Aa
Skin problems in a possible rescue
Those who are regular here know of the long battle we had with allergy problems with a Westie that we lost earlier in December.
Looking at other rescue possibilities we found a mixed Westie Terrier
https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29787116/
that being a mix we had hope he'd not suffer the Westie curse. Well, he has something similar, the hair on his back was so thin his pink skin could be seen. His "Westie like" tail also was missing a lot of hair. His ears were nice and pink and I didn't notice any yeast smell or black skin. his feet and legs looked good. The foster lady said the dog was on a prescription diet and taking an antibiotic. I asked about Ketoconazole, she didn't think so.
Given the wide area skin loss, without signs of yeast is there a good chance that a regular medical shampoo using KetaChlor (believe that's the brand name, indicates to two active cheicals) would yield good results? I suggested the same to the foster and I believe the rescue organization provides some funding and there is some vet volunteer work available.. the visit was private and at a large animal clinic that holds an adoption event every Sunday. I doubt the little guy, full of energy and no signs of itch, was adopted. And if he was I fear the new owners will be unpleasantly surprised when they take the dog to a vet.
Now besides morning the loss of my dog Wilson, I feel depressed at the sad situation so many other dogs are in.
Looking at other rescue possibilities we found a mixed Westie Terrier
https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29787116/
that being a mix we had hope he'd not suffer the Westie curse. Well, he has something similar, the hair on his back was so thin his pink skin could be seen. His "Westie like" tail also was missing a lot of hair. His ears were nice and pink and I didn't notice any yeast smell or black skin. his feet and legs looked good. The foster lady said the dog was on a prescription diet and taking an antibiotic. I asked about Ketoconazole, she didn't think so.
Given the wide area skin loss, without signs of yeast is there a good chance that a regular medical shampoo using KetaChlor (believe that's the brand name, indicates to two active cheicals) would yield good results? I suggested the same to the foster and I believe the rescue organization provides some funding and there is some vet volunteer work available.. the visit was private and at a large animal clinic that holds an adoption event every Sunday. I doubt the little guy, full of energy and no signs of itch, was adopted. And if he was I fear the new owners will be unpleasantly surprised when they take the dog to a vet.
Now besides morning the loss of my dog Wilson, I feel depressed at the sad situation so many other dogs are in.
The look for a new dog to help and love, I think these two items go hand-in-hand I am going to try to get my wife to at least agree to foster this dog, a Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix that is a darling dog in spite of the fact he has been in the kennel for over a year. I suppose now that I am interested someone else will adopt him today... well, if so good for him. But his best possible home is with us.
See https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25321554/
Any views on the mix? Small and appears to be willing to spend some time in the "lap" no sign of barking nor particular interest in another dog that was in the process of being adopted. Short hair, should be easy and low cost to maintain.... and I hope is a dog we can train to walk off the leash. We walked him at the kennel on leash and he was very happy for the walk, took our lead on direction, but did go out front, being small the pull was not uncomfortable. We're not "dog show" people, the dog doesn't have the Heel (sp?) when walking with us.
My organization offered I could take him home as a "Foster" and return him whenever we wanted.... but could have to bring him in to show, but retain the first right to adopt. I like this idea, and I know when I get him home I'll not want to let him go... unless he is too difficulty to train to the house. He must have been house trained in his past but living in a kennel can't be good training for a dog to potty outside.
See https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25321554/
Any views on the mix? Small and appears to be willing to spend some time in the "lap" no sign of barking nor particular interest in another dog that was in the process of being adopted. Short hair, should be easy and low cost to maintain.... and I hope is a dog we can train to walk off the leash. We walked him at the kennel on leash and he was very happy for the walk, took our lead on direction, but did go out front, being small the pull was not uncomfortable. We're not "dog show" people, the dog doesn't have the Heel (sp?) when walking with us.
My organization offered I could take him home as a "Foster" and return him whenever we wanted.... but could have to bring him in to show, but retain the first right to adopt. I like this idea, and I know when I get him home I'll not want to let him go... unless he is too difficulty to train to the house. He must have been house trained in his past but living in a kennel can't be good training for a dog to potty outside.
Well the little mix Westie and maybe miniature Schnauzer with the thin hair has been adopted... I was following as I was planning to drive the 40 miles to take another look at the dog today, Sunday, at the weekly show. So the foster mom let me know. I am happy the little guy found a home, I pray a good home. So, we missed another possibility.
