Day Forty-Eight

I know I know I'm a week late in the update, I was super busy last weekend. First off there has been continued improvement with Festus. His hair is getting longer and coming in super soft. The old hair that he did have though is coming out, he is blowing coat!! Geesh, I had totally forgotten what this was like until recently again. His boxer sister Sidney blows coat but not nearly as noticeable as when a dane does it. I have dane hair EVERYWHERE!!

Festus has had one little setback since we've started this treatment with the cyclosporine which is my fault as I missed one dose and man the next day he was itchy! So we popped down some chlor-tripolon and he was good as new again within a few hours. This time it only took one dose of the antihistamines and he was good, before he used to have to take a few doses before you would notice anything of a difference. Even though he is on every other day for the Cylclosporine, that one dose missed mistake sure won't happen again. I now have an alarm set on my phone to go off every 48 hours.

Today due to the weather being so cold and the heat on we've been battling some dry skin and such with both the dogs so it was change all the bedding, and bath day!! YIPEE! Well perhaps Sidney is still cursing me, and Festus has since long forgotten the bath (he takes them like a champ doesn't phase him), I'm still saying YIPEE as their hair is soooo soft, and they smell OH SO GOOD!! I finally picked up some Chris Christiansen Day to Day Conditioner (meant to pick up the shampoo too but they didn't have any) and it sure does a good job at leaving a nice soft clean scent and super soft hair behind. Next time I'm at that store I'll have to remember to pick up the shampoo if they have it in stock. Lately I've been using the microtek shampoo on Festus (which I did again today) and using up what I have left of the earth bath mango tango for Sidney. I'm not too much of a fan of the earth bath as I don't find it leaves them as soft as they should be and takes forever to rinse out even when diluted.

I should also note here, someone asked me the other day about his breeder. I did advise them against purchasing a puppy from them as his problems are genetic. Although, this person still went ahead with the purchase of the puppy (actually had the puppy before they talked to me, although they initially said at first they were looking at one and put a deposit down). I strongly suggest to those looking for a dane (or any puppy for that matter) to ensure their health clearances are done of the parents/grandparents and listed on OFA and TALK to other puppy buyers, talk to a lot of them, the more the better. Also check out Rip Off Report to see if they have any complaints lodged against them as well. It is also important to continue the lines of communication with your breeder if you end up with a dog with health issues so that they are made aware of them. Even if they continue to breed the dogs that produced yours with issues, then it is on their conscious and not yours. I know that Fesuts' mom has been bred again, as well as his littermate sister, and his half sister on his mom's side. On his Dad's side, there has been a lot of puppies sired by him, as well as a lot of puppies of his that have gone to produce their own. There is another dane out there that suffers from allergies as well, although not as bad as Festus', she still suffers. Her grandpa is Festus' daddy.

Ok time for pictures, there aren't many this week as it is now dark outside and well, the lighting in my house isn't all that good for photos.

Close up of his neck, look at the puppy soft hairs that are coming in and the neck skin isn't swollen and angry from itching. That little white speck in the middle there, that will never have hair as he had a biopsy of his skin taken there at one point. Biopsy = scar so that one speck I can totally live with! Best part ever, you all ready for this, you can PET IT and he doesn't go into an itching frenzy!! Total success in the progress on that one. Before you couldn't touch it or put a collar on him without him wanting to scratch it off. Now he wears his collars with pride once again. 

                                          

Elbow, if you look really closely (ahem, click on the photo to make it BIG) you can see the puffy skin is shrinking down and some fuzzy wee hairs are poking through! Again a major accomplishment for him to have some hair there and not puffy skin.

This is Festus' all to famous, you going to give me that cookie yet, or am I going to have to jump up and down being impatient and let out some boots.... Patience has never been one of his strong suits at all. 

Post cookie, now just totally not caring about the camera as his tummy has been satisfied once again. 

Until next week where I will have much better photos available for everyone's viewing pleasure!

Day Thirty-Three

Lets start with a photo this week. We are both SOOOOOO HAPPY today and let me tell you why.... Festus is looking almost normal. If you saw him on the street you would have no idea all the problems he has. No idea what so ever!! This past week he has made leaps and bounds in progress it has made me smile from ear to ear these past few days. He has also been so happy as well running around the house causing havoc all the time. Wanting to go out, wanting attention, wanting to steal things off the counters (NAUGHTY NAUGHTY BOY) which at this moment we don't really care. It is such an amazing treat to see him act this way. 

Sup Ladies.... Look at my sexy blue fur that is growing in! I'm even shedding all my old nasty hair and this soft soft hair is coming in. My momma tells me it is so nice to snuggle at night in bed now that my hair isn't pokey! 

