Buddy's Christmas Miracle

by Jessica Holmes Hardy 

We had a wonderful but unique Christmas this year. For the first time in a very long time, we got to experience a white Christmas at Lake Burton.

The cold also brought with it an unexpected guest to the doorstep, a very neglected but very sweet hound dog who we are lovingly calling, "Buddy."  

We are not sure how long Buddy was roaming the woods or where he came from, but it is obvious from his appearance and his overly-voracious appetite that he had done without food for a very, very long time.

We brought Buddy back down the road with us and took him to the vet, expecting the worst but hoping for the best.

According to the vet's best estimate, he was about 40 pounds underweight!

He also had some intestinal parasites and was not keeping food down well.

We are not sure what the future holds for us and Buddy. We want to do all we can to help him out.  

His tail has not stopped wagging, even after all that he must have gone through, and his sweet eyes tell us that he still has a lot of life left in him.

The recovery process will not be easy.  We have two small children and two pets of our own and, although we have a fenced in back yard, we are going to have to be very creative in coming up with living arrangements for Buddy.

He will require a special, high-protein diet for a while and will undergo more tests when he is healthy enough to do so to make sure there are not any more serious underlying conditions we are not aware of.   

Buddy has recovered enough that we could bring him home yesterday and he spent his first night with us. He has been used to the outside for so long, that sleeping in a crate is quite an adjustment for him.  He has a very distinctive bay that he likes to share with us when he needs to go out but, amazingly, he is fairly calm otherwise.  He loves being outside and walks well on a leash.

He has already met his first playmate across the street and seems to show a lot of spunk and zest with other dogs, which makes me think he is younger than the original estimate.  

He "freaks out" when you whistle and goes on high alert, which makes me think he was a hunting dog at some point.

We are almost certain that he is a bloodhound, or at least has a large percentage of bloodhound in him.  He has the body, coloring and bay of a bloodhound as well as the distinctive hound odor.

The vet has put him on an oral antibiotic (once a day) for the worms and diarrhea as well as high-protein puppy food (1 cup, three times a day).

The goal is to get him to 45 pounds in the next few weeks (20 pound weight gain) so that he can receive his vaccinations.  

We will also have to get him neutered, but that will occur once he is at a healthy weight.  He is allergic to fleas and is mildly infested, so we will be putting him on Comfortis soon.

Times are tough for everyone, but if anyone would like to help make Buddy's recovery easier, we could use all the help we can get to help bring Buddy back to his happy, healthy and handsome self.  We have set up a donation site through PayPal at http://bit.ly/gd9Rso .

Common Misdiagnoses (Part 1)

by Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinary (and human) medicine is at least as much of an art as it is a science.  What does this mean for dog owners?

You should consider any diagnosis that your dog receives to be a “work in progress.”  

No vet would intentionally misdiagnose a dog, but certain diseases are notoriously difficult to pin down.

If you have been told that your dog has any of the following conditions (or any health problem for that matter), but he is not responding to treatment as expected, the disease is progressing in an unusual manner, or your gut is telling you that something just isn’t right, talk to your vet.  He or she should be open to reevaluating the situation.  If not, get a second opinion.

Skin Problems

Dermatological conditions can be frustrating to diagnose.  The skin responds to virtually any insult – bacterial infection, parasites, immune disorders, etc. – with the same symptoms, so diagnostic tests are usually necessary to reveal the cause.

Remember though that no test is perfect, false negatives and false positives do occur, so if lab results do not mesh with a dog’s clinical picture they need to be questioned.

To confuse the situation even more, some skin problems, like bacterial or yeast infections, almost always develop because there is an underlying condition that has disrupted the skin’s normal defensive mechanisms.

If your dog has been diagnosed with a skin infection and it either doesn’t go away with treatment or comes back when treatment is stopped, you and your vet will need to start looking for the reason why.

Allergies are a common underlying cause of recurrent skin problems in dogs. 

But, the only way to know for sure that a dog has allergies and what his triggers are is through allergy testing.  Intradermal allergy tests are best.  Blood testing is another option, but the results are not as accurate.

Many vets (myself included) are willing to diagnose allergies without allergy testing after ruling out other common causes of itchy skin, and this is appropriate as long as owners are aware of the plusses and minuses of this approach.  If, however, a dog’s condition doesn’t respond to treatment as expected, the initial diagnosis should be reevaluated.

Hormonal Diseases

Getting to the bottom of hormonal diseases can also be difficult.  Hypothyroidism is an excellent example.

A low total thyroid level on blood work alone is not sufficient to reach a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.  

Dogs must also show some of the typical signs of the disease:  weight gain, low energy levels, cold intolerance, hair loss, or skin problems, and these issues should improve once thyroid supplementation has been started.

A condition call sick euthyroid syndrome can also cause thyroid hormone levels to fall, but this is not true hypothyroidism and treatment with thyroid supplements is not beneficial.

Cushing’s disease is another tough one.  

A vet might suspect its presence after finding elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels on routine blood work or high cortisol levels on a urine test, but either a low dose dexamethasone suppression test or an ACTH stimulation test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

However, such advanced testing may not be necessary early in the course of the disease because in most cases, Cushing’s disease shouldn’t be treated unless a dog has symptoms that are starting to interfere with its quality of life (e.g., increased appetite, thirst and urination, skin and coat problems, or a pot-bellied appearance).  This is another situation where a big-picture approach is necessary.

Addison’s disease is probably even more frequently misdiagnosed than is Cushing’s.  

The typical symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse – can occur as a result of whole laundry list of health problems.  In many cases, a fairly distinctive change in blood electrolyte levels occurs with Addison’s disease, but electrolytes are not always included in panels of routine blood work.  Also, not every victim of Addison’s has these electrolyte changes, so an ACTH stimulation test is required to determine whether or not Addison’s is responsible for a dog’s clinical signs.

In my next post, I’ll talk about how orthopedic diseases can be confused with one another and the devastating consequences that can result.

***

Jennifer Coates, DVM graduated with honors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.  In the years since, she has practiced veterinary medicine in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado.  She is the author of several books about veterinary medicine and animal care, including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-speak Deciphered for the Non-veterinarian. 

Jennifer also writes short stories that focus on the strength and importance of the human-animal bond and freelance articles relating to a variety of animal care and veterinary topics.  Dr. Coates lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, daughter, and pets.

Related articles:
Common Misdiagnoses (Part 2)
A Word on Second Opinions
It's Your Dog's Health!
Veterinary Drive-Thru: Coming Soon To A Veterinary Hospital Near You!
Does Your Vet Listen To You?
Help! My Dog Is Purple!
A Praise To Our Dog House DVM
A Word On Pain

Rant About Quality Of Life Versus Quantity, And Differential Diagnoses

So Jasmine recently broke out with a third skin infection in quite a short time.

