fritofeet

I think since he got his antibiotics, I'd make an appointment with my regular vet and have the full thyroid panel and a consult with your regualr Dr. done before giving thyroid meds. There can be a multitude of reasons for a dog to get a skin infection, and I wouldn't jump straight to thyroid. Not to scare you, but my new vet thinks the thyroid supplement Hogan was on is what caused his strokes. Batmom is right on, I'd guess it was allergies that caused the itching first, and then the infection from the scratching. Poor Tilt. If he has some really itchy spots, human Cortaid directly on can give some relief.

My DH said, "Hogan has a tick on his chest." Me, "Ewwwwww." Me, "Dear, that's his nipple." It happens.

I am not a prednisone fan at all, but your pup NEEDS it. This is one of those times where the vet knows best, and he won't be on it for long term. The side effects of reducing the dose outweigh any side effects from the dose he is recieving. It's main purpose is to reduce the swelling in his spine so that it can heal properly and cleanly after the surgery. Sometimes if the swelling returns, it can create burs on the bone and completely undoes the whole point of the surgery. My Dad's dog went through the same surgery and was on pred for 4 months including the wean off stage. She's a lovely old lady, and doing well 3 years post surgery. Also, bring your concern up to your vet as well, that's what we pay them for and they might have a slightly different protocol for your pup due to your concern. Give your pup a scritch from me.

With that major surgery, I would follow the vets advice on dosage of prednisone. Don't try to wean him off without the vets approval, because if you cut them off cold turkey it can be bad for the dog's system.

Sending more prayers for you and your pup.

I PMd you.

Ditto.

Our hound dog puppy ALWAYS has them. They don't seem to bother her. DH says she fits right in with the rest of us.

Prayers and healing thoughts for Bandit.

I'm so sorry.

Lots of prayers for Alan!

More prayers for Frank!

That stinks! I'm sorry. I've had things like that happen here too. Peaceful healing thoughts for Miss Molly.

I'm glad Grace is feeling better. This is a tough thing for everybody. Is it possible for BooMooandDoo to keep the pup until her parents come home? I'm sure you could use the space the crate takes up for something else, and it would free you up to take care of Grace. I'm sure that there are some pretty heavy emotions involved, and Grace will pick up on your stress and that is the last thing she and your pups need right now. Having been in your spot when Lucy was bit by a neighbors dog, as well as having a dog that bit someone else's when I was younger, I really understand this issue from both sides. I feel for you.

Poor Grace. I just feel for you. Lucy was attacked on a walk on Xmas eve a couple of years ago, and had drains and staples and looked like a Civil War soldier in the infirmary. Did the vet say if it was all surface damage or were muscles involved? I'm hoping her collar took the brunt of it, so your new collar was worth every penny. After Lucy was mending, Diesel slept near her and followed her to make sure she was ok. So brothers aren't all bad... Lucy was a shy and spooky girl who lived in my closet that first year we had her, and over the years she has blossomed into a pretty outgoing silly girl. Some people have told me she's dominant too, and some of that could be because of her experience. I'm always a little apprehensive when she meets a new dog, but I try not to let that travel down the leash. For the most part, she gets along with everybody and wasn't afraid of the boys I fostered. Don't worry too much about Grace being afraid. Our dogs take our cues from us. So for now send Grace calm healing thoughts and I'm sending you a big huge hug.

Oh poor poor Grace and poor you. Many healing thoughts coming your way.

I'm so very sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Run free sweetie.

I am so very sorry.

Lots of prayers and gentle hugs for your sweet girl.

Brody

Sending prayers and hugs...