So the visit went well. He does not have kennel cough or a URI, at least now. they listened to his lungs and said they are very clear and strong.
He does have demodex and his lymph nodes on his back legs are swollen indicating some infection in his system. the vet believes his feet are so bad because they have been left untreated for a while and/or treated sporadically with no consistency. She also said she don't believe he is 5 either, she said based on his teeth wear, color (all white) and they way he handles himself she thinks he is closer to 3. She says he has a lot more puppy characteristics than a 5 yr old. She commented on his drive and attention to me being very focused. She thought he would do well in a working sport given his personality.
They treat a fair amount of puppies with demodex... so she felt given his licking and itching that Simplicef and Apoquel would do well for him. We have a Mitiban dip scheduled for 2/20/2014.
The vet feels that because he has probably had this for a while that it may take upwards to 6-8 months to clear.
Almost all of our dobes have really enjoyed agility work, even if you just do a home obstacle course. That might help feed his need for work/sport and it's easy to get started.
We also do lots of biking, hiking and joring but those will have to wait until his feet improve.
What wonderful news! YAY for Saul, I am so glad he ended up in your hands. Good luck with the demodex, I hope that it doesn't take long to start seeing improvement.
Mine have really enjoyed agility work, and we use lots of at home exercises - like stopping at the bottom of the stairs (bottom) and getting them used to walking on all kinds of weird textures and under over blankets and pieces of tarp. The more he trusts you with weird stuff the more fun agility will be!
I'm working with him on walking up the stairs slowly instead of 4 at a time. So far it's working well and we do frequent stops midway up or down.
There is a woman my sister told me about who has an obstacle course in her back for her agility dogs... I think labs or goldens... she knows her so I may eventually hit her up once Saul's finished obedience. That is his next step.
glad to hear he is in reasonably good health.
Yes, that dang demodex can take quite a while to heal. It sounds as though you are committed to him so the work will be worth it.
I was thinking about your previous email, Saul sleeping on the bed, letting out a sigh of contentment......wonderful.
I have a king tempurpedic bed and before I get in the bed Saul lays down at foot of bed. Once I'm in bed, he comes over and nests and curls up right beside me. He doesn't appear to like any covers on or over him. He is slowly started to feel more relaxed and comfortable enough to let his personality and vocalization come through.
So happy to hear Saul's vet appointment went well. While the demodex may take a little time to heal, I was more worried about the cough. Now that's checked out ok some consistant skin care should help. Now that he has you things should start looking up for him. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and helping him.
Saul had his first Mitiban dip at the vets today. He endured like a champ and even less licking tonight though he is very much full of energy. I got told by him to hurry up and get his dinner ready. His majesty was hungry after having to wait until others ate.
Glad to hear Saul's appointment went ok. Thank you so much for taking him in and taking such good care of him. I have a feeling you're going to bring each other much joy.
Well as of yesterday his poop finally stopped stinking to high heaven. PHEW! It has been god awful! It's going to take some getting used to with feeding him raw, him not having to poop as frequently. He only goes every 1.5 days?
Markus was like clockwork 1x in morning and 1x in evening. Hera is also like clockwork.
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