This time it was a nasty bacterial folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) around the base of her tail.

She lost a bunch of fur which left her with bald patches. The infection now seems to have cleared up with antibiotics and topical treatment, and even though her vet warned us that further hair loss might still occur, we are hoping that won't be the case.

Taking care of the infection is only the first step though.

Now we have to figure out what is going on allowing these infections to happen.

Most bacterial skin infections in dogs are secondary to another disease such as parasitism, allergies, endocrine (hormonal) disorders or abnormalities in the immune system.

(source: Lowchens Australia)

Parasites (fleas, mange ...) have been ruled out. That leaves us with allergies, hormonal issues or immune system issues. Wow, such lovely choices, so hard to pick!

Of course the first conclusion to jump to are allergies.

They are extremely common and Jasmine's allergy spot blood test is a long list of things she's allergic to. We are controlling her food allergies with a custom home-cooked diet. Controlling exposure to environmental allergens is another story, particularly since she tested positive to so many of them, including pollens and grasses.

Allergy shots are an option with limited number of allergens.

Approximately half the dogs receiving immunotherapy will have an excellent response. About 25% will have a so-so response. About 25% will not have any response at all.

(source: Veterinary Partner)

Viva of Kenzo the Hovawart is responding to the treatment very well. She has tested positive to dust mite allergy only though.

The more offending substances, the lesser the chance the treatment will work and the higher the likelihood of complications.

That leaves supportive treatments and limiting exposure. But Jasmine is allergic to whole bunch of grasses too.

This brings me to the question of quality of life versus quantity.

Her vet loves Jasmine and has her best interest in mind. However, with the main, however logical, suggestion being eliminating exposure to hay/grass—not only what she gets into but even whom she sees, what would become of Jasmine's life?

“If she was my dog she would not see grass or hay ever,” he noted.

Say what? How would one even remotely manage something like that short of locking her in a clean room? I'm sure there are plenty of couch-potato dogs out there who'd be perfectly happy with such a plan.

Jasmine, however, is an outdoor dog!

She loves her family and her den, but what she really lives for is spending time outside. Taking that away from her would be fate worse than death!

I still clearly remember the look on her face when after her surgeries she could not go for her walks. The disappointment that quickly turned into resignation. The profound sadness in her eyes.

Come to think of it, I believe that for her there isn't a choice between the quality and quantity of life.

If she was deprived of her time outside, she would die of sadness within a month! I am sure of that.

So what happens from here? Are we going to manage her outbreaks until things finally get out of control?

We are not convinced that her skin issues do stem from allergies, and if so, there is no real proof that the grasses are at the root of it.

It is winter now and there is snow on the ground!

Yes, she has allergies. But she is not an itchy dog! She doesn't spend her days in agony scratching and licking herself. In fact, my observation is that she doesn't get itchy until something is already brewing.

There is no discernible pattern to anything. I've been charting details about weather, air quality, and locations she's been to, for a long time now. There is no pattern! (To be on the safe side, we are now tracking eye redness as well.)

However logical, allergies are not adding up to us.

It walks like a duck, it quacks like a duck … what if it isn't a duck?

Differential diagnosis, please!

I have to give our vet all the credit in the world. As convinced as he is that it is allergies, he is still listening to what we are saying.

So while we are implementing all the reasonable suggestions to minimize Jasmine's exposure to allergens, we will also be working on a differential diagnosis.

If it wasn't allergies, what would it be?

Yes, allergies are extremely common, but they are also most commonly over-diagnosed.

If I had allergies and broke my leg—could I pin the broken leg on the allergies?

Well, possibly, if I sneezed hard enough to fall off a balcony …

We are not saying that allergies cannot be at the root of the problem. But we are not feeling it.

Jasmine has a number of other issues going on, maybe the answer lies there. Maybe it's something perfectly simple we are missing.

That is a mistake we don't want to make. Look one way and miss a truck hurtling at us from the other direction.

If the push came to shove, what do you think would be more important to your dog? Quality of life or quantity?

Jana

PS: If you wanted to flex your diagnostic muscle

It started with Jasmine suddenly licking at her right flank one night mid fall. I went to look and there was something that looked like a bug bite. I put on some Polysporin and it seemed to have done the trick. She left it alone again. Then came back to it. As we were seeing her TCVM vet, I had him look at it and he didn't find anything suspicious about it.

Then it happened again just prior her teeth cleaning and stem cell treatment. Again, it didn't seem to be anything to worry about and it was fine again.

In the meantime she got a moist pododermatitis on her foot (bacteria confirmed with cytology). It was believed to have started as a result of self-trauma due to allergies. We were buying that one, as her toes did seem to have been an issue off and on. Resolved with antibiotics.

Then at the end of  November the thing on the flank flared up again and this time some fur was coming out as well. Saw the vet immediately. The conclusion was a superficial folliculitits to pyoderma believed to be a result of a romp through the burrs and brambles. It cleared with topical treatment, though there is a small bald patch left from it.

And then the recent major break out of folliculitis around her tail base, which led to substantial hair loss and bald patches. Staph and Dermatophilosis found. Seems now under control with antibiotics.

However, last night she suddenly started paying attention to her left flank this time. I found a tiny spot again, pretty much exactly the same area as the right flank previously, but looks drier, more like a scrape than a bite this time. Used Dermacool and it doesn't seem to bother her for the time being.

But that's how the right flank started originally too, very low key.

Previously diagnosed issues:

• hypothyroidism - recent T4 21 (13-51 normal)
• eosinophilic gastroenteritis
• bilateral ACL tear
• arthritis
• history of muscle injuries
• she had history of skin issues prior hypothyroid diagnosis

Previous not really diagnosed issues:

• episodes of pacing and panting going on progressively for 5 years now, improved with TCVM
• this year new licking at front feet and scratching at front elbows with marked episodes

She is not itchy otherwise. Also are the feet actually itchy or are they burning, tingling – how would one know?

Other notes:

• her coat has been very fine, redish tint, and her nails wear off easily
• since she's been shaved for her surgeries the undercoat is overtaking the top coat (the first winter she grew virtually undercoat only)
• her coat gets smelly easily after being wet (even after bath); doesn't dry well
• her feet smell bad sometimes
• licking of private parts

When emailing with Dr. Laci of VetLive I noticed one thing: last year Jasmine's T4 levels were 36 in August and 42 in September on half the dose she is on now. This March suddenly they dropped to 14. They are now 20 with double the dose. Surely something seems to be going on there ...?

Further reading:
Five Common Causes of Itching in Dogs
Dog skin disorders
Bacterial Infection (Pyoderma) of the Skin in Dogs
Folliculitis in Dogs

Related articles:
Please help Jasmine

One Thing Leads To Another: Why The Second ACL Often Goes Too

by Susan E. Davis, PT

Have you ever wondered about the impact of the improper use of an injured limb on the rest of the body and how other areas are affected?

