
So typical for Martha.
My favorite, of course, was this issue with the PINK christmas tree and all things glitter and glow!
although, i will miss my quirky little publication, but i can still visit the blog
Bluelines.......
http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/blueprint/
It now leaves me with Real Simple, Country Home, & Country Living. Pretty Basic mag reading.
Here is an article I found about the cancellation of the magazine in the NY Times:
Martha Stewart Omnimedia will stop publishing Blueprint magazine on a stand-alone basis after the January-February issue.
The company said that job cuts would be associated with the decision but that some people would be reassigned to existing projects.
In a statement Monday, the company said it would produce Blueprint as focused special-interest issues within the home category, which it will introduce to brides-to-be through its Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.
Bluelines, the Blueprint blog, will continue.
Blueprint is a lifestyle magazine aimed at women ages 25 to 39, a younger audience than for the company’s flagship Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food publications.
bye bye blueprint .... xoxo
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!!
So, its been at least a week since my last post. A lot has been going on.We have F-I-N-A-L-L-Y integrated Cooper with the rest of the other dogs in the house. Oh my.... what an experience it has been.
We have also sent his application off to his puppy training school. It begins next month, and we are soooo excited. He is so full of himself, and (piss & vinegar). He is so smart and needs to chanel his energy elsewhere.
He jumps higher than our countertops, and last week brought us a baby snake. He has quite the nose. Typical for the breed; so we need to see where he fits in best.
I will keep you posted and, of course with pictures, once we start the classes.
Well, i just wanted to say Happy Valentines Day to everyone and I will be writing a lot more soon.
Hugs...
XOXO
Bakers Dozen
Last week we had to make our drivewaydog cookies. The cookies that we make for our client's dogs. They know when they are done being groomed that they get their treat. They gobble them up! Even the most finicky of finickys.
They truely get upset if we don't have any. Soooo, we make an all natural cookie. No preservatives, no corn, no wheat, all natural ingredients and the doggies luv them. We roll them like the peanut butter cookies, and make the criss-crosses in the top just like you would do for your own. I have to tell people all of the time, "these are not for you or the kids" (although they don't taste bad). They tell us their dogs luv them and want to buy them... so we have started selling them in bulk.
Any way, with all of the smells, we wanted our OWN cookies.
We proceeded to make some nestle toll-house chocolate chip cookies. I was happily eating mine when i heard this screach and laughter!
I was told we were going to be rich and to get the camera.
"If people can sell bread that looks like Jesus on ebay, than we can sell this lucky cookie"
OHHHH, if only.... need i say more? Look at this cookie >
is it a 12 or a 120? we will never know.... it was eaten!
( & i can never sell it on ebay )
( & i can never sell it on ebay )
Sewing on Paper and Art from the Heart: Giving AWAY two copies!!
Catherine Matthews-Scanlon is giving away TWO of her new books... and just in time for Valentines Day.
All you crafters give her a SHOUT OUT!
Even if you dont win .... get out there and buy one, or check out amazon! check out her other one! what talent!
to my friend "M" ..... having not so good days
I Wish For You Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
And if you can't have all that...
Then I wish you enough chocolate to make it through the tough times....
****by Unknown
we luv u!
snow in n.c.
if you look closely, you can see flakes on coopies coat. he also looks like a pony with this coat on.
this little angel was sitting so pretty outside this morning.... and everything was so quiet
just a little bit .... enough to make things pretty for awhile.
this little angel was sitting so pretty outside this morning.... and everything was so quiet
just a little bit .... enough to make things pretty for awhile. it will get sloppy later, and cause problems even later. what happens for us in the mobile grooming business is, when things cold and nasty like this, we have to plug in ceramic heaters in the van. one in the front and one in the back. they run all day and all night, sucking up energy and money$$$$. but, we have to do it so we can work and the lines dont freeze. it has happened twice now and it wasnt as cold as it is now. i cant imagine having a mobile business up north or some where it snooooows all of the time. you would have to have some serious winter tires on the van and have to have a garage to put it in. otherwise, you would be watching all of your profits going out the window.
here is a picture of the van with the heater inside.... the other one is placed in the back and the hot air has the circulate to keep the lines open. at the end of everyday, we have to take the sprayers off of the end of the hoses. they have iced up and need to be drained.
its a process to get to work... whats a girl to do? gas prices continue to go up, have to run the heaters 24-7, we are in a drought and i have to worry about the well going dry..... UGH!!!
just keep the faith that its a new year and its an election year!!!! smile smile smile & hug the puppy dawgs!
its a process to get to work... whats a girl to do? gas prices continue to go up, have to run the heaters 24-7, we are in a drought and i have to worry about the well going dry..... UGH!!!
just keep the faith that its a new year and its an election year!!!! smile smile smile & hug the puppy dawgs!
