Please help Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

My beloved 11-12 year old normally very healthy, Thea went to the vet 2 days ago for what I thought was dehydration/stress from a recent move. Turned out to be way more... The vet is leaning towards autoimmune hemolytic anemia (primary) because everything but cancer has been ruled out. We can't afford to do anymore testing of her blood until she gets better (she goes back April 1st). The vet thinks because it was so quick and acute it's not cancer though. Anyway, most likely because she was not eating her liver numbers or whatever they are called were high. The vet seems to think it will all be treatable, I asked her frankly if it was a death sentence, she said no and seems to be upbeat. Is she being overly optimistic?? I'm trying to stay very positive, right now she's on a vitamin, a steroid, and an antibiotic. I'm also "assist" feeding and watering her with a syringe. This is only day 2. She seems to slowly be getting more energy (she could not move at all the first night I brought her home, she's moving a bit more, getting out of her bed in a luandry basket. Then I went in to get a night time cuddle about2 hours after her second doses tonight. She had wet herself and was just lying in it. Of course I freaked out that it was a bad sign, but after cleaning her up and giving her new bedding she's purring and sleeping. Is this normal right now? Is it because she's too tired with the strong MEDS? Or is this a bad sign? I just don't want her to suffer. Before this she was very happy (still is happy when I'm with her), active and healthy. She ruled the roost (2 other cats and 2 cats). Is this a treatable thing that she can live a happy life with? Or is the peeing herself a sign that it's not? I'm sorry I'm rambling, I'm just still in shock and I want to do the right thing, she's my baby. Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

It's very understandable that you are in shock over all of this- how overwhelming! 

I am not familiar with autoimmune hemolytic anemia but I got online and read a few articles. From what I read and your description I'd be inclined to side with your vet and think it sounds treatable. It sounds like once she is more stable then she can be weaned off her meds (thinking in a timeframe of months, not days). For reference, here is a link to the article I found most helpful: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pe...alth/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia-in-cats/2134 . 

I would follow your vet's advice to the letter and keep a close eye on her. Hopefully her soiling herself was a one time thing (and thinking it's due to her current lethargy or is a side effect from her new meds seems highly logical) but I would phone your vet in the morning and just let them know. In these types of situations most vets are more than willing to give some advice over the phone (i.e. this is normal for where she is at or it's not and she needs to be rechecked). 

Even though I am not familiar with the disease here are some things to consider just from a general care taking aspect. To make things more convenient for your girl I would set up her food and water dishes and a litterbox next to her laundry basket bed. That way she doesn't have to waste a lot of precious energy to meet her basic needs. I would also put her bed somewhere cozy where she feels safe and that is somewhere that she can at least be near you. When you aren't there it can be soothing to set the radio to a classical music station, or even put something that smells like you (a sweatshirt for instance) in the basket with her. 

Next, as you go through the next few days I would keep a log of her behavior. Examples would be if and when she eats and drinks on her own, when you assisted her and how much she took down, when she uses the box and what the output is (only urinating, diarrhea), ect. Keeping a log will help tremendously at the next vet appointment and you won't be racking your brain trying to remember the little details. Personally, I find that when I'm overwhelmed by something like this I forget the little things (like the last time she used the litterbox). Keeping the log will ensure that you don't miss anything. Also, the vet being able to see what her symptoms are like over a period of days may really help in nailing down the problem and coming up with the most effective treatment regime. 

I would also keep a running list of questions. First on that list right now would of course be finding out if she is suffering and/or if this condition is one that she will suffer with. You are a wonderful caregiver to her in that your primary concern is her quality of life. And, sometimes putting our best friend and closest confidant to sleep is the kindest thing we can do. That said, I don't at all think you are there yet. Even though more tests need to be done I think your vet would have warned you if there were indications that the outcome wasn't going to be favorable. 

Finally, remember that in times of a health crisis sometimes the best medicine is a positive attitude. Cats are very sensitive to energy and if she picks up a lot of stress and fear coming from you then she may feel that way as well which is not going to help the healing process. You are still very early in this process so try to keep your spirits up and have hope that she can overcome this and resume her normal, active lifestyle.

Just keep doing what the vet told you to do, monitor her closely, and keep a detailed log. If at any point you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to call your vet and ask. It's better to be overly cautious in a situation like this. 

I'm sending all my vibes to you and your girl. Please, use TCS in whatever manner you need to, whether it be asking more questions or just venting for some emotional support. It's incredibly emotional caring for a sick pet, especially when it comes on suddenly and they can't communicate to you how they are feeling. We are here not just to answer your questions but to support you so that you can support her. Hang in there!

My beloved Thea passed to the rainbow bridge yesterday. I knew it was time and we had a good 5-6 hours of cuddling (our favorite activity). She got to say goodbye to her fur brothers and sisters, we took one last nap together. We had an amazing, healing talk. She passed away peacefully in my arms as I sang her favorite song to her and kissed her. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better way. She literally purred for me until she could purr no more. I'm grieving, it's hard. She was my soulmate kitty, but I know she's always with me. She'll be at the rainbow bridge when my day comes with my other babies. It's amazing how well we communicated, I asked her to let me know when it was coming so we'd have time together. Sure enough after I put her in a quiet area to nap about five minutes later she told me. I'm so thankful I got to hold her against me for the last day and her last breath. She was focused on me the whole time while I calmly told her it was okay. I love that cat.

Ugh this is so gut wrenchingly sad yet so upliftingly beautiful all at the same time. 

I'm so sorry to hear that Thea has passed. But, I think you are so right, if you had to lose her you could not ask for a better way. It sounds like she knew it was her time and let you know. She was able to say goodbye to her siblings and passed sweetly in your arms in the comfort of her home- not somewhere scary and unfamiliar. And, if there is any silver lining at least she didn't suffer for long (if at all). 

RIP Thea.  I'm so happy for you that you left this world on your own terms and not somebody else's. I know your Mom and your siblings will miss you terribly but hopefully they take comfort in knowing that you will be watching over them.

I'm very sorry for your loss. This thread will be closed now. When you feel up to it, you can post about Thea in our Crossing The Bridge forum, where our members share their grief and memories.