Loofa not got all clear now.

[JaxTellersOldLady]

well after the big meeting of the team, it has been decided that they cannot rule out the dreaded C word after all. He has lost almost another kilo in weight in 2 weeks, despite eating for England.

He has been put back on his liquid meds, his tummy tablets and on a high dose of very nasty antibiotics which will kill both strains of this bacteria... never to return again, we hope.

Next Tuesday he has to go back to his Vet and she will have a look at his mouth. If it has cleared up, all fantastic and bloody marvelous if not he is to get more biopsy's taken and compared to the originals to see if there are any/many changes in the cell structure.

Everyone is still rather perplexed as to why and how and what all this is. Step after more swabs etc is a specialist team.

I am still so worried and dreading the next week, it is all this waiting around that is killing me and watching my puppy lose more and more weight while still being a happy, bouncy dog.
The good news in all this is he can go for walks again, but be kept coolish, so early morning, late evening, hosed down pre walk... nothing is ever simple with this dog. I do love him to bits though.

Left a message for his breeder to update last night, no doubt she will call me later or pop round.

Hoping and praying to whatever or whoevers up there Jax.

Thinking of you and of Loofa and sending a special Shep lots of gentle cuddles.

Val x

thank you so much. Being able to talk about it to people who understand is such a help.

Will pass on your gentle hug later, after he has stopped making large puddles in my kitchen! Such a messy dribbly drinker. Typical boy (dog)

I had a look at the website you linked to for another person, Many Tears, dear god, I had to stop, I fell in love with a gorgeous dallie called Theodore, more black than white. Looked adorable, sadly DH wont have any more at the moment until Loofa has a proper diagnosis, doesnt want him stressed out.

Really sorry to hear that Loofa hasn't got the all clear yet. Waiting around is so frustrating.

I really do feel for all of you, what a dreadful time. Glad to hear that Loofa is bouncing around happily, probably has no idea what stress you are all going through.

I hope they can work it all out and soon. hang in there x

got one more day of the antibiotics to go, along with the tummy meds, cant say his mouth looks any better at all.

Going back on Wednesday to Vets, think she will refer us to specialist. He is still fine in himself, going for little walks late/early when it is cooler for him, but still overheating fast.

DH is trying to take photos of his mouth to post on doggie sites on tinternet to see if anyone has any ideas. Longshot, I know, but I need something.

Oh poor souls, I was hoping you'd tell us there was a great improvement.

I can only think of suggesting that DH posts on BIGGSDs forum if he hasn't already, that obviously being the main one for Shep owners. I'm thinking that it just might be something someone there has experience of if perhaps it turns out to be a problem seen more in GSDs than other breeds.

My heart's still with you all, jeez I was in a tizzy last night because Chester cut his pad. I know all too well what a special breed Sheps are and how a person can love one.

Loads of hugs to you as well as to Loofa.

Val x

slight good news tonight, he has put on half a kilo which is good, and his mouth looks a little better. So here is what we are going to do, another week of antib's and then check again... next step after that is to go to specialist.

I can take him for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler, short and sweet. Which will make my life better and his life better.

not a huge leap, but better than nothing considering the circumstances.

Small steps, and good news. Lets hope it continues.

Val x

good news is good news however small it is.
Hope this is the start of his recovery.

bollocks, he was sick again this morning.

((((hugs)))) to Loofa. I wish I had the answers and the cure for you Jax.

Val x

me too Val. It is such a shame for him. I know 2 other dogs from that litter who live locally and (with same family) they are not being treated properly. Not socialised, walked, let off lead and it makes DH and I so so so pissed off! I want to go, knock on their door and take them off them, but I fear the damage that has been done wouldnt make them good pets now.

DH took Loofa for a nice walk early this morning and he ran about, had fun and chased a tennis ball around, but his mouth started to bleed and there ended the fun part. I am going to get some pre/pro biotic natural yoghurt for his mouth. Wont hurt, probably wont help either, but I am willing to try anything.

Back from the Vets (again) and we have all had a thoroughly good look at his mouth, lips and general condition. He has put on a tiny bit of weight, still not being sick which is good, antibiotics have helped a little bit, but not enough to continue - he has had 2 weeks worth so if it was going to improve significantly it would have done by now.

We are to exercise him as normal, but keep an eye with regards to overheating and leave him be for 10 days to get all meds out of his system.

Then we are to decide whether to go down the route of specialist (Davies) or to let the Vet re biopsy, photograph and scope his mouth, tummy and throat again.

Vet says she is thinking more auto-immune or the horrid word we dont want to think of (C word) and treat with steroids, but she wants to be positive before treating as he has a delicate tummy and it isnt a nice treatment for the dog.

Bugger bugger bugger.