I know many of you 'know' my dog Zwerver. You will possibly know he has survived 6 years+ suffering from Leishmaniosis, which usually kills its victims within weeks. Well, it is back. He is covered all over in blisters, in the last few hours,and can't stop scratching. He has lost 8lbs in weight. from 50lbs down to 42lbs in a very few days. He is shedding his fur a lot. Took him to the vet this evening, and she gave me some medication, and the chance of cortisone injections if it doesn't improve by Monday. I am trying so hard to be positive. I have cancelled buying the Nissan tonight, in case we need to spend a lot on keeping him well. Perhaps you will keep him in your thoughts please. Don't know what I will do if I lose him now. I hate to see him suffering.
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05:39 PM
PFF
System Bot
Boondawg Member
Posts: 38235 From: Displaced Alaskan Registered: Jun 2003
RANT: I'm really sick and tired of Life kicking us all the time. It's always the same thing. We get knocked down and down and down, and then a little luck comes along to pick us up a bit. Then it comes back and kicks us again. And I keep on trying to smile and be happy. I'm tired of fighting. But...am I being greedy? 6 years ago I was on my knees praying for a few more weeks to come to terms with us losing him. My prayers were answered with 6 years of pure joy. Now I am pleading again for him to get well again. I won't get through 7 months every year on my own without him End of rant. Thanks Boonie, Skuzz and Chris. One way or the other...the Fiero has been a salvation. But what a price to pay Nick
Nick, I know how hard it is to lose a little buddy. And Zwerver has surprised all of us in the past.
Don't count him out just yet, but if he does pass, try to remember the good times, the joy he has brought you, the smiles. And when you are comfortable with it, I am SURE Zwerver would want you to have another little buddy to keep you company.
You will all be in our thoughts... I hope all works out well.
I know many of you 'know' my dog Zwerver. You will possibly know he has survived 6 years+ suffering from Leishmaniosis, which usually kills its victims within weeks. Well, it is back. He is covered all over in blisters, in the last few hours,and can't stop scratching. He has lost 8lbs in weight. from 50lbs down to 42lbs in a very few days. He is shedding his fur a lot. Took him to the vet this evening, and she gave me some medication, and the chance of cortisone injections if it doesn't improve by Monday. I am trying so hard to be positive. I have cancelled buying the Nissan tonight, in case we need to spend a lot on keeping him well. Perhaps you will keep him in your thoughts please. Don't know what I will do if I lose him now. I hate to see him suffering.
Nick, Ask your veterinarian if Miltefosine (a/k/a Impavido or Miltex), might be ok for your dog. It is used for humans, but *might* be ok for canines, I don't know for sure. The vet should be able to calculate dosage if it is applicable for Zwerver. YOU also need to be aware, if you're not already, that the parasite can infest humans as well, so please take proper precautions.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 07-22-2011).]
Thanks Randye...and yes. We have known that all along There was a time when I got a nasty bite on my arm, and it was thought quite possible I had been bitten by the same Phlobotemus fly that bit Zwerver. I was also told thsat Leishmaniosis only kills Humans with low or no immune system, although many hundreds, if not thousands of People die from it in the Mediterranean Basin area. I'll certainly mention your advice above to our vet on Monday Thanks again. Nick
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06:43 PM
ARFiero Member
Posts: 1262 From: Savannah, GA Registered: May 2008
------------------ Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.
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07:20 PM
PFF
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84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Zwerver has good vibes and prayers from here as well. Sorry it is coming back again and hope all goes well for him, and you. Funny how an animal can bring a grown man to his knees when they get sick or hurt.
Good luck Zwerver and Nick. I hope you get through this as quickly and painlessly as possible. A speedy recovery for him, and you Nick. I know how much this is tearing you apart.
Steve, Melanie, Amanda and all the rest of the menagerie are pulling for you Zwerver.
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Thanks again all I just got back from picking Ellie up from her work, and he seems to have calmed down a bit with the scratching. Back to dry biscuits and water for a while: no more chicken until he is better. It is too much protein in his diet that causes the Leishmaniosis to flare up, usually he won't like that Nick PS the guy with the Nissan phoned and said not to worry: he will hold the car for at least a week before he tries to sell it again
[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 07-22-2011).]
It has got worse during the night. This was meant to be a happy day: I have to go sign the contract, finally, to do the welding job and get half the money up front which was going to ensure we get through the winter. Instead it will hopefully help to save our Boy. Just hope we have some left at the end of it all. But I don't really care. It has returned so damned suddenly, with no real warning. I should have known, if I love him as much as I think I do.
Just found the basterd fly that has bitten him again. It is tiny...no bigger than a fruit fly, about 2mm wide.
