As I enter my thirty sixth year of life and my tenth year of clinical practice as a veterinarian, I have grown to appreciate the more substantial, less materialistic aspects of life. Less important are the things I have and more important are the relationships I foster with people and pets.
Cardiff, my Welsh Terrier, developed primary Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) at two and one half years of life. His second occurrence of IMHA came when he was just over three years. As a vigorous, youthful dog, Cardiff was able to pull through is bouts of illness and remains healthy today. If Cardiff was geriatric and faced the same need for long term immunosuppressive therapy, blood product replacement, intravenous fluids and medication, hospitalization for days to weeks, and repeat diagnostic monitoring, I would reconsider the value in putting Cardiff through such treatments. The treatment process challenges him with a remarkable series of adverse physical and physiological changes. Fortunately, after his second episode of IMHA, I have treated his disease from both an Western and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective and he has been healthy for over one year.
For my thirty sixth birthday, the thing that I want most is for Cardiff to continue to be healthy. For those of you that have read my previous articles or know me personally, Cardiff is a very important part of my life. He is a photo and film model, my inspiration for pet care topics, and my companion on our many adventures in life. His genetics and an unknown environmental trigger may potential cause him to die from this life threatening disease.
If Cardiff were to remain healthy for the next year, or for the rest of his life, I would be the recipient of the best birthday gift ever!
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Comments
Happy Birthday little guy! We love you!!!
xoxoxxo Lucia, Stephanie & Daniel :)
As the parent of two special needs pets I can so relate to your story. I know that not only do you add to Cardiff's life but he saves yours as well every day. The relationship I have with my vet is so critical and seeing how you care for your own pet, makes me know you are a wonderful partner with your clients and patients. Keep writing about Cardiff so we can all follow his progress with you. I also write about my "kids" and think people appreciate the information we can share through our own experiences.
Sue, Coco the Love Dog and Kirby
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