Festus' neck is no longer bald and red! It is FUZZY! While the hair may still be short it is coming in soft, I can't wait to see what this is going to look like in another month. If the progress remains this good he'll finally be able to go and visit all the little old ladies at the hospital and get spoiled rotten with massive amounts of attention and possibly knitted gifts. 

Oh Hi there, aren't I just a cute little (big) fellow. Got any cookies that I can eat??

Even his belly hair is coming in and some of the skin tags are shrinking. 

Boxer sisters, they like to totally photobomb!! This is supposed to be all about me but somehow she totally weasels into the blog posts... Don't know what I'm going to do about that one.

Yet another photobomb but I'm tired now and must sleep, can't even make it to my bed. Before these photos mom and dad had me running to get my ball at the park. Geesh, I just wish they would stop throwing it away causing me to go and get it. One of these days perhaps they'll learn not to throw it away as I will just plain give up going to get it for them. Oh who am I kidding, it is too much of a fun game for me to play and keep myself amused. If only the brown one would stop chasing me causing me to run over her little butt.

Day Twenty-Five

Festus has almost been on the cyclosporine now for an entire month!! He is doing phenomenal on it as well. We can pet him all over his body and he doesn't feel the need to itch about 90% of the time which is a massive improvement over 25 days ago in which touching him would get those hind legs moving and itching like a mad man. I am beyond happy with the improvements that he has made. Hopefully by spring he will be able to go and visit the little old ladies at the hospital as it would just make their day!

He has been much more cuddly lately and just well, much more personable in his day to day life. He is getting excited over the simplest things again meal time, walk time, car time, well anytime really he has gotten just SUPER BOUNCY!! He zooms around the house zooms around the yard, tries to zoom around on the leash. He is making me laugh more and more everytime I turn around he is actin a fool.

Time for my close up! 

His elbow area isn't red anymore and is softening up. Less callously and hair is starting to fill in a bit there.

Close up of his neck/belly area. What used to be red and angry looking along with scabs is back to skin colour with little bits of pink. No scabs are present, no crusty skin either. HUGE improvement over from where he first started. 

Sorry for the shadow but this is a good overall shot of him sitting showing now there is hair that is slowly starting to fill in for him. Waiting for a treat to be thrown at him which he only catches about 1 our of every 50 or so. He gives the college effort though and at least makes the attempt every time always in slow motion which makes me giggle. Not sure if he does this on purpose to make me smile at him and tell him how silly he is or if it is just him. To catch or not to catch that is the question!

Closer up and a bit brighter of his belly.

Got daddy to help with this one to get him to stretch his neck up for a full under the chin shot. What a bit of freeze dried cheddar can do. Simply magic!

Different belly angle, decided to lay on the ground under him to get the shot. What do we see here ladies and gentlemen, I do believe that is some hair!

Moooom please put down the camera now and just pay attention to me!

Winks for the ladies!! Until next week big slobbers ~Festus

Day Seventeen

Well with the holidays getting in the way I am a few days late to updating the blog. So far we've been on the cyclosporine now for a whole 17 days! So far so good. I'm starting to see improvements to him not being so itchy all the time. He is able to be pet quite a bit and get his love and attention that he so LOVES to get from people and not end up in a total itch fest! This alone is a HUGE accomplishment for him he hasn't been able to be doted on and not get the mega itchies for quite some time now.  I don't have much to really fill in and say for the blog so I'll let the pictures do my talking for the week.

Neck close up - December 28, 2012

Tummy area, look the redness is subsiding! - December 28, 2012

NOM NOM NOM Cheese Treats - December 28, 2012

Side view - December 28, 2012

Under the armpits - December 28, 2012

Nap time, photos are exhausting - December 28, 2012

Look my sister is trying to get cozy and sleep too - December 28, 2012

Ta ta for now, I have to get my beauty rest - <3 Festus 

Day Seven

Well, Festus has had 7 doses of the Cyclosporine now and while the changes haven't been huge, there has been some improvement which is amazing in his world. He hasn't been itching himself as much and he hasn't been itching the moment you touch him. He still has some itchies but he isn't on any antihistamines at all anymore so that is a total positive for him.

He hasn't had any vomiting or diarrhea since the two incidences earlier on in this week either. Total bonus for him and ME!! Overall he's been enjoying the extra time and attention since I took most of last week off work have been home with him.

Cyclosporine - This is what he gets all wrapped up in that deli meat and then he GOBBLES it right down. 

Hey MOM!! Don't look at me I'm trying to have a nap in here. - Belly Shot - December 18, 2012

OK OK, I'll get up. 

I should add that he does not appreciate being woken up from his naps. He cherishes his naps like they are gold, he will appreciate it only if you are waking him up for two reasons. Snuggling with his momma, or for Dinner, other than that you'll get the stink eye and a lot of moaning and groaning. He really is an old man at heart deep deep inside somewhere. Sidney the boxer wanted in on the photo shoot so she ran into her kennel to get a piece of the action. 

