Snowie

[Joy]

I'm sorry poor Snowie has been through such a rotten period with his skin, but it's great the prednisone is helping. I suspect that if you experiment you may be able to find a lower dose that still keeps his skin ok but isn't enough to create all the other problems. My last dog had skin problems for much of his life and prednisone was the only thing that worked, but it only took a very low dose for very short periods to do the trick as long as I watched him like a hawk and started it as soon as there was any sign of itching.

 

[M.F.]

Vet visit today because Snowie’s limp wasn’t getting better. Saw our regular vet.

He suggested it’s an infection. He pinpointed exactly where the problem is—right front paw just above the inside toe. When he pressed it hard, Snowie pulled away. He said it was swollen (we could see) and that when pressed, it remained indented indicating cellulitis. He didn’t think there was a broken bone; said Snowie would not be able to put any weight on it at all.

Course of antibiotics. Said we must nip the infection in the bud otherwise can get out of control.

Said that possibly the high dose of steroids left Snowie open to an opportunistic infection. (I wonder if the leaping off the table caused a small internal injury which became infected. I only thought of this after we’d left the vet.) Said with Snowie’s history of prostate infection, need to be very careful of future infections. Said he prefers Cytopoint for this reason, and only use steroids infrequently and at very low dose when Cytopoint is wearing off at month end.

Sigh. Different vets, different opinions. But he does know Snowie, and his reasoning appeared sound.

So, this week: antibiotics and tramadol (opiate for pain). Plus 1 tab prednisone per day (or even lower, aiming for the lowest dose Snowie can manage to keep itch-free). Also, 3/4 paracetamol tablet twice a day; this can be ongoing for the rest of Snowie’s life.

Back next week Monday to reassess. If all going well, Cytopoint injection and no steroids. Keep steroids to use only in last week of month if Cytopoint wearing off.

He said this September has been the worst month for itchy dogs. He ran out of Cytopoint twice.

Regardless, Snowie loved his vet visit. The receptionist commented on how happy he is.

 

[M.F.]

I must say, my heart is sinking a bit about giving antibiotics given the mess we dealt with last year with antibiotics. Our vet talks about treating along “first principles”. I guess a methodology where you first try one treatment to rule out something, then if it doesn’t work, try the next thing. And first try non-invasive before the next thing. And work through specific types of treatments.

The last time he stuck a needle into Snowie to test a lump, Snowie erupted into a raging infection that took 3 months to resolve. So I wasn’t pushing him to test this swelling for infection.

But now that I think about it: Snowie jumped off a table. It’s obvious he’d injure himself and he’d have a swelling. But it turned septic? The vet reckoned the pain was from an infection. I wish I could dial back the time and ask more questions.

I guess I could tomorrow.

 

[Jacqui-S]

I guess I could tomorrow.

I think you should.
You won't be happy until you do, not unreasonably so.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

What a roller coaster and all the (sometimes opposing) opinions. It’s got to be stressing you out something fierce.

I keep coming back to seemingly no matter what, Snowie is a happy guy. You protect him and he is happy. That’s priceless. Yes, sometimes he feels worse, sometimes better, but he just still seems happy - he knows you’ve got his back. You are a Mama Lady par excellence.

 

[M.F.]

What a roller coaster and all the (sometimes opposing) opinions. It’s got to be stressing you out something fierce.

I keep coming back to seemingly no matter what, Snowie is a happy guy. You protect him and he is happy. That’s priceless. Yes, sometimes he feels worse, sometimes better, but he just still seems happy - he knows you’ve got his back. You are a Mama Lady par excellence.

Thank you for your kind words. I often feel I’ve failed Snowie, think he’d had a much better life had we got him a mate at home. And had children! He loves both dogs and children and lots of activity around him! Instead he got a very quiet home.

But yes, we (my husband plays an equal part) have tried hard to give him a happy and healthy life.

We were at the vet the other day (I asked the vet for a season ticket for Snowie!) and the receptionist commented on how happy he always is. And the vet himself adores him, says he’s such a character. Snowie loves his vet visits. Lots of treats and lots of dogs and cats to meet. It’s a very easy-going practice with the vet’s two Golden Retrievers walking around freely, and the people who bring their animals there seem equally easy-going, happy for their animals to interact with the other patients.

Expecting a treat from the vet!

 

[M.F.]

I think you should.
You won't be happy until you do, not unreasonably so.

Thank you for the encouragement. I did call and their phones were down!! My call went through to the receptionist’s mobile number and the connection was terrible. Tried a few times and gave up. And decided to just carry on with the treatment.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I often feel I’ve failed Snowie, think he’d had a much better life had we got him a mate at home. And had children! He loves both dogs and children and lots of activity around him! Instead he got a very quiet home.

You’re not alone thinking this. The funny thing is that I think this all the time about Carbón - that he’d be happier in a house with multiple dogs and people. I feel really guilty about it. But when I read your post, I instantly thought, “ How could she possibly think that when clearly Snowie is SO happy and loved?!”