The canine knee or “stifle” immediately comes to mind as it is the most problematic joint in the dog.

Source: The Dog Health Handbook

It is a complex joint starting with the rounded shape at the end (like knobs) of the femur, the plateau of the tibia, the patella, meniscus, cruciate and collateral ligaments, tendons, joint capsule.

Because of this, some veterinarians and therapists embrace the concept of this joint being an “organ”.

Here’s how the structures work:  the capsule protects the joint surfaces by being a mechanical barrier, providing blood supply and nutrition to the joint and has a lubricating fluid which gives viscosity for the joint to work. Ligaments provide support to the capsule and “bind” the joint together. The patella or “knee cap” rides in a smooth canal formed a valley in the femur and provides a fulcrum for mechanical advantage to the quadriceps muscles when they contract. The menisci or shock absorbers are triangular wedge-shaped cartilage structures that transfer stress off the joint surfaces.

Now let’s examine what happens and why things can go wrong with the stifle.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), also often referred to as ACL, confronts unique biomechanical forces in canine “down on all fours” gait compared to upright 2-legged human gait. The human ACL tears more acutely, mainly from trauma.

The canine CCL tears from repeated movements, non trauma related and acute tears are less common. 

This type of tear is usually a slow gradual degradation followed by complete rupture. It is not only due to different forces on stifle during canine gait but also from the shape and angle of the canine tibial plateau.

In humans the tibial plateau is essentially flat, and sits in a level transverse plane almost parallel to the ground.

In dogs the plateau is more sloping in shape and sits in a plane at an acute angle to the ground. 

Therefore gravity affects the canine CCL differently with more shearing forces on it during “walking on all fours” than on the human ACL in upright gait.  Now you can see why “TPLO” surgery stands for Tibial Plateau LEVELING Osteotomy!

Once the stability of the CCL becomes compromised, the stifle joint is lax (or loose) and the menisci can tear or degenerate because of repeated stress from the laxity.

Patellar luxation in a medial or inward direction can also develop.  With these problems the first outward sign is non-weight bearing (NWB) or partial (PWB) lameness in the affected limb.  In turn, this causes increased weight on the other “sound” limbs, both front and back.

“Overuse” syndrome can then occur, leading to inflammation, irritation and crepitus (sounding “crunchy”) during passive range of motion.

Inflammation left untreated causes tissue damage by dilation of the blood vessels with release of histamine, activation of enzymes with release of free radicals that digest matrix and contribute to loss of cartilage and formation of unwanted scar tissue.  This can progress into arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD).

That is why dogs with a ruptured CCL have a 20-40 % chance of tearing the other side!

The incidence is also variable by obesity and by certain breeds that have some underlying genetic predisposition, but it is not just the large breeds!  There is a correlation to body structure—“straighter leg” dogs of both large and small breeds have more chance of CCL tears than “bowed”.

Breeds with straighter bones have more direct force on the ligament as opposed to breeds with more bowed bones like bulldog, dachshund or corgi.  

If the injured CCL goes untreated or has surgery and takes longer to recover, the more likely the other side may “wear and tear” beyond the 40%. If the injured side becomes arthritic there is a 60-70% incidence the other side will tear within 12-16 months (ref:  Doverspike et al, JAAHA.)

The key to prevention of “other side” tears is in the TIMING:  early diagnosis and surgical correction for complete tears, early post op rehab, healthy diet and ideal body weight.

Otherwise excessive weight shifted onto the sound leg will increase the possibility of that CCL tearing. If the tear is just partial and you see only intermittent lameness, surgery may not be needed but PT with modalities such as laser, functional electrical stimulation and massage can be of great benefit, along with other treatments advised by your veterinarian. Further information on these modalities will be provided in a future post.

***

Susan E. Davis (Sue) is a licensed Physical Therapist with over 30 years of practice in the human field, who transitioned into the animal world after taking courses at the UT Canine Rehabilitation program.  She is located in Red Bank, New Jersey.

For the last 3 years she has been providing PT services to dogs and other animals through her entity Joycare Onsite, LLC in pet’s homes and in vet clinics.

She also provides pro bono services each week to a shelter and sanctuary for neglected and abused animals.  Sue is the proud “dog mommy” to Penelope, a miniature Dachshund with “attitude”.  For more information see her website www.joycareonsite.com , or follow on Twitter @animalPTsue. 

Further reading:
CARE Cruciate lecture
Canine rehabilitation evolving to aid arthritic, post-op patients

Related articles:
Talk To Me About ACL Injuries
ACL Injuries in Dogs: Non-Surgical Alternatives?
ACL Injuries in Dogs and Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy
Newest Surgery For Ruptured ACL In Dogs
Preventing ACL Injuries In Dogs
ACL Injuries In Dogs: Xena's Story 
ACL Injury Conservative Management: Sandy's Story
Surviving The Post-Op: After Your Dog's ACL Surgery
Talk to Me About Arthritis
Don't Forget the Physical Therapy 
My Love Is Sleeping At My Feet: ACL Surgery Complications 
Coco's TPLO Post-Op Diary 
Small Breeds Can Hurt Their ACL Too: Star's Naughty Knee

Please Help Jasmine

If you read my blog, you already know Jasmine and you know that she is the inspiration behind the blog and my efforts to help other dogs and their owners.

Today Jasmine needs your help!

We had hit financial rock bottom and are at the end of the rope. If you're not that familiar with Jasmine's story, here is the short version.

Jasmine has been dealt an unfortunate hand regarding her health. With some issues starting at early age but never diagnosed, about two years ago the dam finally broke and we were overwhelmed with one medical issue after another.

It started with her tearing her left ACL. Before that could have been taken care of, a mass was found in her abdomen and for a while we were very scared it might have been cancer. Fortunately it turned out to be only an eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a form of IBD. She was also diagnosed with hypothyroid.

It was found that her other ACL was in a bad shape also, and that she had arthritis not only in both knees but also in her shoulders, neck and jaws. We did an extracapsular repair and stem cell therapy.

Just when her leg was looking really good, her other ACL went. So we had to go through the whole thing again. When her rehab was done and her legs were looking good, her episodes of panting, pacing and discomfort, which were progressively getting worse since she was three years old, got really bad.

We did all the diagnostics our vet could think of. Last thing to do was an x-ray of the heart. She had a bad reaction to one of the drugs, got severe hyperthermia and it fried her blood and her muscles. She couldn't stand up or walk on her own, and the next morning started peeing blood.

As we took her to the emergency we ended up at the teaching hospital. It turned out that apart from the trauma caused by the hyperthermia she also had a large abscess in her abdomen. It was a race against time—waiting for the platelets get high enough so surgery could be done as soon as possible. It took one week of hospitalization and another week of home recovery before she got back on her feet.