Ok now I'm awake, I see you have freeze dried liver, is that for me?? 

(at least in this photo Sidney doesn't have crazy eyes)

Yes, I have no shame, I bribe the dogs with treats. Festus LOVES freeze dried meats, liver being one of his favourites. One of these days I'm going to get him some dehydrated duck feet and see what he makes of those, or perhaps some rabbit ears. Now the real reason Sidney wanted in on the photo shoot is revealed, she's a PORKER, anytime she gets an inkling that there is going to be food around edible or not she all over it like a fat kid on cake. 

Obligatory sitting pose - December 18, 2012

Although little progress to his hair growth which will take roughly a month for that to come in at least most of the redness from itching has almost vanished. Little bits of pink skin but nothing like last week where his skin was an angry aggravated red from his constant itching. 

Closer belly shot - December 18, 2012

Here you can see that his skin is pink and not red like it was last week which is a total improvement  from the reduction in itching. 

Hind Feet - December 18, 2012

His hind feet aren't red and wet from him sucking on them anymore which I haven't caught him doing while I've been home. 

Ok and back to your regular scheduled programming, NAP TIME. My belly is now full of yummy liver and I must catch up on my beauty sleep now. Until next week :) <3 Festus.

Day Three

Thought I would give an update before the weekend as I don't think I'll get a chance to update this weekend.

As I type all is quiet in the house the prince has decided to nap and give me a break. I've taken the past few days off work to monitor Festus to ensure that he doesn't have any bad side effects. Needless to say I've had a big shadow following me around the house. Those of you with danes will totally get what I'm talking about.

Festus - Snoring like a log - December 14, 2012

Man oh man do these pills STINK, even inside the gel caps once you open them they smell horrid! I can't imagine if I had to take these myself I would be gagging the entire time trying to swallow these things. Hopefully I'll never have to experience taking them, for humans cyclosporine is used for organ transplant patients. So quite the heavy duty drug. Tonight I am filing a 3 month prescription at Costco as the side effects that he has had on them haven't been anything too major that we can't handle. The one I was worried about was dizziness along with hind end weakness and poor coordination. Thank goodness he doesn't seem to have any of those. We went out to the soccer fields to play fetch at night time and he was completely normal. He is still able to also go up and down the stairs and run and walk on the laminate flooring in my house just like normal. For that I am super thankful for, now for the medication to kick in for him. The big test will be Monday when I go back to work how he does while he is home alone for a few hours. I tell ya, this dog is beyond spoiled rotten, he is super sweet though so it makes it all worth it.

The only side effects so far that he has had (which could be total pure coincidence) is that Tuesday night he had a restless sleep however, he was up itching as he is off all his antihistamines, so likely not the cyclosporine causing that issue as he's slept normally since then. Wednesday evening on our walk he had a little bit of soft poop but again this was also right after playing ball at the fields and vigorous exercise usually causes him to have a little softer of a stool once he gets excited. His poop since then has been back to his normal nice raw poops. He also vomited yesterday but not anything huge, just some water and carrot mixed in, this was post cyclosporine and he didn't bring up the pills which is a plus. He also acted completely normal up until then and after the incident as well. It was more of a burp and up comes the water than a real vomit as there was no stomach pumping or heaving associated.

Day One

I thought I would start a blog for my dane's journey while on cyclosporine to put down my thoughts and ramblings as well as have something to compare weekly progress with him through his journey. 

I guess I should first introduce him and give a brief history on what we have done in the past to help control his skin allergies. Festus is his name and itching has been his unfortunate game. He has had ups and downs with his itching a lot of misdiagnosis along his road to recovery. Along with his skin allergies he is also Hypothyroid, basically his thyroid doesn't function on its own anymore (if it ever did). 

Festus - July 2012

Festus' Thyroid history:

It all started roughly after Festus was a year old with some minimal hair loss on his neck, chalked it up to a new collar with a plastic buckle on it that he had a reaction to. Went back to using his other collars and it seemed to not get any worse but not get any better either.

Few more weeks went by a little more hair loss and a few bumps on his neck area (underside of neck), so I took him to the vet for the vet to have a look at it, we took a biopsy of it and sent it off to the lab. The lab came back with no real abnormalities other than inflammation. Treated with course of antibiotics (cefalexin) for 10 days and vanectyl-p no changes other than we realized he doesn't respond well to vanectyl-p or prednisone, he literally pees himself, so it is a drug we attempted to stay away from.