My wife and I visited two dog adoption events closer to home yesterday and will attend another today. One, only 5 miles for so from home, had at least 12 small dogs, it is a rescue that focuses on small dogs, all breeds. There were a number of possibilities there but we did not make a decision.
Besides the rescue event today we are now focusing on a rescue organization that focus on Schnauzer ... we'd be interested in the Miniature Schnauzer. There is one pair, not siblings, (one 5 the other 8) that is offered only as a pair. Their owner died and the dogs have lived together for years and the adoption organization/foster says they must be kept together. We'll look, since reading more about Miniature Schnauzers I've learned in the USA these dogs are considered Terriers, so spunk, but more trainable, not as stubborn, as some, e.g., Westie. I continue to look for an possible Westie rescues as our lost little Wilson had a spirit and spunk that was part of what made him an positive, if at times annoying, influence on our lives.
My wife and I visited two dog adoption events closer to home yesterday and will attend another today. One, only 5 miles for so from home, had at least 12 small dogs, it is a rescue that focuses on small dogs, all breeds. There were a number of possibilities there but we did not make a decision.
Besides the rescue event today we are now focusing on a rescue organization that focus on Schnauzer ... we'd be interested in the Miniature Schnauzer. There is one pair, not siblings, (one 5 the other 8) that is offered only as a pair. Their owner died and the dogs have lived together for years and the adoption organization/foster says they must be kept together. We'll look, since reading more about Miniature Schnauzers I've learned in the USA these dogs are considered Terriers, so spunk, but more trainable, not as stubborn, as some, e.g., Westie. I continue to look for an possible Westie rescues as our lost little Wilson had a spirit and spunk that was part of what made him an positive, if at times annoying, influence on our lives.
Thanks, and Happy New Year.... time for me to try to get some sleep, my sleep problems pre-date the loss of Wilson.
I left some answers on the private message side, in summary, there are "tons" of dogs available within 40 miles of our home, but each shelter/foster has its own mostly unresponsive "hoops" to jump through.
I agree we need not be in a big hurry, but it makes most sense to me to find at least one dog before the end of January. I'm ready to fence a small part of the property between our deck and the drive way, the garage forming one side of the "fenced" area. That way I can give a small dog an area of say 500 or more square feet to smell and potty mostly unsupervised. Some of the "house" dogs that are no more than 12 pounds don't need a lot of rrom.
I left some answers on the private message side, in summary, there are "tons" of dogs available within 40 miles of our home, but each shelter/foster has its own mostly unresponsive "hoops" to jump through.
I agree we need not be in a big hurry, but it makes most sense to me to find at least one dog before the end of January. I'm ready to fence a small part of the property between our deck and the drive way, the garage forming one side of the "fenced" area. That way I can give a small dog an area of say 500 or more square feet to smell and potty mostly unsupervised. Some of the "house" dogs that are no more than 12 pounds don't need a lot of rrom.
Hi Jerry,
I am so far behind and would have to reread everything.
You have such a good heart but you cannot replace Wilson and I feel that you feel guilty over his loss. Every dog should have the love and care you gave him!! How lucky he was! I still wish I had some answers to the loss, some very unexpected, of dogs I have had in the past. Human nature to second guess yourself but sometimes there are no definitive answers.
As for Aspen and the Rescue group, you would have to discuss that with them and get any agreement in writing. Unless it is a National breed rescue, or a large, established one, most rescues work on limited funds. I doubt they could or would supply the funds like you put into Wilson.
That being said, I said before that I liked Aspen, however, do you really want to take a chance on a dog that may have more serious and chronic issues? Add to that, your wife dealing with Cancer and what that involves.
Hard to know if the two dogs would get along without seeing them together? Do you want two "new" dogs at the same time"? That would be a lot if work. Remember your property isn't fenced? Just because Wilson didn't go diwn the hill does not mean thus dog, or dogs, won't.
Perhaps the rescue group would let you take Aspen for a trial period and see how that works. Maybe that would be a good fit for your wife.
Just no definitive answers but I hate to see you with another special needs dog. And, there is no rush. If these aren't the right fit, there will be others. Do you have a Humane Society or Shelter near you? I kniw our Shelter, besides having dogs at the facility, also place Dogs in foster homes.
Just food for thought and I am glad you are looking.
I am so far behind and would have to reread everything.
You have such a good heart but you cannot replace Wilson and I feel that you feel guilty over his loss. Every dog should have the love and care you gave him!! How lucky he was! I still wish I had some answers to the loss, some very unexpected, of dogs I have had in the past. Human nature to second guess yourself but sometimes there are no definitive answers.
