The Labraventures of Carbón, Spanish (ex-) foster dog extraordinaire

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Did you ask for a retest? Were they absolutely sure it was the correct result? Just thinking, if they think it was false negative before, why not the same thinking now: false positive?

What shockingly unsuspected news, I am sorry, are you sure the vet got it right and isn't muddling up with another dog. I agree with @Granca that it would be worth asking for a re-test.

He will have the Doxycycline for two weeks, then they will retest to make sure they get another positive before continuing on two weeks more with the Doxycycline and then the injections. If I understood correctly, she will also retest right before doing the injections. I'm grateful that the vet seems seems to be approaching this with checks all along the way.

Thanks to a conversation with @Beanwood (who is excellent at breaking down this stuff 'Science for Dummies'- style for me), it seems that one test - the faster and less expensive version that they did in the shelter - tests for the tiny young worms and this test that was just done tests for adults. Kate thinks it likely that he was positive from puppyhood and simply tested false negative in the shelter due to the stage of the worms. Hopefully I'll know a little more tomorrow after his heart ultrasound.

surely you would've started to see some more clinical signs? At least the vet back in the summer may have picked up some abnormalities from a clinical exam

Presumably he hasn't shown any symptoms, as the news was a complete shock?

He has zero clinical signs at this point. He's a healthy (looking) happy guy. Though as Kate and I talked about, now we're both are seeing his early anaemia and lethargy more in terms of when I was giving him his heart worm tablets vs. as a side effect of his Leishmania. Puts all those early days of him struggling to walk on the beach into a different perspective!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I know nothing about heartworm.

I knew a little because Paul/Vizzy, Carbon's Bodeguero buddy had it and I kept him after each of his injections. The injections are bad news, very painful for the dog. Paul couldn't walk for 24 hours afterwards. My vet here says she can give Carbon some pain meds to help and that this month long Doxycycline protocol will also help prepare Carbon better than Paul was.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

and poor you re the residency.

That's gone a bit south as well. Or maybe I should say "southER"?

I will now need to be in Regensburg for another month, so I've been scrambling to line up other holiday rentals we can stay in. There are plenty in the nearby Bavarian forest, but due to snow, that's not a possibility for me. So we moved last Sunday, we moved yesterday, we're moving next Sunday and then the following Thursday and then the Thursday after that, which takes us to mid February.

At least we are either on the ground floor or have a lift in the next places, in case Carbon has any funny side effects from the treatment. He's my stair helper so if we're both walking like drunken sailors it's going to be tough!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Thank you for all the good thoughts and simply letting me use Carbon's thread as a place for support. I honestly would be going around the bend without the support here.

 

[Charlie]

I'm so sorry for you and poor lovely Carbon. Life can be so hard sometimes. xxx

 

[Jacqui-S]

Thank you for all the good thoughts and simply letting me use Carbon's thread as a place for support. I honestly would be going around the bend without the support here.

There is always someone here for you Emily.
Keep talking to us xx

 

[kateincornwall]

This is what makes our forum special , that no matter where in the world you are , there is always support , and love xxx

 

[Loraseal]

I am so sorry for the pair of you. Life certainly knows how to throw a curve ball.
Cuddles for you both. Keep on writing because I just love your style of writing.
I think you should write a children's book (well just a book) about the Adventures of Señor Grumpypantalones.
One day at a time. X

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

This is what makes our forum special , that no matter where in the world you are , there is always support , and love xxx

Perfectly said.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I think you should write a children's book (well just a book) about the Adventures of Señor Grumpypantalones.

Maybe this all part of Carbon's grand plan to make his life so exciting and dramatic that I'll have no other choice but to write that book!

 

[FayRose]

Just catching up. Hells bells Emily_Babbelhund - you poor love. You and Carbon seem to have been put together to take 'ess aitch one tee' big time.
Strange, difficult and infuriating times. As everyone here has said, get that pen out and start writing - hugs x

 

[Oberon]

Crap upon crap. So sorry to hear of the German situation and now the heartworm situation.

Once the heartworm is sorted Carbón will probably be in very good spirits and will have more energy. Not good that the treatment is rough He’ll be ok though.

Good to hear that you have a capable lawyer and vet in your corner for this latest battle.

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

I'm very sorry to hear about more setbacks for both of you. Keep on doing what you're doing and taking things one day at a time. You'll both get through it.

 

[Jen]

Oh Emily how awful.

Sending you and Carbón positive thoughts and all of the love. You’re so lucky you’ve got each other xx

 

[snowbunny]

This is so tough for you. Poor Carbón, too. I've never had to deal with heart worm first-hand, but obviously a fair number of the shelter dogs have it. It totally sucks, but at least it is treatable, and that treatment is relatively short-term and non-invasive, even though it will be utterly miserable.
All this moving out must be exhausting, too, and taking up so much of your time. I wish there was some help I could offer. If there's anything that I can help with, do please let me know.

 

[Stacia]

Heavens, what a lot of moves; you are amazing coping with all this. Give Carbon a loving hug from me and one for you. Fingers crossed that all will be well in the end, though I do feel for poor Carbon if the injections are going to be painful, I hope the pain killers will be very effective.

 

[Lab_adore]

Take care Emily, I'm so sorry life has thrown you yet another curve ball; it's so unfair and I don't know how you stay sane. Sending masses of positive and healing vibes to you

 

[jazzmynn]

Just wow......I’m so sorry for all you that two are going through.

 

[Lisa]

Oh gosh, I am so sorry to hear this. I just wish you could be in a happy, comfy place with all the residency issues sorted and no vet or doctor visits for a long, long time.

Sending hugs as you and gentle pats to Carbon. Hope it all goes well. Please keep us posted.

 

[Rosie]

Bloody hell.
Thinking of you (both).
Hang in there.
Rosie, Paul and Pongo
xxx