Medicine

Do I have a good boy, or what?

Here's Chappy, looking all wet and miserable ("You're not going to put that on your BLOG are you?"), sitting in the bathtub for the mandated five minutes that the medicated shampoo is supposed to stay in contact with the skin.

Medicated shampoo?

Well, yes, the shampoo I got at the vet today, for Chappy's recurring staph infection. (Which, if anyone has a recommended course of treatment OTHER than the antibiotic from the vet, let me know.)

Because, of course, we were at the vet because of Chappy's hacking/sneezing/coughing. It's hard to describe exactly what kind of noise he's been making--like a cross between a sneeze and a trying-to-clear-the-throat kind of cough. You know, like when you've got phlegm at the back of your throat. Which, apparently, he does. As well as a touch of bronchitis. No idea where he got it from, or when, exactly, he picked it up. It's only been the last couple days that he's been, um, we'll call it sneezing more than usual. Or, noticeably, anyway. But it's not like he's doing this all the time--mostly when he first wakes up.

In fact, that's just like me during allergy season. (And, I'm sorry, isn't it kind of early for allergy season? But I'm sniffly/coughy/wheezy this week, too.) Going from horizontal to vertical first thing in the morning induces a fair amount of snuffling and throat-clearing as the phlegm rearranges itself. But anyway, he woke me up a couple times last night . . . and I'm such a sound sleeper, that should say a lot . . . so I made the vet appointment first thing this morning. And of course, he barely sniffled at all while I was home at lunch, but I brought him at 3:15 anyway, and yep. A touch of bronchitis, along with the staph infection. Could they be connected? Could there be an allergic reaction there since my sinuses have flared up and dogs usually present allergies via itchy skin. But the vet poo-pooed the idea, but he tends to do that anyway. (It's a clinic with an assortment of vets; this wasn't my favorite, but for a last-minute appointment, you take what you can get.)

Anyway, he's now on an antibiotic--which means I have to stop at the grocery store tomorrow to pick up some active yogurt for him, since his stomach is sensitive to begin with--but otherwise, seems entirely himself. In fact, he's been very playful since we got home. I've lost track of how many times I've thrown his sneaker for him since I sat down here, but he's happy, so I'm happy.

Although, really, he says he's tired of being five now. Can't he go back to four? Or skip to six? I don't have the heart to tell him that these health things tend to get worse not better as you get older, but yeah. I agree with him. Five hasn't been all that fun! Well, except for the fun (if exhausting) parts.

Comments

[trek]

Poor Chappy!
Tell him that he has my okay to give five a bye and move straight on to six if it makes him feel better.

[Kat]

My dog makes those weird cough/sneeze things too. The vet told me not to worry about them, but it is disconcerting when she has a fit.

[Laura]

Oh, poor Chappy. He's such a *good* dog. Hugs.

[Norma]

I highly recommend a switch to raw food. Bravo brand is what has made a complete turnaround for Vincent, and I can't recommend it highly enough. With all of Chappy's issues that he's been having, he can definitely use a boost in his nutrition. And some really good natural vitamins, and cod liver oil.

*stepping off soapbox now*

(P.S. The pain in his back, the tiredness, the sickness -- I really wonder if he's not developed an allergy to corn, which is a big ingredient in most prepared dog foods.)

[Norma]

And skin conditions point to it even more. Give him garlic supplements and probiotic supplements from the health food store. There are some wonderful natural canine websites that are full of great information and products.

*that was just a momentary step back on my soapbox. I'm stepping off again now* :)

[chris]

Poor Chappy!

I'm kinda with Norma . . . have you done a food allergy trial with him yet? It's time-consuming, but worth it! His bronchitis may be a result of an allergic thing.

Hope your boy is back to his phlegm-free self soon!

[Meg]

Oh, poor doggy! Give him a big hug for me.

[Tori Forest]

Poor Pup! Sparky Maddy and Bentley also send get better wishes! Summer's the time for fun not being sick :-( Allergies can definitely lead to bronchitis! It can in people so why not dogs? Also his immune system is working hard so the staph infection and the allergies can be worse.

[Madame Purl]

I really hate when they pooh-pooh you. I understand they are the vet and went through all that training, but don't discount the loving person that cares of them. This has ticked me off more than once and I've sought a second opinion. I'm with you on that track of thinking - just like us - we get allergies and then they can quickly turn to sinus infection.

[Lizzy B]

Get better soon Chappy! Max sends happy health wishes too.

I hope he feels better soon. Poor little guy. No idea what caused it?

Send Chappy kisses and floor romping from me. I know he loves that. :)

[Risa]

Hope the boy is better soon!

Sorry though, we are into fall allergy season, which explains the morning discomfort. A check at pollen.com shows NJ to be in Med-High pollen levels with the major culprits being ragweed, nettle and grass. I'm thankful for that nasonex which made the spring far easier for me than previous years. I'm back on the daily routine of the stuff and the morning symptoms are very much reduced.

[CindyCindy]

Chappy is an unusual pup in many ways, isn't he? I have not heard of his issues before (not that that's a big surprise), but I have to agree with Norma. I haven't tried the Raw diet, but have heard it does wonders. A friend of mine with two St Bernards swears by it (and they make their own!). As for your allergies, here in St. Louis August 15 is the official ragweed season start. Dust and molds from far away farm fields don't help either. Could that be your trouble? Mine start in May and continue until frost.

[Gracie]

Poor Chappy! Olive sends lots of get well hugs.

One of my mom's dog's has chronic staph infections and they just keep trying antibiotics. She home feeds him chicken and rice so I know the food thing isn't an issue with him. Maybe it is with Chappy?

[Debby]

Hugs for Chappy and I hope he is feeling better very soon!

A big A-ha! to your post and Norma's (and others') comments. I think we are all more connected (humans and animals) than these vets will have us believe. We certainly seem to have similar health issues and remedies. My husband is on antibiotics and someone recommended probiotics to help with his stomach issues. Our cat has the same issues, and I'm wondering if the probiotics would help his IBD? Please let me know how Chappy does on them, and if anyone else has info please let me know that too.

Allergies are no fun. Fall is actually my worst season, but so far the Allegra seems to be helping.

[Jenny]

Wow, Norma's got me thinking maybe I should change Oscar's diet . . . anyhoo, I hope anything/everything makes Chappy feel MUCH MUCH better, because a happy, healthy puppy makes their mommies much happier too!

[Carole]

I hope Chappy is feeling much better tonight!

[Jessica]

I also have boykins, aren't they wonderful?! Chappy is such a handsome man! Our girl boykin does the same thing, we thought she was having some kinda asthma attack but it turned out to be a reverse sneeze from allergies! Our vet told us that benedryl is safe for dogs and they take 1mg/1lb so our 50# pitty gets 50mgs, they said it could make them drowsy and decrease it the dose if it did but no such luck! Since we've been doing that and wiping her face and paws with a wet washcloth when she comes in from outside we haven't heard too much hacking!