As for Aspen and the Rescue group, you would have to discuss that with them and get any agreement in writing. Unless it is a National breed rescue, or a large, established one, most rescues work on limited funds. I doubt they could or would supply the funds like you put into Wilson.
That being said, I said before that I liked Aspen, however, do you really want to take a chance on a dog that may have more serious and chronic issues? Add to that, your wife dealing with Cancer and what that involves.
Hard to know if the two dogs would get along without seeing them together? Do you want two "new" dogs at the same time"? That would be a lot if work. Remember your property isn't fenced? Just because Wilson didn't go diwn the hill does not mean thus dog, or dogs, won't.
Perhaps the rescue group would let you take Aspen for a trial period and see how that works. Maybe that would be a good fit for your wife.
Just no definitive answers but I hate to see you with another special needs dog. And, there is no rush. If these aren't the right fit, there will be others. Do you have a Humane Society or Shelter near you? I kniw our Shelter, besides having dogs at the facility, also place Dogs in foster homes.
Just food for thought and I am glad you are looking.
Karla,
Thanks I looked up Duoxo and it looks to be worth something, not sure it is prescription, but it was expensive on California Pet Pharmacy - the one I have used for Wilson's ongoing meds. The nearly 1/2 gallon of KetaChlor I have is prescription for Wilson, but I'd not hesitate to use on Aspen if we adopt. It is widely respected in the Westie community.
We got Wilson from an unassociated volunteer who wanted to help with Westie rescue and now is on the WestieMed Board. For Wilson in late 2011 I think she was going it alone then got a helpful grant from WestieMed. I don't really recall, but I think the fee was $250 when we got Wilson, but when she gave us all the vet reports and some shots she got just for our "rescue" I thnk we gave her over $300 and paid in cash. She also sold us a nice crate and a folding fence... we may have been approaching $400 by the time we left.
Wilson was in great shape, looked beautiful..see in my pictures. We took him immediately to a vet and was told he had an abscessed tooth, near the back, a double type tooth and needed plaque cleaning badly... I suppose when we were done there we had another $1,000 in him and I gained a much better understanding of taking on a "rescue" ... still underway. He had other costs over the almost three years we had him and I'll estimate we had over $4,000 invested. But we would have continued and remain devastated at his loss, he was having such a good life - in his golden years, he deserved a couple more.
I believe this one was offered at $150 because of obvious problems, and I am encouraged to confirm the organization (not the foster - are they usually volunteers, or do they get the adoption fee for their contribution, which can be sizable for some dogs). I am considering asking if I can talk to the vet about getting the teeth cleaned and any removals done and I'll "chip" in and pay a higher adoption fee. Here I'm thinking I put in another $300 or so for some more vet work. The dog seems to be closely associated with a large animal clinic. I also assume some vets offer some free services in the spirit of relieving pain. I do understand many, or most, have large education loans to pay off. We have a son who just this last summer became a Critical Care Anesthesiologist and he has a tone of debt to pay off. I paid for the BS degree, he's paying for the MD and the low earnings he had in his 5 years as an intern, then resident, then low paid fellow for a year to earn the critical care rank.
Well, anyway, I watch and doubt anyone is going to adopt the dog from under my "nose" and my first priority is to get a dog my wife can draw maximum comfort from, seems a terrier isn't what she needs, albeit she loves the looks of the miniature schnauzer which I understand while being a terrier is nothing like it's bigger look-alikes.
I think much of my heart break over Wilson is I believe he knew he really depended on me, and I saw it in his eyes the morning of the day he died. The eyes said: "Jerry, I'm very sick, can you help me?" the answer turned out to be no, and it wasn't just a financial decision about 40% of the high cost of his medical care came on his last day as we tried to find something that could be fixed. So in a way I feel taking on Aspen is a "pay back" to Wilson on my promise to take care of him.... and too, you've seen Aspen's picture, he is no Westie, but I see Westie in his face/eyes and he needs help/rescue.
Before Wilson I thought taking a "rescue" was a cheap way to get a purebred, absent any papers, and house broken as well as other good domestic manners, absent hiring a dog trainer, for about 15% of what the breed would cost from a breeder. Of course I realized when I adopted an adult (Wilson was suggested to be about 6, our vet said about 8) had in the best of outcomes already lived half his life. In Wilson's case he had lived closer to 75% of his life. I can from where I'm sitting look at where his little bed was and see both it and he are gone.
