Things at la casa del perro enfermo remain eventful as ever.
Yara’s hot spots are healing up pretty well. They are both scabbed up, as I mentioned before. The smaller one of the two has noticeably shrunk and the skin around it returned to a normal color. The larger one remains quite substantial in size and the skin is still obviously inflamed. That coupled with the fact that Yara’s been quite itchy led to the decision to put her on steroids. I was mildly prepared for how not fun this would be for me since Dolly was on steroids for awhile last year and I got a daily phone call of the ensuing crazy. Needless to say, Yara has definitely been reacting to the drugs. Basically, she’s annoying me to no end. She’s not just panting more and drinking more and peeing more, she’s begging for food and has woken me up in the wee hours of the morning for no apparent reason. Interestingly enough, she’s still doing her normal food refusal routine, though, not at the Monday extreme. Mostly she’s just doing the “take her sweet time, have to be called back into the kitchen twice” thing. And she’s specifically left about a mouthful in her bowl every meal. I should admit that I’ve been giving her about a cup extra at every meal since she dropped her weight, so I can’t really be too upset about this obstinant behavior.
On the EPI front, she’s been back on Viokase for about three weeks now and seems to be putting a bit of her weight back on. Her stool’s been a bit soft, but I can’t be sure if that’s not from the other meds she’s on. Or even if it’s just stress. She’s been shedding a lot, too, which was definitely a marker of an EPI flare up. I am a might concerned, though, because I discovered a rumor that Viokase has been discontinued. It’s not a dire thing since the enzyme is still readily available, but I’m not without worry because we just went through a huge ordeal when trying to put her on a different brand. Certainly a complication. For now, there’s not too much I can do and things are in the air as to what can and/or will be done.
Suffice it to say, 2010 is turning out to be a stressful year thus far.
I hope both you and Yara are doing better. I also hope that 2010 bodes better for all of us still fighting with EDF. Kensi, the dog I raised has been the kennel there for almost ten months. EDF does not do a good job keeping me posted as to how she is doing. Great organization with one dog placed in almost three years! Still no word on the “new” litter of puppies who were kept in the kennel and barked ad nauseum until the neighbors complained. Whether they are still there, is anyones guess as no one is allowed on the locked premises without an appointment. Another dog has been in there in excess of 2 years…her puppy raiser has not heard anything about her. What gives with this organization? The court case wound down and now we are waiting to hear what the judge had to say about it. Basically his decision will apply to the 5 dogs that some volunteers have refused to give back ( and are out thousands of dollars worth of lawyer fees). They either will be allowed to stay away from EDF while the lawsuit the foundation filed against the puppy raisers is sorted out…or the dogs will have to be returned.
Prayers are needed along with you continued support.
Thanks for the darling Christmas card.
Give me a call and I will fill you in on what transpired on the stand. It was a jaw dropper!!!!
Sincerely,
Diana Anderson