No way of stopping them getting into the house. They make no noise at all. How can such a tiny thing be so damned deadly?? Just went to get some teabags from our spare room, where Zwerver likes to lie down during the hot weather because it is so cool in there.
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02:00 AM
Shyster Member
Posts: 1085 From: Conroe, TX, USA Registered: Aug 2005
Originally posted by fierofetish: I won't get through 7 months every year on my own without him End of rant.
Yes, you will. If it comes to that, you will. It just won't be pleasant. It will suck, but many other people have lived through far, far worse, and lived.
Of course you are right, Perry. But it won't be fun any more Darlene...I was pretty sure it would come back. I was warned by the Vets and research on the internet. Still not prepared for it though.
quote
Originally posted by Shyster:
Yes, you will. If it comes to that, you will. It just won't be pleasant. It will suck, but many other people have lived through far, far worse, and lived.
I just got home with Zwerver from the vet, before I posted the other thread, Hanging on my door knocker, was a plastic shopping bag, I took it down, and went inside. Zwerver was really curious about the bag, and when I opened it, I knew why. One of my neighbours, and I don't know which, knows Zwerver is sick again, They also know he can eat fish. In the bag, with no note or anything, was a packet of fresh frozen fish. I know who it is for.He will love it.
Some people just don't understand why kindness like this makes me cry. Just try your best to be nice to Folk. It comes back to you in so many ways. I sometimes fail at it, but mostly succeed. It brings such joy
He never leaves my side, even when he is unwell. I swept his fur up just 15 minutes ago, and there is now more.
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06:59 AM
Gokart Mozart Member
Posts: 12143 From: Metro Detroit Registered: Mar 2003
The Red Headed Stranger once sang: Remember the good times they're smaller in number and easier to recall Don't spend too much time on the bad times They're staggering in number and will be heavy as lead on your mind
Don't waste a moment unhappy invaluable moments gone with the leakage of time As we leave on our own separate journeys Moving west with the sun to a place buried deep within our minds Remember the good times...
thanks GM. Thankfully, we seem to have caught it in time, and the drugs are doing their work. he is scratching a lot less, and is sleeping peacefully on the bed next to Ellie. Looks like I'm on the couch tonight...which I will gladly accept Trying to not be overly optimistic, but fingers etc crossed, he will be a lot better in the morning. The rashes all over his body have subsided, and the fur loss has apparently stopped, or at least slowed down. can't wait for the morning, to see his 'smiling' face peering at me, asking for breakfast, and a walk. The vet says we have done a good job keeping him fit, and giving him his medicine every day for the last 6 years, so he can fight it better. Most people stop with the drugs when their dog seems 'better', and they are too weak to fight it when it returns. I am grateful for the reassurance and hopeful comments here, as ever. Now I must get some sleep...been awake for 48 hours At least I feel I can get some shuteye too, now.
Hey Nick, just wanted to offer my support also with prayers and good vibes for you, Elle and Zwerver. If I could send Zwerver a fish as big as a whale, I would but since I can't, here the catch of the day in spirit. Please give Zwerver a pat for me.
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10:28 PM
Jul 24th, 2011
James Bond 007 Member
Posts: 8868 From: California.U.S.A. Registered: Dec 2002
some info here,for anyone whos interested in Leishmaniosis.I wonder if a bug zapper would help. http://www.leishmaniasis.info/ navigate the web sight useing the tabs,near the top. Nick,Ive seen you on this forum maney years and you never realley ask for much of anything.I know you've been through alot latley so Im asking,that maybe we as forum members could help out,through Paypal,or possibley through an international money order, if you dont have Paypal.
For those of you who havent been fallowing along,Nick lives in Spain,with an unimployment rate of 21% and even higher where he lives at about 49%,combined with the pet bills and dailey liveing expensis, and I thought times can be tough here in the U.S.
We're keeping Zwerver in our thoughts and prayers Nick. He's a good dog and deserves better than nature has served him with this disease. Best of luck mate!
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10:42 AM
Boondawg Member
Posts: 38235 From: Displaced Alaskan Registered: Jun 2003
Nick, just saw this thread. Here's wishing Zwerver the best of luck in getting better, and well wishes
On another note, I got your package from DRA while I was in the hospital last week, many thanks! Very beautiful piece, and much gratitude It will get many years of use I'm sure
some info here,for anyone whos interested in Leishmaniosis.I wonder if a bug zapper would help. http://www.leishmaniasis.info/ navigate the web sight useing the tabs,near the top. Nick,Ive seen you on this forum maney years and you never realley ask for much of anything.I know you've been through alot latley so Im asking,that maybe we as forum members could help out,through Paypal,or possibley through an international money order, if you dont have Paypal.