If you can give me more ideas on what I might ask for (and pay for in part for) Aspen before I adopt. Can I ask to talk with the vet(s) that have dealt with Aspen, or is that a "no-no"?
I am seriously considering two dogs... do you suppose Aspen and a miniature schnauzer can get along? They are likely to both have some mixed blood, but both will have some Terrier characteristics. Terrier characteristics, something Wilson taught me to love.
Thanks I looked up Duoxo and it looks to be worth something, not sure it is prescription, but it was expensive on California Pet Pharmacy - the one I have used for Wilson's ongoing meds. The nearly 1/2 gallon of KetaChlor I have is prescription for Wilson, but I'd not hesitate to use on Aspen if we adopt. It is widely respected in the Westie community.
We got Wilson from an unassociated volunteer who wanted to help with Westie rescue and now is on the WestieMed Board. For Wilson in late 2011 I think she was going it alone then got a helpful grant from WestieMed. I don't really recall, but I think the fee was $250 when we got Wilson, but when she gave us all the vet reports and some shots she got just for our "rescue" I thnk we gave her over $300 and paid in cash. She also sold us a nice crate and a folding fence... we may have been approaching $400 by the time we left.
Wilson was in great shape, looked beautiful..see in my pictures. We took him immediately to a vet and was told he had an abscessed tooth, near the back, a double type tooth and needed plaque cleaning badly... I suppose when we were done there we had another $1,000 in him and I gained a much better understanding of taking on a "rescue" ... still underway. He had other costs over the almost three years we had him and I'll estimate we had over $4,000 invested. But we would have continued and remain devastated at his loss, he was having such a good life - in his golden years, he deserved a couple more.
I believe this one was offered at $150 because of obvious problems, and I am encouraged to confirm the organization (not the foster - are they usually volunteers, or do they get the adoption fee for their contribution, which can be sizable for some dogs). I am considering asking if I can talk to the vet about getting the teeth cleaned and any removals done and I'll "chip" in and pay a higher adoption fee. Here I'm thinking I put in another $300 or so for some more vet work. The dog seems to be closely associated with a large animal clinic. I also assume some vets offer some free services in the spirit of relieving pain. I do understand many, or most, have large education loans to pay off. We have a son who just this last summer became a Critical Care Anesthesiologist and he has a tone of debt to pay off. I paid for the BS degree, he's paying for the MD and the low earnings he had in his 5 years as an intern, then resident, then low paid fellow for a year to earn the critical care rank.
Well, anyway, I watch and doubt anyone is going to adopt the dog from under my "nose" and my first priority is to get a dog my wife can draw maximum comfort from, seems a terrier isn't what she needs, albeit she loves the looks of the miniature schnauzer which I understand while being a terrier is nothing like it's bigger look-alikes.
I think much of my heart break over Wilson is I believe he knew he really depended on me, and I saw it in his eyes the morning of the day he died. The eyes said: "Jerry, I'm very sick, can you help me?" the answer turned out to be no, and it wasn't just a financial decision about 40% of the high cost of his medical care came on his last day as we tried to find something that could be fixed. So in a way I feel taking on Aspen is a "pay back" to Wilson on my promise to take care of him.... and too, you've seen Aspen's picture, he is no Westie, but I see Westie in his face/eyes and he needs help/rescue.
Before Wilson I thought taking a "rescue" was a cheap way to get a purebred, absent any papers, and house broken as well as other good domestic manners, absent hiring a dog trainer, for about 15% of what the breed would cost from a breeder. Of course I realized when I adopted an adult (Wilson was suggested to be about 6, our vet said about 8) had in the best of outcomes already lived half his life. In Wilson's case he had lived closer to 75% of his life. I can from where I'm sitting look at where his little bed was and see both it and he are gone.
If you can give me more ideas on what I might ask for (and pay for in part for) Aspen before I adopt. Can I ask to talk with the vet(s) that have dealt with Aspen, or is that a "no-no"?
I am seriously considering two dogs... do you suppose Aspen and a miniature schnauzer can get along? They are likely to both have some mixed blood, but both will have some Terrier characteristics. Terrier characteristics, something Wilson taught me to love.
Ears & feet problems are food related & there is no way to know what crap he ate the first part of his life..... I use to love the Duoxo products.....Haven't used them in years, but I do remember them.....