We've been at this for over two years now. 

Jasmine had total of 7 surgeries and 2 near death experiences. One thing gets fixed, something else goes wrong. Seeing a regular vet, TCVM vet and a physiotherapist, they all have constantly full hands.

We have spent over $50,000 on vet bills in the past two years and our resources are exhausted. Our truck is falling apart, our home is falling apart ... everything is.

Taking her to physio therapy with her latest muscle injury. Getting another stem cell treatment, this time for her elbow which got really bad.

And now on top of things she broke out with a skin infection. 

That seemed to have been clearing up but the other night, a week into her antibiotic treatment, another bunch of fur fell out leaving a red bald patch. I'm hoping it's just a fall out from the original infection but I'm worried what would happen if it isn't.

That means another vet visit and more diagnostics.

If you ever had a dog with a really bad skin disease, or seen one, you know why I'm worried.

When today I talked to my husband about seeing the vet again (saw him twice last week!) he really freaked out.

He is talking about putting Jasmine down as we cannot go on like this. 

I thought he was saying that just because he was upset, but later on he repeated that again. He seems dead serious.

Jasmine is so precious. She's smart, loving, caring, full of zest for life.

How could we end it just like that? 

The sad thing is that she has improved so much and she always manages to come out on top for the time being!

She is a fighter and she wants to live!

So many issues got resolved and she really could be around for a few more great years if some of these latest things got taken care of. But we are still spending on average about $2,000/month on her total vet bills (treatments, medications and supplements)!

I appreciate where my husband is coming from, but how can I let this happen? 

After all, it is just a skin problem this time? The big issue just being that it is one thing after another...

If we just could get through this one now and get some help getting back on our feet, everything could be ok.

Please, if you can, please help.

Jana

Update

Thank you all dear friends who have helped!

Jasmine's skin seems to be under control, we will be working on figuring out the cause. We hope to figure it out and fix it before something else flares up. We will be starting with thyroid panel.

January 7th 2010
Blood was drawn on Monday. Got the T4 back  (20), still waiting for the other values.

Started a medicated bath regime, skin is holding up so far.


January 14th 2010
Jasmine's skin remains it a good shape with medicated baths and maintenance dose antibiotics. Those are upsetting her stomach though.

To make up for it, since Monday her both left legs were sore, it has to be something, doesn't it?

The thyroid panel is back and the results are rather inconclusive. The levels are in the low part of normal, we need to decide whether we should take steps in that direction or not and meanwhile look for other potential causes for the skin issues.

Her spirit is high though and she's loving life as ever.

Adopt Jerry, Blind And Deaf Sweetheart

Jerry found himself in a high kill shelter in Stockton, CA. where 10,000 animals were euthanized last year alone!

People United for Pets (PUP) was asked to help and we are so glad we did. All dogs PUP pulls from California have health certificates, as required by Washington State.

When Jerry (Jerad) first came to stay with us we knew he was blind. But our hearts sank when we discovered he was also deaf.

We wondered how he could possibly cope with two such challenging obstacles. 

But we were amazed and impressed at how quickly he showed us he had already overcome them. 

We were even more surprised at how securely he settled into our hearts. 

And even though we can't explain how he negotiates his life the way he does, we do know we are very grateful that PUP was able to save him. 

We feel very lucky to be his foster family, and we know this cheerful, appreciative little guy feels the same about us.

PUP's main goal is to find this loving poodle a home where he can florish with his condition and get all the love and attention he so deserves.

It is amazing how dogs can continue to have a happy heart and kisses abound when they've come from such dire situations. It will take a special family to welcome Jerry, but we know one is out there for this guy!

Jerry is blind (he has had one eye removed due to a case of painful glaucoma) and is becoming deaf.

Jerry will likely need to get a pressure test for his remaining eye, which sadly might also need to be removed.

While in his foster home he has turned out to be an amazing little guy who epitomizes the saying, "to know him is to love him."

He is a friendly, gentle, well-mannered little dog who has had to deal with a lot in his life, and, as a result, is very appreciative of the smallest acts of human kindness. 

He has adapted very well to his blindness and deafness in his foster home.

He knows his way around the house and yard, follows his foster family around the house during their daily routine and is the first one in the kitchen when he smells dinner being prepared.

Jerry gets along well with the other dogs and the elderly cat in his foster home and sleeps quietly in his crate at night. He is very good about going outside to go potty and, once there, takes care of his business quickly. 

He jumps up on the couch when he wants to cuddle and jumps back down when he has other interests elsewhere.

He carefully chooses his three favorite toys from among many others in the toy basket when he is ready to play. He loves going on walks and he trots along confidently on his leash by his masters side, even while walking in unfamiliar places.

He doesn't bark at visitors and, instead, greets newcomers to our house with a wagging tail and kisses. He's an inspirational little dog with a wonderful spirit.

    * Male Poodle mix, possibly with Bichon
    * Approximately 8 years old, 13 pounds
    * House-trained and crate-trained
    * Requires a fenced yard
    * Good with other dogs and cats
    * Dog respectful children, 12 and older because of his blindness
    * Adoption fee: $75

If you reside within Washington State and think you have room in your home and heart for Jerry, click here to see his Petfinder Profile.


***

People United for Pets (PUP) is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization specializing in small and toy breed dog rescue. They are located in Western Washington State.

Countless dogs are without homes and in need of assistance. These are dogs who would make wonderful and faithful companions if only they could connect with the right person or family. PUP has made it their mission to help them do this.

Update on Jerry

Jerry has been adopted!

Canine Parvovirus

by Lorie Huston, DVM

Canine parvovirus is a severe, potentially fatal gastrointestinal disease that infects dogs. 

Puppies and young dogs are most susceptible and tend to have the most severe infections, but dogs of any age that are unprotected against parvovirus can get the disease.

Symptoms of Parvovirus in Dogs

Parvovirus attacks the intestinal tract, essentially destroying the inner lining of the intestines. Symptoms most commonly seen with parvovirus include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea, often bloody diarrhea
• lack of appetite
• depression, usually severe depression
• fever
• subnormal temperature  (especially in the later stages of disease)
• dehydration

The dehydration seen with canine parvovirus is profound and life-threatening. Death from parvovirus occurs in part as a result of the dehydration.

Another less commonly seen form of parvovirus affects the heart muscle. This form of parvovirus causes the cells in the heart muscle to become inflamed and die. The cardiac form of parvovirus affects young puppies most commonly and is frequently fatal.

Parvovirus is caused by a virus that is passed from one dog to another through fecal-oral contact. 

This means that your dog can become infected with parvovirus by being exposed to a fecal sample from a dog that is carrying the virus.

