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Achilles - RRUFF
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BASIC STATS
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Sex:
Male
Age: 10 yrs
Size: 103 lbs
Kids: Over 7 years old
Dogs: Only Dog OR Submissive Females
Cats: Unknown
Small Pets: Yes
Level: Some Experience
Location: MA |
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On 9/3/08 Achilles was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hemolytic
Anemia (AIHA.) AIHA is a disease in which the body attacks
its own red blood cells. In dogs with AIHA, red blood cells
are still being manufactured in the bone marrow, but once
released into the circulation, they have a shorter-than-normal
life span, since they are constantly being attacked and
destroyed by abnormal antibodies in the blood. Antibodies
are normally formed by the dog's immune system when needed
to destroy invading bacterial or viral signs. However, with
AIHA, the dog's immune system is not working normally and
sees its own red blood cells as foreign, and therefore produces
antibodies to destroy them.
Achilles was put on Prednisone to suppress his immune system
to help prevent red blood cell destruction. Achilles was
also put on Sucralfate to protect his stomach from developing
ulcers.
Sadly, Achilles's condition did not respond to steroid therapy.
His blood tests continued to show no increase in red blood
cells. When it was determined that Achilles's condition
would not improve his foster family offered to provide Achilles
care until he was no longer comfortable.
Achilles lost his battle with AIHA on 10/12/08 and was put
to sleep in the arms of his foster family. RRUFF's volunteers
were deeply saddened by the loss of Achilles, but happy
in the knowledge that he had finally experienced the love
of a family.
To make a donation in honor of Achilles please click here:
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