What is his adoption fee? Most rescues cover the cost of any health issue, all vaccines, worming, spay/neuter.....Many rescues also cover a dental before they are let go to be adopted.....It depends on the dog's age.....In our rescue, if a medical issue arises that would have been a problem while they were in our care, we cover that expense, too...
However, what we are running into now, is the adoption fee does not cover the expense of the medical, so we are loosing money on each dog! That was not how it started out, but with the elevated price of Vet care, there is no way around it, now!
We are in the process of re-evaluating our adoption fee, but in such a small, poor area, it's hard to get adoptions if we don't keep the fees reasonable.....A no win situation.....And we still get complaints!!!!
My theory is, if they complain about the FAIR adoption fee, then they don't get the dog!!!! Period!!! Karla
What is his adoption fee? Most rescues cover the cost of any health issue, all vaccines, worming, spay/neuter.....Many rescues also cover a dental before they are let go to be adopted.....It depends on the dog's age.....In our rescue, if a medical issue arises that would have been a problem while they were in our care, we cover that expense, too...
However, what we are running into now, is the adoption fee does not cover the expense of the medical, so we are loosing money on each dog! That was not how it started out, but with the elevated price of Vet care, there is no way around it, now!
We are in the process of re-evaluating our adoption fee, but in such a small, poor area, it's hard to get adoptions if we don't keep the fees reasonable.....A no win situation.....And we still get complaints!!!!
My theory is, if they complain about the FAIR adoption fee, then they don't get the dog!!!! Period!!! Karla
Karla,
Warning to all others: this is a long story, you may not want to start reading unless you want research work on the hair loss subject - and here I believe it is related to the Westie part of the dog's breeding. His name is Aspen
Aspen: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29787116
and he is estimated to be 4-5 years old and the picture of him seated with a sweater on suggests the size of the area of hair loss. His head and leg hair looks pretty good.
I have now gotten an email dialog going on Aspen and am happy to read the Second Chance Rescue (foster based care) provides veterinarian care and prescriptions I believe. I move where here from our private discussion as the lessons/advice may have general use. It is good news to me to read hair loss absent yeast or other clear skin rupture/itch isn't too hard to clear. But, as you have read in the years of work on Wilson's problems we never clearly identified food allergies - but keeping him on grain free, no additives, Kibble and fresh vegetables had been my most recent that along with ongoing treatment of the ears was seeing the hair come back on his legs and chest.
Here, in order with ID details not included is what I got from the foster worker for Aspen. I had asked for follow up on the event last Sunday in which Aspen and other dogs were at a public adoption show.
----- Original Message ----- (answer I received)
From: Second Chance
To: ghpeterson
Sent: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 20:45:38 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Thanks for Saturday Visit at Animal Clinic/Aspen
Thanks, yes, he is still available.
He has been on the medicated shampoo- our vet recommends the Duoxo brand version which the dermatologists recommend and been getting his paws soaked/baths once a week when he has a flare up, plus the ear meds on and off when that flares up. He's only had the allergies on his feet and ears, no other hair loss or itching anywhere else, and they are much better than when we got him and think the allergy food has helped also.
Let me know if you decide you are interested, thanks and Happy New Year!
Stephanie
----- end, very good news to read Stehanie is getting vet support, I assume paid for volunteer from "Second Chance"-------
To which I replied to Stephanie:
I remain interested, in part because I think I can give care and afford reasonable cost - so he "needs" me, or someone like me. He also looks in the eye's like the Westie we lost December 3. His name was Wilson.
So, if I can fit in your busy schedule, I'd like to follow along on Aspen's progress and continue to look for a dog my wife really wants/needs. She could use a nice lap dog. meaning an adult and she likes the miniature schnauzer - let us know if you can if any come up within you sight of the adoption market. We continue too look for a healthy Westie, just lost one good looking dog named Daphne in Mendham.
Back to Aspen, if you can answer:
1) I just looked at the ear flap and it looked nice and pink on the inside. just right I believe. I did not try to look deep into the ear channel, that's where the back gook comes up, and yeast develops (an between the toes too). You mention ear medication. Our Westie, Wilson, had ongoing ear problems, and in general required attention even on good times with a good ear wash (used Mal-a-Ket TrrizEDTA flush most recently) and used Otomax prescription drops a couple of times a week... and twice a day when we had a bad run. He also had prescription eye drops twice a day to treat dry eye. He was deaf due to yeast infection in the ears before we adopted him. He had a real rough life and was likely "dumped" in or near Liberty Park in Hoboken where animal control picked him up. Wilson had a beautiful Westie coat most of the time.
