Life Living With a Poorly Whippet

There’s a certain kind of elegance Whippets have; long, lean, and graceful. Hugo was no different. From his elegant bounds to his gentle nibbles, he was the very image of Whippet charm... until a little rash decided to turn our lives upside down.

What started as a few suspicious spots turned into a crash course in veterinary jargon, steroid side effects, and, oddly enough, how many ways one can hide a tablet in a piece of chicken.

Hugo was diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT) at the age of two. Our vet said the words, and we blinked back optimistically, assuming, “Great! He’ll bounce back in no time.” That optimism? It became our blind spot.

The Medicine Cabinet That Became a Pharmacy

Prednisone, cyclosporin, mycophenolate. You name it, Hugo took it. If the NHS ever runs out of meds, all they need to do is check under our stairs. We even tried an experimental drug from the US. It had a name so long it could double as a Wi-Fi password. Despite our best efforts, Hugo relapsed. Again. And again.

Midnight Panic, 24/7 Paw-rental Care

There were nights when Hugo’s platelet count plummeted so low that even a sneeze could’ve sent us into panic mode. We made so many midnight trips to the Royal Veterinary College that our car practically had the route memorised. At times, it felt like the engine sighed, “Back again?” as we pulled out of the driveway.

Each trip was fraught with the question we never wanted to ask out loud: “Is this it?”

But Hugo, our little trooper, refused to give up. Even when he was registering zero platelets in his system, he’d wag his tail and give us a “Don’t worry, I’ve got this” look. He had more courage in one paw than we’ve ever had in our whole bodies.

Despite Everything, Hugo Didn’t Know He Was Ill

The strangest part? Hugo never acted like he was sick. His blood work was a disaster, yes. But his spirit? Untouchable.

He barked for food like he hadn’t eaten in weeks (trust me, he had - generously), wagged his tail with such enthusiasm it was practically an energy source, and he absolutely insisted on leading our long walks across the South Downs like a four-legged tour guide.

Chronic illness might have attacked his body, but it never dimmed his spark. Even when his legs were tired, his soul wasn’t.

Hawthorn Veterinary: Real-Life Angels in Scrubs

Special shoutout to our local heroes at Hawthorn Veterinary in Henfield. They didn’t just treat Hugo; they truly cared. Through every blood test, every emergency dash, and every moment of panic, they stood by us like extended family.

And of course, a special shoutout to Lucy, our absolute superwoman. Calm in the chaos, wise beyond measure, and endlessly compassionate, Lucy was the rock we leaned on. She championed Hugo’s care with fierce dedication and never once made us feel alone in the fight. Honestly, if Hugo had opposable thumbs, he’d have sent her flowers himself.

The Goodbye We Weren’t Ready For

IMT eventually won the battle in May last year. The house felt emptier, the beach walks quieter, and Moss knew something was missing. Losing Hugo was like losing a limb. But oh, the memories!

Long walks in the Lake District, tail chases at the beach, and Hugo’s legendary zoomies that could rival a greyhound. He lived large, even in illness.

And sometimes, we still feel like he’s around. Occasionally, Mylo gets that “possessed by Hugo” glint in his eye… usually before barking for his dinner at precisely 5:30.

A Note for Other IMT Pet Parents. There Is Hope

Before you close this blog with tears in your eyes and a knot in your stomach, let me say this loud and clear: Hugo’s story isn’t the usual outcome.

In fact, IMT has a 70–80% survival rate. With early diagnosis, the right meds, and diligent care, many dogs go into full remission and live completely normal, healthy lives. We’ve spoken to owners whose pups are back to chasing tennis balls and snoozing just months after treatment.

Hugo’s case was just one of the rare, more aggressive ones. But if you’re facing this diagnosis now, don’t give up. There's a good chance your dog will recover and go on to live a full, zoomie-filled life.

What I Learned from Loving a Poorly Whippet

1. Don’t dismiss the little things.
   A rash? Might just be a rash. Or it could be the start of something big. Trust your gut. Overreacting beats underestimating.

2. Never stop learning.
   Between vet appointments and support forums, I became half vet, half scientist. Knowledge gave me know-how and the ability to advocate for Hugo when it mattered most.

3. Routine is your best friend.
   Meds at 6 am. Bloodwork every fortnight. A chart on the fridge. A spreadsheet on the laptop. We basically ran a mini hospital. But structure saved our sanity.

4. Love like there’s no tomorrow.
   Because sometimes, there isn’t. But that just makes each snuggle more precious.

5. Your vet is part of your family.
   Treat them like it. Ask questions. Bring muffins. Seriously.

6. Keep the humour alive.
   Chronic illness is no joke, but finding laughter amidst the chaos kept us going. Like the time Hugo sneaked half a bowl of sausage rolls and crisps during a New Year’s party. He looked guilty... but not sorry.