Treatment of Canine Parvovirus

There is no specific cure for canine parvovirus. The goal of treatment is to support the infected dog in the hope that the dog’s immune system will eventually be able to defeat the infection. As a result, treatment of parvovirus is basically supportive care, though intensive care is usually necessary in order for the dog to survive.

The most important part of treatment for parvovirus is fluid administration. 

Fluids are given intravenously to replace the fluid loss caused by the vomiting and diarrhea in an attempt to keep the dog hydrated.

In some cases, blood or plasma transfusions may be necessary in addition to fluid therapy.

Antibiotics are often administered in treating parvovirus to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Secondary bacterial infections are a threat because the parvovirus causes suppression of the bone marrow and a weakened immune system.

Anti-emetic medications are frequently a part of the treatment for parvovirus as well. Anti-emetic medications help prevent vomiting and can be helpful in controlling nausea as well.

Prevention of Parvovirus in Dogs and Puppies

Vaccination against canine parvovirus is available and is considered to be a core vaccine (a vaccine that is recommended for all dogs).

Puppies can be vaccinated against parvovirus as early as 6-8 weeks of age. The vaccine should be repeated at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is between 14-16 weeks of age. Some veterinarians believe that it is safest to administer the last vaccine in the series at 16 weeks of age or older.

The canine parvovirus vaccine should be repeated in one year. After that, the vaccine should be re-administered at least every three years, although some veterinarians administer the vaccine on a yearly basis.

Alternatively, titers can be measured in place of routine vaccination. 

The titer may indicate that dog is well-protected against parvovirus and does not need to be re-vaccinated. It may also be within a questionable range, in which case the vaccine should be administered.

***

Lorie Huston has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years. Besides a successful career in a busy small animal hospital in Providence, RI, Lorie is also a successful freelance writer specializing in pet care and pet health topics. 

Currently, she is the feature writer for the Pet Care section at Suite101.com and the National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Lorie also publishes her own blog, The Pet Health Care Gazette and manages an increasingly popular facebook page, The Voice of Pet Care. 

In addition, she co-moderates #BarkOutLoud, a weekly twitter chat that focuses on a variety of dog topics.

Related articles:
Stories from My Diary-rrhea (part II): Acute Small Intestinal Diarrhea
Viral Infections: Cosmo's Battle with Parvovirus
Alien Invasion: Your Dog And Infections
To Booster Or Not To Booster: Jasmine's Parvo and Distemper Titer Results Are Back

Inspiration In Action: Only Days Left To Vote!

Help a non profit get $25,000 from Heska to support their work!

Vote for your winner today!

The four non profits are: 

World Vets
Establishing a sustainable disaster response program for animals in disaster situations throughout the world.

The PUP (Prevent Unwanted Pets)
Project Implementing an educational program for school-aged children in rural west Florida.

Pets Forever
Helping low-income, ill or elderly individuals care for their pets.

Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project
Averting the threat of extinction for amphibian species.

Dawg Business is voting for World Vets.

World Vets is a nonprofit that provides free veterinary aid to animals that otherwise would never receive veterinary attention.

WorldVets addresses both animal and human health issues by developing sustainable veterinary aid programs to improve animal and human populations in 24 countries.

World Vets empowers local partners through collaboration, education and training. With $25,000 in additional funding,

World Vets hopes to develop a disaster response program with protocols, procedures and adequate training to enable veterinary professionals to assist animals in natural disaster situations.

Click Here To Vote now!

A Word On Second Opinions

With Jasmine's health being a constant challenge, veterinary topics are a daily subject of our conversations.

If there is a single take-home point of my blog, it is this:

Your dog's health is ultimately in your hands. Making the right decisions for your dog is your responsibility and you cannot pass it onto somebody else and not regret it.

Yes, it sucks. It's a lot of pressure and it involves a lot of homework.

Do I have to go to vet school just because I want to have a dog?!?!

Of course not. But there are things you better learn about.

Choosing the right veterinarian and knowing when to seek a second opinion can be the difference between sickness and health, and sometimes even life and death of your dog!

Not all vets were created equal and even the best vet can make a mistake. So now what?

How often do we put our dogs at the mercy of an incompetent vet and question nothing? Or we do question things but do nothing about it?

For your dog's sake, don't let it be you!

During one of our conversations hubby came up with a great idea to illustrate the importance of questioning things and seeking second opinion.

I decided to turn it into an article and it is now published on VetLive blog—Leak under the Kitchen Sink.

If the situation you find yourself in feels wrong, you have the right to a second opinion! 


And you owe it to your dog and to your own peace of mind.

Of course when we say we want a second opinion—whether we don't like the diagnosis or the proposed treatment—what we really want is a different opinion.

Well, you're in luck.

With few exceptions, the chances that a different vet will come to the same conclusions—the ones you didn't like in the first place—are really quite low.

When after she recovered from her ACL surgeries Jasmine started limping on her hind leg again, we first took her to the main vet. He concluded that she had hurt her muscle.

When her TCVM vet examined her, he figured that it was likely a tendon injury.

When we took her to a chiropractor/physical therapist for treatment, she decided that Jasmine had a problem with her knee after all.

Three vets—three opinions. This happened last fall, and wouldn't you know it, it happened recently again!

In case you're wondering who turned out to be right, it was her main vet.

“Ten different doctors will come up with ten different diagnoses based on the same data”
—Gregory House

How is it possible that you might get as many different opinions as many vets you consult? 

I am starting to question whether there is such a thing as an objective opinion in the first place. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that there isn't. The meaning of the word opinion itself is inherently subjective.

Any conclusion is an interpretation of the available facts based on previous experience (or lack of thereof). 

Though it's really the kind rather than the amount of experience that matters. That will determine where and how the vet will choose to look and how they interpret what they see.

There's truth in the adage: "Choose your specialist - choose your disease." Doesn't work this way with specialists only!

It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind

The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"

The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, "Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"

The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a snake!"

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he;
" 'Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"

I'm not going to quote the whole thing, if you want to read all of it check it out here.

Bottom line is that if you desire a second (or even third, fourth, fifth) opinion, the chances that you will get them are good.

Here comes the catch though.

Now that you have all these opinions, you still have to choose one!

So how do you do that?

After all this trouble you're back to where you started – homework. 

There is no way around it. Whether it involves finding a vet so awesome that you simply take their word for it, or researching all the possibilities that had been laid out for you, you still do have to do your homework.

You can go with your gut, that often works, but you still need to root it in some information.

Of course you can always toss a coin. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe …

However you decide to arrive to your decision, make sure you will be able to live with it afterward.

It's your dog's health!
Jana

Related articles:
Finding Dr. Wonderful And Your Mutt's Mayo Clinic: Getting Started
Making Tough Medical Decisions For Your Dog
It's Your Dog's Health
Does Your Vet Listen To You?
Help! My Dog Is Purple!
Veterinary Drive-Thru: Coming Soon To A Veterinary Hospital Near You!

