The Snow Dog

Several have asked about The Snow Dog....

This is for those several and anyone else who cares to read along.

If you're not familiar with the story, The Snow Dog is our 2-1/2 year old Siberian Husky.  About a  year ago, he became very lethargic, coughed persistently, gagged, and sneezed.  Initially we were told he had acid reflux and, much to his delight, he was given mega-doses of Pepcid AC Extra Strength mixed with canned dog or cat food.  But, alas, he did not improve.  Ultimately, I demanded he be tested for blastomycosis, and the test confirmed my suspicion.  Blasto is a fungal disease caused by inhaling the spores produced by a fungus that grows as a mold in soils near waterways such as lakes, streams, creeks, beaver homes, and high-risk endemic areas (such as Nod).  When the ground soil where the organism lives is disturbed, the infectious spores are released into the air.  The dog breathes it in and it then travels to the lungs and the infection begins.  From there it travels to the vascular system, lymph nodes, and lungs.  Treatment involves a (very long) course of (very expensive) medication.  Unfortunately, even then, many cases are fatal.

The Snow Dog had been treated with the (very expensive) meds for 4 months, but not getting any better; in fact, he was getting worse.  We were told he needed to be tested again, and that involved a urine sample.  Now this was no easy feat since he was wise to that little urine collector machine after being frightened surprised by the the sound of his tinkle in the little plastic collector for the initial testing.  After several months of running around our yard in my no-longer-fluffy, faded-hot-pink, bathrobe, dress-for-success polka-dot socks, and clogs (are you visualizing?) at strange hours of the morning with the infamous pee catcher in hand, I gave up for fear that I would be committed, and we simply continued the medication for two more months.  Still no improvement.  So, back to the urine sample.  I once again donned my no-longer-fluffy, faded-hot-pink, bathrobe, dress-for-success polka-dot socks, and clogs, and took up the pee catcher.  After several weeks of this, I surrendered the pee catcher contraption, opted for a dixie cup, and success!

The vet informed us that our liquid treasure tested negative for blasto this time.  YEA!! But why, then, wasn't The Snow Dog any better?  Well, I'll spare you the rather lengthy version and summarize by it by saying that after MANY vet appointments (to which we had to literally DRAG a 70# dog), and many vet bills later, we received no less than 5 different diagnoses.....in the following order:

(1) Laryngeal paralysis (no cure, just costly surgery that has more risks than benefits);

(2)  Bronchial infection (for which The Snow Dog was treated to mega doses of Benadryl - YIPPEE! More canned cat/dog food for TSD!!);

(3) Congestive heart failure due to damage to The Snow Dog's heart and lungs caused by the blasto. This diagnosis was accompanied by a prognosis of 2-3 months life expectancy and fits of hysteria and tears on my part.  Subsequent x-rays, however revealed scarring, but that TSD's heart was not enlarged; in fact, it was abnormally small, leading to diagnosis number:

(4) Addison's Disease (or hypoadrenocorticism, in which there is a decreased production of two hormones from the adrenal gland).  This was treated with steroids (Woo Hoo! Even more canned cat/dog food for TSD!!) and resulted in a panel of  blood and other testings.....leading to....you guessed it.....me once again running around our yard in my no-longer-fluffy, faded-hot-pink, bathrobe, dress-for-success polka-dot socks, and clogs at strange hours of the morning trying to trick this now-very-wise-to-me Siberian Husky into a poop sample, and diagnosis number:

(5)  A pancreatic disorder of some sort, making TSD unable to digest his food properly and necessitating yet another medication that I have to mix with his food 20 minutes before he eats (like I really know when he's going to be hungry and eat?????)

So there you have it.
For all of you who extended well wishes or sent up prayers, The Snow Dog and I thank you.  Oh, and The Snow Dog sends wet, sloppy, kisses.