‘Healthy’ Dog Goes To Sleep, What Happens Next Day Leaves Owner Traumatized

A woman was left shocked and heartbroken after her beloved and healthy dog’s health suddenly deteriorated due to an autoimmune condition.

Kassidy Ciarrone, 28, an engineer from Indianapolis, told Newsweek that Jango, her 6-year-old mixed-breed dog, had enjoyed a normal evening on June 2. The next day he was lethargic and didn’t want to get out of bed.

“We didn’t think much of it, maybe he was just extra sleepy after a long weekend,” she told Newsweek. Her husband mentioned that Jango had skipped breakfast, which was unusual given his normally ravenous appetite.

“I got home from work, and usually Jango is meeting me at the door and jumping on me. He barely lifted his head off his bed and I knew something was really wrong,” she said.

After checking his gums and noticing how pale they looked, combined with his lethargy, the couple decided not to wait until morning and rushed him to the emergency vet.

At their local UrgentVet clinic, Jango underwent a series of tests including bloodwork, urine, and stool analysis. The vet diagnosed him with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a rare and potentially fatal disease in which a dog’s immune system attacks its own red blood cells.

According to Ciarrone, the vet was almost positive that’s what he had, but had never seen it this early.

“His PCV [packed cell volume] was at 33—normal is around 38 to 60,” she said.

The couple was faced with a decision: take Jango home with medication or admit him to a specialist ER for monitoring and further diagnostics. On the vet’s advice, they chose to admit him—and it turned out to be a life-saving move. Overnight, his PCV dropped to 18. Jango required two blood transfusions, three immunosuppressants, and a six-day hospitalization.

Since then, Jango has been recovering steadily.

“Sunday marked two months since diagnosis and his PCV was at 52,” Ciarrone said. He’s now off one of his immunosuppressants and tapering off steroids, though he continues to receive regular bloodwork every few weeks. He will need periodic monitoring for the rest of his life and can no longer receive vaccines due to the risk of relapse.

IMHA is a serious autoimmune condition that can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to another disease, like cancer, infection, or reactions to drugs or vaccines, according to veterinary charity PDSA.

The condition often develops rapidly, and symptoms include lethargy, pale gums, reduced appetite, rapid breathing, and collapse.

Jango, a six-and-a-half-year-old mix of bluetick coonhound, treeing walker coonhound, cattle dog, and Shetland sheepdog, was adopted from a shelter in southern Indiana just before the pandemic hit.

Ciarrone described him as anxious but goofy, with a strong bond to her from the very first day. “He’s a huge snuggle bug, loves sleeping on all comfy things while covered with a blanket, and being outside to get all the sniffs. Walks and food are two of his favorite things,” she said.

Ciarrone’s TikTok video documenting Jango’s health scare has garnered over 63,100 likes and 256,000 views. Users flooded the comments section with love and prayers.

“Sending love,” said Bridget Lee.

“Prayers for your sweet baby,” wrote Ally Dwyer.

“Oh I am praying for your pup!” added Dorothy.

“Sending love and healing energy,” said another user.

Despite facing over $15,000 in veterinary bills and long-term adjustments to Jango’s care, Ciarrone remains optimistic and grateful.

“He’s been on the upswing ever since he came home,” she said. “We’re constantly looking for signs of relapse, but I’m just so thankful he’s still here.”

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