Update on EL D

[Sharla]

Sorry didn't mean to post twice
:rolleyes:

[wizard]

Just got back from the vet hospital – EL D is still in intensive care in an oxygen tent. So far he hasn't gotten worse but unfortunately is completely blind in one eye and nearly blind in the other. The fungal infection has not spread to his heart or brain yet so there is still hope.

The fungal spores are inhaled when dogs (people can get it too) are snuffling around in decaying vegetation in wet soggy soil along rivers and lakes this time of year and usually occurs in hunting dogs. Wisconsin is a big hot spot and the vets were all surprised (and a little worried I think) about it showing up in MN in a suburban area. Initially the spores are in the lungs but spread throughout the body, though not usually so rapidly as they have in EL D.

The treatment is a specific anti-fungal drug (the name of which I forget at the moment), that is rather costly, and takes maybe two months to completely clear up - although the spores can lie dormant and reactivate years later.

So that's the latest.

[tanza]

Still sending healing vibes to EL D!…. and hugs to you...... we are all pulling for him

[Tayda_Lenny]

Oh gosh, I'm praying little El D makes it through!

[seko]

Hope El D gets better and come back home soon, hugs to your boy

[BasenjiByTheBay]

Oh, no. What a freakish thing. It's so frustrating when your pup is struck by something you could never have anticipated or guarded against. :( Sounds like El D is getting excellent care. Hugs to you both.

[agilebasenji]

Wizard - are YOU doing okay? Sounds like you and El D have a long fight ahead. Please let us know if we can do something for you. Does the vet think the blindness is reversible? We're all pulling for you

[Nemo]

Oh gosh, this is just awful. I hope the treatment works quickly. Hugs and healing thoughts to El D.

[sharronhurlbut]

I so hope this blindness is passing, but b's use their noses so much, they can over come this handicap.
Hugs for you and this boy.
We are all praying for you.

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

Our thoughts are with you and El D

[Janneke]

Oh my.. So sorry to hear this! You're both in my thoughts! Hoping that EL D will recover soon!

[Quercus]

Oh no! Well, good to hear that he is hanging in there. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

[Quercus]

Is his diagnosis histoplasmosis or aspergillosis?

(That's a lot of 'osis')

[wizard]

He contracted blastomycosis (I hope I spelled that right). Apparantly they are seeing a fair number of dogs with this right now.

[Andrew]

Poor boy! How frightening & frustrating for both of you! Still sending you thoughts, prayers, hugs!

[youngandtired]

My furbaby and I wish EL D a complete recovery of his sight and to be able to go back home soon. Wizard, I wish you lots of strength for the road ahead, my God bless you and EL D.

[Schouiffy]

Hey, I wanted to check in again and say I'm so terribly sorry. I know how awful it is to watch them struggle, and feel helpless to make things right. And of course you feel that compulsion because their your furbaby, and the emotion can be staggering. Lycia and I are sending you healing thoughts and prayers. Remember you always have us as a supportive base. We are pulling for you and El D.

[lvoss]

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=4872