Heartworm Testing And Why You Can't You Just Buy Heartworm Preventative

By Dino Dogan 

Every day is a good day to learn something new. Do you know why you can't just buy heartworm preventative on a whim and why your dog should be tested annually? Or would it be a surprise for you?


I stopped by a local vet yesterday to pick up heartworm and flee/tick meds for my dog. I’ve never been to this particular vet so I encountered an issue that has never come up before.

I wasn’t allowed to buy the heartworm medicine!

Huh?

I had to check the sign hung on the doors of America. Yup… sure enough…it still said United States of Capitalism. So I was confused.

Forgive me, I said to the lady at the reception desk. And why am I not allowed to buy heartworm medication for my dog?

She said that she’s not allowed to sell it.

If you’re getting frustrated with me not getting to the point, imagine how I felt. But allow me to be thorough.

Ok, but why? I said to her.

It could cause a pulmonary embolism. She said.

Editor's note: Pulmonary embolism is actually less likely to occur than a shock, caused by body's reaction to the dying larva in the bloodstream. Both, shock or pulmonary embolism, can be life threatening though.

Excuse me? Why wasn’t I aware of this? 

Do you mean to tell me that giving my dog heartworm meds can cause him to have a heart failure? Why are people selling this crap to begin with?

If the dog ALREADY has heartworm, giving him the medication for it could cause a blood clot in his lungs. By the way son, pulmonary embolism is a lung failure, not heart failure. She added.

Ahhh…I see. So heartworm medication is a preventive measure ONLY. Ok. But why can’t I buy the medicine. My dog doesn’t have heartworm.

We can’t sell you the medicine because if the dog has heartworm the medicine could kill him and that would be our responsibility. She answered.

Now I’m confused again. How exactly are YOU responsible for MY dog? 

I didn’t say that but I thought it.

The vet was near by and he was overhearing our conversation so he chimed in.

It’s impossible for owners to tell if their dog has heartworm. 

The onset is gradual and most of the time it looks like aging. The dog slows down, starts to go grey around the muzzle. Their coat loses its luster and their energy is depleted. Most owners welcome this kind of change because it means they don’t have to exercise the dog as much.

He also added. The heartworm test is mandated by both the American Heartworm Association AND the manufacturer of the heartworm medication.

Ahh…I get it. You are not responsible for my dog. I am responsible for my dog, but you are liable.

Exactly. He replied.

Thnx doc, I’ll just grab the flee/tic meds then.

That’ll be $49.95. The receptionist said.

A swipe of the credit card later I was on my way out the door slightly better off and more knowledgeable about my dog’s welfare than I was when I went in.

I hope you are too after reading this article.

Dogs should be tested at least once a year for heartworm and given appropriate preventive meds.

When was the last time you tested your dog?

***

Dino Dogan is a blogger, writer, biker, dog trainer, singer/songwriter, Martial Artist. Currently working on Human-Dog Problem Tree; a thesis in human-dog relationship. Check out Dino's great blog at Dogan Dogs Video Blogs, or connect with Dino on Twitter or Facebook.

Related articles:
Don't Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!
Hunter, Heartworm Positive

Further reading:
Dog Heartworm
Heartworm Testing in Dogs
Heartworm Preventive Medication in Dogs: The Debate
Current heartworm recommendations for dogs

Conquering The Evil Dishwasher Monster: Noise Phobias In Dogs

Today's Trainer's Corner is brought to us by Leslie Fisher of Look What I Can Do! Dog Training. Check it out, she really is great!

New noise phobias can develop in dogs of any age.

This happened recently with one of my own dogs. Yes, the Evil Dishwasher Monster was discovered in our midst. Five year old English Lab Talley has an anxious temperament in general, but she began to display some rather bizarre behaviors, running hiding and isolating herself in a favored cave. She spent entire evenings upstairs, wedged into her behind the bed cave.

Overall her aspect became increasingly depressed and less playful. 

Upset with her discomfort we began searching for a behavioral cause. I noticed her looking anxious and vigilant when putting dishes into the dishwasher. The  dishwasher diagnosis was confirmed when Talley bolted from the living room corner cave, to the bedroom cave, when the running dishwasher jolted loudly . All dishes were washed by hand in my old home; this was a novel experience for Talley.

I felt supremely inadequate for failing to identify the source sooner.

Thinking back, other clues added up to the overall picture. During the period of excessive anxiety, Talley had a repeat bout of colitis, which, my vet agreed, can be triggered by stress. Whether related or not, there were blocked anal glands thrown in, just for fun!

Fortunately, noise phobias, once identified to a specific trigger, can be successfully modified. 

With her anxious temperament in general, it was not surprising to me that Talley developed this phobia. If left untreated, as referred to by Dr. Karen Overall, behavior will continue to deteriorate.

So, conquering the monster? 

As an Intern with Pat Miller, I learned this about behavior modification, and I have never forgotten:

If you think you are going too slow, slow down some more. 

With that in mind, you need to have a definite PLAN, to begin modifying behavior in tiny increments. For instance, I began feeding Talley her meals near the non-running dishwasher.  Due also to generalized anxiety, coupled with high levels of stress, my vet and myself agreed that Talley would benefit from Clomicalm ,until resolution of the problem.

Dr.Karen Overall is a proponent of medication sooner, rather than later, for extreme stress.

1. Identify stressor(s)
2. Plan
3. Set Goals for each training session
4. Identify desired behaviors
5. Tiny increments

Following are the steps I took with Talley, without going into every minute detail.

NOTE: With every step in your program, you will be ensuring your dog is not over stress threshold, displaying signs of anxiety such as panting out of context, ears back, tail lowered, running away, as examples. All behavior modification needs to be done within a comfort zone, below or at stress threshold. Sessions should be short. I urge anyone with a severe issue on their hands to consult a professional trainer.

1. In general, this process is desensitization (frequent exposure to stimulus in controlled environment) and counter conditioning (pairing aversive stimulus with GOOD STUFF)
2. DISH WASHER NOT RUNNING: begin feeding meals near it. Tricks and play interactions.
3. Place kibbles on floor around dishwasher, progress to kibbles on open door.
4. Hand targeting towards dishwasher. Open and close lid while eating.
5. Open close latch while tossing kibbles- Go Find it. Happy happy play.
6. Click dial on/off in association with food.
7. Begin DISHWASHER ON: motor on/off brief intervals of seconds, high value meat, then end with easier tasks with machine off.
8. Incrementally increase duration (in seconds) of time machine is running, carefully observing for excess stress. (all in association with treats, hand targeting etc) end with happy happy play/trick.
9. PROGRESS: drawing out session during a meal, alternating hand feeding, kibble toss, higher value treats randomly, hand targeting, tricks. Now happily tolerating ~ half a cycle without undue stress, ending with play, going outside. At one point Talley would not return inside when the machine was running. Now she will, staying downstairs instead of fleeing to an upstairs cave. Oh happy days.