Few more vet visits to see what was going on, and everything was inconclusive. Neutered him at 18 months, he blew through the anaesthetic took a lot to get him down, and to keep him down thank goodness a neuter is a quick procedure. Before the neuter was done I had a full cbc/chem screen, clotting panel, Free T4, Total T4, everything was in normal ranges,thyroid was within the normal range although a low normal. If I knew then what I know now I would have had him started on a low dose of soloxine. We attributed the hair loss to hormones and snipped his precious jewels away. After his neuter his scrotal sac swelled up HUGE, we couldn't do a scrotal ablation as the gas was starting to wear off while he was still under. That became slightly infected, another round of cefalexin.

In the mean time his hair loss proceeded to get worse, he became more and more itchy and more and more ornery. He didn't want to listen or retain knowledge.I thought it was stubborn teenage dane age and brushed it off. He unlearned how to walk on a leash, and just seemed to not behave himself overall. We took him to two board certified dermatologists, a holistic vet, and two separate traditional medicine veterinarians. The dermatologists tested for thyroid (as did the other three), as well as did the allergy blood work and allergy skin testing. He has a myriad of allergens that he is sensitive to (cooked chicken being the absolute worst for him and mold).

Fast forward to April 2011 and thousands of dollars later. We tried shampoos, sprays, supplements, food changes you name it we’ve likely tried it. I took him back when he was really bad, last ditch effort on his blood work, told the vet to just run it we did another cbc/chem screen Free T4 and Total T4 through Idexx lab. FINALLY he showed to be hypothyroid. His level was 4.6 for the Free T4 (tested by equilibrium dialysis) normal range is 7.7 – 47.6. Total T4 was 10.1 and normal was 13.0 – 53 (one of the few copies of blood work I have). We put him on thyro-tab (generic soloxine) 0.3mg twice a day. This did help him out to get him comfortable and we noted some improvement. 6 weeks later we tested him and he was bumped back into ‘low normal’ range. This vet wanted him to stay on the 0.3 dose and continue there, I didn’t see the ranges that I wanted Festus to be at so I upped his dose to 0.45mg twice a day, he did a little better still. I talked to the vet he didn’t agree with my choice to up his dose as in his words “he is too young of a dog and shouldn’t be on thyroid meds”. So another switch in vets this time to a different holistic vet, more blood work and an increased dose to 0.6mg twice a day. We rechecked him put him on different supplements including zinc and B vitamins. Some changes but she kept on telling me his blood work was in normal range and we didn’t need to adjust it.

I had troubles not seeing further progress in him, trying her supplements so I switched vets again about 3 weeks ago and saw copies of his blood work, he was STILL in the low normal when the prior vet was testing him and telling me he was well within normal ranges. Just shows that you should be receiving and LOOKING at copies of their blood results. The new vet upped his dose to 0.9mg twice a day and has been more aggressive with his treatment which is what we have needed to get his thyroid stable. Since going to Dr. Johner at Northwest Veterinary Clinic we have seen some amazing progress with him still ups and downs though. We have done several rechecks on his thyroid and have him at a stable dose of 2.5mg of the brand name Soloxine twice a day and he is finally in the high normal range, which is where he should be for his age and breed. 


Present day - December 12, 2012 - Atopica/Cyclosporine MOD Time!!

Now the main reason for the blog. I've started him on cyclosporine MOD (aka Atopica). After a long discussion with the vet we've decided to give him a three month trial on the cyclosporine to see how he does and cross our fingers that it works. For a dane this medication is quite expensive but if it works it is totally worth it for my handsome blue boy to be happy and to live itch free. His initial dose is 300mg once a day every day 2 hours before dinner time as it is to be given on an empty stomach. Well as empty as possible, he gets a small piece of deli meat just enough to wrap the three pills all together so that he will just gobble it right down the hatch. I also am giving him the cyclosporine separate from his Soloxine as to not give any stomach upset. 

Now that his thyroid level is under control, we have moved onto the diagnosis that it isn't just the thyroid causing all his skin issues but accompanying it is Atopic Dermatitis. Hence the need for the cyclosporine MOD.

Now onto the photo documentation of the blog (the most important part) to hopefully see some visible improvements. 

*All photos were taken this morning, he officially started on the cyclosporine last night.*

Festus - Neck close up - December 12, 2012

Festus looking all GQ  - December 12, 2012

Festus - Body shot - December 12, 2012

Festus - Front leg/foot close up - December 12, 2012

Festus - belly/armpits - December 12, 2012

Festus - armpit area close up - December 12, 2012

This by far is his worst area on his body.

Festus - Hind foot close up - December 12, 2012

His favourite body part to suck and chew on.

Cookies to those who have made it through reading this first blog. I promise the rest of them will be much easier (aka shorter) to read through. I will be trying to update weekly. Likely I will be updating on the weekends though so the next update to come this weekend in only a few short days.