For those of you who havent been fallowing along,Nick lives in Spain,with an unimployment rate of 21% and even higher where he lives at about 49%,combined with the pet bills and dailey liveing expensis, and I thought times can be tough here in the U.S.
That is a very very kind thought, JB But honestly, the only thing I look for here is a place to air my happiness and sorrows. I would NEVER ever post anything for ulterior motives, and least of all to ask for money. I received the laptop from the generosity of Todd and the Forum, but I didn't know that was happening. It would be churlish of me to say I wasn't grateful in the extreme, but I didn't plan it that way, and, if I had known, I would have said 'No thanks...I so appreciate the thought, but I must deal with it on my own'. So thanks again, but it is MY responsibilty to provide for Zwerver and my family, and I will do my best as long as I live . Thanks to all you other kind folk for more kind words..they are worth much more than cash to me, believe me Zwerver is up and down at the moment, and that is normal. He is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, and wants to go for walks. So I hope and pray he has turned the corner again, and we can have another 6 years of a healthy, happy dog...and consequently, a happy family And God Bless Nick
[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 07-25-2011).]
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01:05 PM
fierowitch Member
Posts: 716 From: 84fiero123's Caretaker Registered: Oct 2010
Nick good vibes and prayers for the wonderful dog that loves you. Sounds like you cayght it early this time and knew what it was. If you need anything you know where we are.
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05:28 PM
fierowitch Member
Posts: 716 From: 84fiero123's Caretaker Registered: Oct 2010
I just got home with Zwerver from the vet, before I posted the other thread, Hanging on my door knocker, was a plastic shopping bag, I took it down, and went inside. Zwerver was really curious about the bag, and when I opened it, I knew why. One of my neighbours, and I don't know which, knows Zwerver is sick again, They also know he can eat fish. In the bag, with no note or anything, was a packet of fresh frozen fish. I know who it is for.He will love it.
Some people just don't understand why kindness like this makes me cry. Just try your best to be nice to Folk. It comes back to you in so many ways. I sometimes fail at it, but mostly succeed. It brings such joy
How nice someone wanted to help with his special diet while he is sick. I hope he enjoys it.
He never leaves my side, even when he is unwell. I swept his fur up just 15 minutes ago, and there is now more.
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05:32 PM
PFF
System Bot
Jul 25th, 2011
USFiero Member
Posts: 4870 From: Everywhere and Middle of Nowhere Registered: Mar 2002
I don't know the safety for dogs, but Lysine has done good things for those people I know with skin problems, and Tea Tree oil/shampoo can ease almost any skin ailment as well as repel near anything.
Thanks USFiero The vet gave me medication: Rilexine 600 or Cefalexina 600 mg. Half in the morning, half at night.($80 for 10 tablets...YIKES!!) It certainly seems to be helping! Having examined Zwerver really closely this morning, I couldn't find any infestations...but 10 minutes later, I had a couple of ticks walking on me His Scalibur collar is meant to deal with those! Anyway, outside into the garden, chained to the fence( ), he was de-infested with an anti-parasite shampoo...which he did NOT enjoy AT ALL!! If you could see his face Hehehe!!! )I told him 'It is for your own GOOD!...don't think he believed me though Anyway, he is still eating and drinking normally, and the rashes and hairloss have gradually diminished. I told him that, if he doesn't get better QUICKLY, it will be a shampoo every day for a week I believe we are winning Thanks to everybody for caring Nick
..Get the Nissan to make money so more misfortune does not come & bite you on the azz then ram the sphinter muscle into your guts because of poverty ..Do the best you can for the Dog ,often you have to man up because other animals & people depend on you. For many years nothing bothered me because I knew what real suffering was, then I wimp out because a few trucks ran over me ,Now whining & sniffling are often my life ,but I also have to Man up .You do what is best for the family majority, make hard decisions. More life is comming ,,misfortune drives a fuel dragster ,the good times ??oxcart.
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02:48 PM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Anyway, outside into the garden, chained to the fence( ), he was de-infested with an anti-parasite shampoo...which he did NOT enjoy AT ALL!! If you could see his face Hehehe!!! )I told him 'It is for your own GOOD!...don't think he believed me though Nick
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
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02:55 PM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Thanks USFiero The vet gave me medication: Rilexine 600 or Cefalexina 600 mg. Half in the morning, half at night.($80 for 10 tablets...YIKES!!) It certainly seems to be helping! Nick
Melanie said these are the same thing, only 250MG and 100 per bottle at $39.50.
Just a VERY happy ending to this thread Zwerver has come through it all again, with a relatively clean bill of health. We are keeping his weight to below 40lbs, and he is looking good for it. Fur loss has almost stopped now, and he is back to his normal, loving, mischievious ways Thanks to you all for caring so much.. Nick
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04:34 PM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004