Dogs communicate to us all the time, and bizarre behaviors happen for a reason. 

My labs are always giving me a new challenge, allowing me to help others with my experiences. Seeing our dogs terrified is very upsetting;can you imagine how happy I am to have my bright eyed playful English Lab restored to her normal self. Happy days are here again.  To our dogs, the offending noises truly are monsters and they rely upon us to make the monsters go away.

***

Leslie Fisher is a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT), CPDT-KA CGC Evaluator ABC Student Mentor and member of APDT, MAAPPPT, TrulyDogFriendly.

She brought her first dog home at the age of 5 and she shared her life with dogs since and is presently owned by three labs, Doobie, Talley and Bridget.

Leslie has founded Look What I Can Do! Dog Training in December of 2006 shich quickly became a big success. I addition she volunteers for Lab Rescue of the LRCP, Inc doing post adoption home checks an dproviding assistance with behavioral issues. Her goal is educating clients that positive, force-free training produces happy, willing dogs and a wonderful dog-human relationship.

Leslie also writes for Dog Star Daily.

You can read her full bio here. You can also connect with Leslie on twitter or Facebook.

Help Hunter, Heartworm Positive

Hello Rescue World.

My name is Hunter and I am a really big boy. 

I have been on my own for much of my life, which is guessed to be somewhere between two and three years. I was always smart... learned to avoid the rabid coons and knew all the good spots to scrounge for food and water... though it was never free and the water was rarely clean.

There were times I had to fight for food ... and a couple of times - even my life... because I WAS on my own and there was no one to take care of me or to let me know that humans could be kind.

Don’t get me wrong. I had nothing against humans. Sometimes one would see me scrounging and would come back where I had been and leave some food for me. There are kind people in the world. In fact, there are ALL KINDS of people in this world and I have met the best and the worst life has to offer. I will bet you have too.

But it was not until this one day when I was having a particularly hard time finding a meal that I really understood what kinds of trouble a boy like me can get into on my own.

I got arrested that day. Now, never having been afraid of people, I paid no attention when the truck pulled up. Oh, I had been chased by people before.

There were a few close calls when I got too close to Farmer Smith’s chicken coop. All I saw was Chicken and Dumplings. Let me tell you: when old Farmer Smith came out of that house, I knew there was to be not a single dumpling for me that day. And I learned to stay away from places like that.

So on this particular day when the people with the poles came for me, I did not run. I wagged my tail because, after all, they seemed polite enough. 

They were not particularly scary looking. And I am a charmer so I figured I might be able to charm some kibble out of these men with their long poles. I could smell other dogs on the truck so if they had dogs, they could not be all bad. Right?

Boy, I did not know how wrong I had been. 

But once that noose on the end of that pole is slipped around your neck and you are being dragged away from your life to a truck - in fact, dragged away from all life to that truck where they lock you in a cage and take you to a place I really do not want to talk about – you know then.

You know that you were wrong not to run for your life when that truck pulled up. 

Because the place they take you to has an odor that never goes away. You can hear other dogs there, and there are the cats who peer out from their cages with wild trapped eyes. Most cats are called wild or feral because when you put a cat in a cage, well, even a dog knows they can get pretty testy.

And then there are the other dogs. They bark and howl and growl, but what I remember is the sounds that most humans do not hear and cannot hear.

What I remember are the sounds of despair.

You know when you go into that kennel that this is the last place you will ever see. 

They feed you... not the best kibble, but it is a meal. And there is water to drink. But the food and water comes with a high price and that is the smell that will never be washed away from that place.

It is the smell of fear and time ticking away the minutes. It is the smell of lost hope and it is a plea that rises up from the very heart of every animal there when a human enters. 

That plea begs this one human to see what is trapped there and to free them. The despair becomes thicker when we are left behind and that terrible smell is always there, burning your nose and making your eyes water – making the sounds rise up from your heart and beg.

The terrible smell is the smell of death. 

And it is not just any death. It is a death doled out to the guilty who have done nothing wrong that they know of. It is a helpless death. It is death that comes without a trial or without anyone to make an accusation against the doomed.

And you know when you are in that place that it is coming for you. 

You have only one chance and it is a very slim one. The more animals they bring in, the slimmer that chance becomes. And the strongest among us hopes and wishes and begs for a chance at life. We say we are sorry even though we do not know what it is we have done. But we are there, living in a cage where we eat, sleep and go to the bathroom. We have no choice.

So, that is the place I found myself at - until I was rescued. 

The first rescue got a little crowded, so rather than have to send me to a certain death, they allowed me to move on to another rescue. I will never forget the wonderful angel that came for me. For a brief moment I thought I had surely died in my sleep and awaken in the most wonderful place, because there was this beautiful lady, an angel really, named Cyndee.

There she was holding her car door open for me and I was on my way to a new life. 

I felt like a king! She was so wonderful and I slept for the long ride while she was taking me to a new life. There I met Beth, and later Jerry. I was rescued. I was saved from death – yanked away from the jaws that smelled so strongly of death. I was not going to blow this chance.

And then I learned so much more. Beth and Jerry insisted the doctor check me over really well so they could give me exactly what I needed to thrive and do well. 

And they talked about people in my future that would love me and feed me and let me sleep on their bed. I was so excited! Oh I knew I had not felt well for awhile. But after all I had been through – well, I did not know.

The vet collected some urine from me and I saw the look on his face. It was a scared, almost panicked look.

And they kept weighing me and listening to my heart. That is when I learned that while I was scrounging for food and wandering through swamps to try and find a drink of water, well, there were parasites biting me.

There was a very specific insect called a mosquito that I had been bitten by. In fact, truth of it is I was bitten by those things all the time. 

I thought it was just a part of my life and made the most of it. It itched when they bit, but I could not stay away from their stomping grounds because I had to have water. And I am, after all, a dog.

I am a handsome dog, and I am a GOOD DOG. I know this because Beth and Jerry say it all the time and even those people in the vet’s office tell me how handsome and how good I am. They give me treats and take me for walks. They feed me and there is always clean water. But there is more too. And the “more” is not so good.

I know why I have not felt so good lately. I know why my heart feels so heavy even when I am surrounded by so much love. 

The love feels good and the hands on me telling me I am a GOOD BOY... MAN! That feels so good to me.

But the fact I have heartworms is not a good thing. I pee blood. 

I have been doing that for awhile now, but accepted it as a part of my life. And then I heard them say how bad these worms are and I knew. Let me change that: I KNOW! I see it so clearly. I have finally found a place where I can get that chance that all dogs want.

I am loved. I can feel the love. But I may still die. 