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Cooper Nooter
Well, on Wednesday, Cooper was neutered by the wonderful staff at Whispering Pines Animal Hospital. They are located 7672 NC HWY 22, Whispering Pines, NC, 910.949.2111. Drs. Lyerly, Pelkey & McDuffie always treat our fur-kids with the utmost respect & compassion. They also know when to use their strong, but gentle arm with "Oakley-Monster"... if they didn't, they would probably lose theirs... arm, that is... He has severe fear of veterinarians, and they are wonderful with him.To the Vet. Nurses, (you know who you are J, A, etc...) we can never thank you enough. Parents can be anal and obsessive & you have to be there for the doctors, the animals and the owners. That is a lot of responsibilty.
To the Front ... Brigette & Rhonda .... well ... you keep everything calm, cool, and collected. You are that very important gel that keeps everyone from the front and the back happy! It can be exhausting to keep things running smoothing ...
SOOO .... we want to say Thank You Thank You Thank You to everyone who did a perfect job and always works hard for us and our pets at Whispering Pines Animal Hospital!
Why is it easier?
my favorite tree
little santa boots
chalkware santa
of course, i think you take more coffee & hot chocolate breaks while putting up the decorations, than taking them down ... after looking at this stuff for two weeks or more, (for some folks, you know who you are) you are a little sick of looking at it all.
this santa is 40 years old, & we had him re-wired. turn off the lites and he is beautiful! he just shines. i truely hate putting him away after xmas.
this little cutie was my mothers. she dearly loved it and put it out every year. it dont know what he is, where she got him, or who made it. i just know that i luv him too. i have never seen another. he fits in perfectly and always make you smile!
i also love pretty pretty snow-angels, or snow-men. only, they have to be really unique or cool. you will see a couple that i have in the pictures above. and of course, i love the glitter!!!! they are sitting with an old church we need to have rewired.... put that on the list.
**this piggy is great ... she stays out all year of course, and we can decorate her anyway we see fit!
little santa boots
chalkware santawhy is it always easier to take down christmas decorations than putting them up?
this year, i put everything away in an hour. it took one and half days to put them up. the trees, the ornaments, trying to figure out where everything will go, must move to, etc.
of course, i think you take more coffee & hot chocolate breaks while putting up the decorations, than taking them down ... after looking at this stuff for two weeks or more, (for some folks, you know who you are) you are a little sick of looking at it all.
this santa is 40 years old, & we had him re-wired. turn off the lites and he is beautiful! he just shines. i truely hate putting him away after xmas.this little cutie was my mothers. she dearly loved it and put it out every year. it dont know what he is, where she got him, or who made it. i just know that i luv him too. i have never seen another. he fits in perfectly and always make you smile!
i do love so many of our xmas things and wish they could stay out all year. most are vintage, or have been around, so they have a lot of memories ...
one of my most favortist... my vintage aluminiminum christmas tree. with vintage & antique balls, and the rotating light makes it so pretty & relaxing.
**however, they should have put a warning label with it.... this year while i was putting the stems back into the paper sleaves, one of them sliced my finger and i thought it needed stitches. true story.
i also love pretty pretty snow-angels, or snow-men. only, they have to be really unique or cool. you will see a couple that i have in the pictures above. and of course, i love the glitter!!!! they are sitting with an old church we need to have rewired.... put that on the list.soooo, i finally got everything put away, inside and out. this year i was determined to do it an orderly fashion. i did. i threw things out, organized, and condensed the plastic containers. next year will be a breeze. martha would be pleased.
*this is a little pink tree with some mirrored ornaments & colored glass birds in the bedroom.
**this piggy is great ... she stays out all year of course, and we can decorate her anyway we see fit!as i was getting to the end of packing up the ornaments, i had these left over. so i had to stop and say THANK YOU! these are absolutely adorable! they were made by two little elves up in west virginia ... by marta, miki & kelly of maxwells restaurant. what sweet little elves they were! they made over 75 of these great ornament bonz for our doggy clients!
i made up gift bags from brown luch sax... and put plaid, stuffed squeaky bones, homemade natural peanut butter cookies & one of these ornaments in each bag. i put their name on the front and 2007 on the back.... tied a pretty ribbon through the hole for instant hanging. an instant memory for fluffy & her owner!
thanks again my little elves for helping make my xmas a titch easier, more fun for the owners and knowing that people doooooo care, even hundreds of miles away!!! thanks bunches Miki, Kelly & Marta
well, thats all. the christmas clutter is put away for another year. the hoopla is over. no more huge holidays until, well, easter. i do like easter, and that damn little bunny.
we left the colored lights wrapped around the deck outside.... it was really fun and gave the essence of being on a vacation or having a party. (we only turn them on occasionally)
ps... the pink tree it is still up , who will notice?
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