But like I said, I think something similar about Carbón. Maybe we’re our own harshest critics. A wise person I know asks me often if I’d talk to a friend the negative way I talk to myself sometimes. Of course I wouldn’t.

All that to say, look at it how Snowie looks at it. I don’t think he’d trade his ML for any other life.

 

[edzbird]

Snowie has a family who love him & he returns that love manyfold. He could not want for anything else, don't even think he might be better off if..... he couldn't be

 

[kateincornwall]

Bless him but dont think about what you havent given him , instead think of what you have given him which is a loving caring home where he is very happy indeed xxx

 

[Karen]

I would echo @Emily_Babbelhund’s thoughts. I also used to think that my previous dog’s life would have been better if we had another dog or children around…..and I sometimes think that for Cassie. As @Emily_Babbelhund said, we are our own harshest critics. The upside of a small household is undivided attention and love. I bet that Snowie gets so much love, he wants for nothing. You have given him (and are giving him) his Best Life.

 

[Selina27]

@mf I get what you mean re the company thing- but don't think for a moment that you have failed him! As others have said, he's obviously a happy boy.
I do though worry sometimes that Cassie has a good enough life with just me. It's one of the reasons that I still like to do some training with her, people sometimes ask me why I still do as she is 9 now, but I am sure she does e joy the interaction.
Maybe we think these things because we know that Labs are such sociable dogs!

 

[Natalie]

But like I said, I think something similar about Carbón. Maybe we’re our own harshest critics.

I think this is true. Also, our dogs adapt brilliantly to all sorts of circumstances and goings on, and for dogs that are lucky enough to stay with one owner for their whole lifetime like snowie, he will know no other life and probably now loves the calm household he is accustomed to.
You give him time and attention, and I'm sure he knows he is loved, and he loves you, and that is the most important thing.

 

[M.F.]

Thank you everyone for your lovely words. I do apologise for not responding. I’ve been avoiding this thread because it’s so confronting.

Snowie is really bad at the moment. He is beyond itchy. The beige carpet in our bedroom is smeared in blood where he rubs his face. His paws were bloody a few weeks ago, also contributing to the blood marks.

He’s on prednisone, which makes him very active. If he weren’t so itchy, you’d be amazed at this almost-14 year old dog (turns 14 in Jan). Climbs the steps no problem. Jumps onto the sofa. Gets up easily. No problem squatting for his toilet time. Wagging his tail when he wakes up. Eager eager eager to eat anything we’re eating. Licks his bowl clean.

But his skin… His face and ears look like he’s been in a fight. His paws are swollen and the skin is trying to heal where he got blisters on his pads after he went on a vigorous walk, his demanding cos he was so energetic. And us not realising that his pads would get so injured. He’s chewed parts of his legs raw.

He’s on prednisone. We’ve upped the dose the last few days, but still sooooo itchy. We have a vet appointment tomorrow.

Cortisone spray in his ears is very effective. Inside his ears is now the only normal part of him! His fur looks great, but when you just touch him, his back leg goes crazy with air guitar trying to scratch.

Do you pts because a dog is itchy? I am beside myself. Are we making him suffer? I’m not expecting a yes or no. I know the decision must be my husband’s and myself. And it upsets me when other people think they know best and disregard mine or my husband’s feelings. We will see what the vet says tomorrow. Is there anything in his bag of tricks that can help Snowie be less itchy.

Here is a photo from this morning. My husband applying cortisone cream onto his paws, which seems to be effective. This is his worst side on his face. His eyelid is swollen from scratching and rubbing. It’s very confronting putting this photo here. I cried all the way to work. And would cry now if I weren’t sitting in the cafe at work with others around me.

 

[Stacia]

@M.F. somehow I missed your earliest posts. I am crying with you as Snowie is Rourke's twin, so I have always have special place in my heart for Snowie. I went through all those tears and heartbreak with Rourke, so I do so understand how you are feeling. Do what is in your hearts, do not listen to others. I am sorry for what you are having to go through.

 

[HAH]

Its brutal that darling Snowie is fit in so many ways but the itching is clearly very tough to experience, and manage, and witness. I’m so sorry Snowie is going through this, my heart goes out to you all.

 

[Atemas]

Oh @M.F. crying with you - poor Snowie……and yet as you say, his tail is wagging when he wakes up, eating, going to the toilet ok, climbing etc. I hope the vet has more tricks in the bag to manage poor Snowie’s skin. I will be thinking of you . for dear Snowie

 

[Cath]

I am so sorry @M.F. Lets hope the vet can find something to help dear Snowie. Sending love and hugs

 

[Emily]

Tears over here too. I just want to give you a hug and let you know we're all here supporting you xxx

 

[kateincornwall]

So very sorry that dear Snowie is going through his own kind of hell at the moment . Please dont ever be swayed by what other people say , he is your dog and so any decisions are yours to make and no one elses . My heart goes out to you, love and hope xxxx