They are fighting hard for me, and by jolly I am going to fight hard to live too. But it is really a long process and an expensive one.

At first I could not believe what I was hearing after I learned about my illness. 

I figured that this old boy had seen the last of kindness in the human race. Beth and Jerry had not arrived to see me yet when the doctor checked me, so I thought - here we go.

The doctor will tell them what is wrong with me and I will have seen the last of them. 

In fact, they may decide just to go ahead and put me out of my misery. I figured I would soon be on my way back to one of those county animal shelters where I would end my days listening to the sounds of despair and smelling that terrible odor. I would not have another chance. They would take me there and drag me off to that terrible room in the back where a dog’s life is snuffed out for crimes he does not know he has committed.

At best, they would do it here at the doctor’s office and call it a mercy killing. That was the best I thought I could hope for. That had been my experience with humans and I did not blame them. It simply is what it is. That is how I saw it. Oh, I was grateful for the little bit of time I had felt loved. But I knew it was over now. So what was I hearing that doctor say?

I got the shock of my life and learned there really are good people on this earth.

I heard the assistant ask the doctor if he should take me back to my kennel and wait for Beth and Jerry to arrive – because they were coming that afternoon. Then I heard that doctor say NO. And I thought, OH BOY – HERE IT COMES.

But then I heard the compassion in the vet’s voice as he touched my muzzle and wiped the sadness from my eyes.

He said: “Beth and Jerry will want him treated now. He cannot wait. Any delay could cost hunter his life.”

And so it began. By the time Beth and Jerry arrived I had been given the first of my medicine – medicine that can cure me. Then there was Beth crying into my fur and telling me to fight. There was Jerry, his eyes moist as he stroked my head and told me to hold on and fight, that I could beat it.

They knew I was sick. They could see it. But they saw the spark in my eyes as well. 

They saw the little spark of hope that had begun when the kind doctor wiped my eyes gently and told me I COULD get better. I started this thing out with no hope, until that gentle voice and touch that told me I was in kind and trustworthy hands. And this man was an animal doctor! He was not even the one who had rescued me! Can you believe that?!?

So, here’s the deal. I am going to fight this thing. 

These people believe in me enough and love me enough to want me to live. And I DO WANT TO LIVE!!! I know I am a handsome dog and I am a GOOD BOY. But I know something else, too. I now know that I am WORTH SAVING. My life has value. And it is not a value that you can put a dollar amount on.

This is a much more precious value than that. It is a value that goes with being alive and having a heart and spirit. It is called love and respect. Oh how I wish all of my kind could know this wonderful feeling. So, yes, I am worthy and I will fight. If love alone could save me, well, I would be at the Den right now learning what this love and respect thing is all about from another side of life.

But, the truth is, I have to get through this first. It will not be easy. I have to stay calm. 

And I was really shocked when I heard Beth talking to the doctor about that aspect of my treatment. They discussed what they called options and one was to live in a crate at the Den and not let me near the other animals so I would not get too excited. It involved a couple of walks a day, but mainly living in a crate until this is over.

I know they have to kill all the heart worms and the eggs if I am to survive and I will not lie about it, I am scared. 

I was really scared about that crate and trying to stay calm with so many happy dogs around me. So, Beth and Jerry, to my GREAT surprise, chose the second option.

Because my condition is SO bad, they decided I should be very close to the doctor that can save my life if things start to go wrong. 

If the heart worms begin dying too fast and start to clog my arteries,

I will need more help than they can give me at the Den. When I first heard all of that, my heart began to sink again, until I heard there was the option of staying right here at the vet’s in the hospital – where I could remain in my “King’s Suite” kennel and have a little room to move around. Beth calls it the “King’s Suite” because she says she just knows I am from some kind of royalty. She says I look very regal and noble. I do not know about all of that. But I do know I am being given the royal treatment. I am being given the best possible chance at living and surviving this thing.

Yes. I was very surprised that humans could treat me this way. 

I was very surprised when I heard Beth & Jerry talking about the doctor and the bill and discussing eating Mac & Cheese if need be so I could get what I need to survive. I NEVER knew I was worth all of that! And I heard Beth say that all of you love me too. Most of you have only seen my picture, but you love me. That was almost more than this boy’s heavy heart could stand!!! I got very excited and took a leap to kiss the face of the doctor that KNEW Beth & Jerry would want me to live.

Today, as I'm writing this, I am almost a week into my treatment and I see a lot of hope on the faces around me. 

I am not the happiest about having to be in a hospital, but I know it is for my own good. That terrible odor of death is not here burning my eyes and nostrils. Instead there is a new odor and a new feeling I have never known before. The love is so thick here I can smell it. And the respect is wonderful. I can feel the excitement building in my heart. And I know I have to relax and stay calm.

I will fight! This is worth fighting for.

Your prayers and wishes will help me to live. I can feel them and they are the most wonderful gift you could send.

If you can send help through a donation of money, that would also be wonderful and appreciated by me, Beth, Jerry and the entire crew at the Den. 

The treatment is costly, and there are other medical needs that are being met - nothing as serious as the heartworms, but I am receiving the best care possible here. And, well, my room is a bit expensive. It is after all the “King’s Suite.” And I know I am worth it!

So, if you can help, there are three ways you can send your support:

Beth set up my very own Chip In. She says she does not like to do those so much, but it does allow people to SEE what has been done and she says I am worth it. (I still can’t get past that “worth it” thing! It is enough to make a fellow like me blush! But it also makes me very proud.)



Or you can donate by Pay Pal.

Or you can call Southeastern Veterinary Hospital and make a donation for Hunter... in the King’s Suite. Make sure you say I am with Eagle’s Den as the name Hunter is a good name and another boy may have it as well. The number to donate directly to the Vet is 910-739-9411.

Thank You so much! Your love, prayers and donations are all very much appreciated.

Also, when you share my story, that is a wonderful gift. It helps me, and it helps others like me.

Update:

I am home at the Den now, through the worst of the heartworm treatment, but wouldn’t you know it! My luck just cannot turn. 

Sometimes it is really hard to keep my spirits up cause now they have found a growth where I was neutered and we really do not know what it is. The vet says NOTHING can be done before the 15th of December when we know the heartworms are all dead.

I hope they do not start to think I am too much trouble and not worth it.

I feel so much love here and “Mom and Dad” say there is no way they will let me down. I sure don’t want to let them down. And I really do want to live and be happy, now that I finally have a chance.

Please help me. I promise I will always be a good boy and I really want to see all the worried faces smile again!

I am not the only one in need here at the Den, so I know I am in good hands because these people do not know how to say QUIT. Good thing for me, huh? Will you guys help me too please... say a prayer for me and the others here. And if you can donate to help, the links are listed.

Big Sloppy Kiss from me to you:
Hunter, (the Regal, the Proud and the LOVED).