2) I think you mentioned an antibiotic, we have used Cepalexin 250 mg for a few weeks and that came up a couple of times a year... thus my experience based worry about adopting. I was heart broken when our Westie died, I would have happily bathed and treated him for years more if he'd have lived.
3) The main problem I noted on Aspen was the thin hair on his back and tail, very thin, I could see his pink skin, and take the pink (never mind a couple of spots) skin is a good sign, but is the hair growing back, and does the vet know why? You mention food. We feed Wilson Hill's Prescription Z/D which had only hydrolyzed protein. This would help eliminate any protein allergy reaction. This was problematic and it ended that the Protein may not have been the problem, allergy blood tests ran just before his death showed a high allergic reaction to dust mites and the like (dust mites are common in our homes). I added a room HEPA air cleaner and upgraded the heating to HEPA filter and used HEPA vacuum...but he died before we could draw any strong conclusions... albeit Wilson was regrowing some of the lost hair on his chest and all four legs, mostly along the inside where he could lick and bite, albeit he didn't do much of that.
Hope I didn't get lost in my story, hope it helps you understand my questions and motivations.
Just remember, I'd like to see Aspen in a "forever home" and I remain a possibility.
Please keep me posted, I'll let you know if we adopt another dog and if that affects my ability to offer Aspen a forever home. My wife likes Aspen too, but she was always troubled by Wilson's health problems.
Jerry
----end of my last transmission to Stephanie/Second Chance. The pictures of Aspen in the Petfinder listing don't really show how thin the hair is, and given the dog has attention from a vet I assume fleas are under control. As told in the story Aspen, like Wilson, was picked up by animal control, an abandoned dog set to be put down when the rescue folks picked him up. He is a spry dog, but I suspect he also needs a complete teeth cleaning and maybe other work...I'd like to try to get a "deal" from Second Chance if that is needed and possible. With Wilson it cost me about $1,000 in the first months for teeth cleaning and tooth removal, so a "rescue" fix or even a discount would make adoption easier.
My wife's interest now in the miniature schnauzer as a lap dog may be misplaced, and there is some schnauzer-look in Aspen I think.
A big uphill for an adoption here is our large property which has always beed sufficiently removed from public road traffic we have let our dogs run free, with supervision. Wilson knew very well where he could "run" and even when I walked down our private access to the mail box, about 400' on a downgrade, Wilson would wait at the top of our "formal" driveway for my return. Boy, he is sure missed.
Warning to all others: this is a long story, you may not want to start reading unless you want research work on the hair loss subject - and here I believe it is related to the Westie part of the dog's breeding. His name is Aspen
Aspen: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29787116
and he is estimated to be 4-5 years old and the picture of him seated with a sweater on suggests the size of the area of hair loss. His head and leg hair looks pretty good.
I have now gotten an email dialog going on Aspen and am happy to read the Second Chance Rescue (foster based care) provides veterinarian care and prescriptions I believe. I move where here from our private discussion as the lessons/advice may have general use. It is good news to me to read hair loss absent yeast or other clear skin rupture/itch isn't too hard to clear. But, as you have read in the years of work on Wilson's problems we never clearly identified food allergies - but keeping him on grain free, no additives, Kibble and fresh vegetables had been my most recent that along with ongoing treatment of the ears was seeing the hair come back on his legs and chest.
Here, in order with ID details not included is what I got from the foster worker for Aspen. I had asked for follow up on the event last Sunday in which Aspen and other dogs were at a public adoption show.
----- Original Message ----- (answer I received)
From: Second Chance
To: ghpeterson
Sent: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 20:45:38 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Thanks for Saturday Visit at Animal Clinic/Aspen
Thanks, yes, he is still available.
He has been on the medicated shampoo- our vet recommends the Duoxo brand version which the dermatologists recommend and been getting his paws soaked/baths once a week when he has a flare up, plus the ear meds on and off when that flares up. He's only had the allergies on his feet and ears, no other hair loss or itching anywhere else, and they are much better than when we got him and think the allergy food has helped also.
Let me know if you decide you are interested, thanks and Happy New Year!
Stephanie
----- end, very good news to read Stehanie is getting vet support, I assume paid for volunteer from "Second Chance"-------
To which I replied to Stephanie:
I remain interested, in part because I think I can give care and afford reasonable cost - so he "needs" me, or someone like me. He also looks in the eye's like the Westie we lost December 3. His name was Wilson.
So, if I can fit in your busy schedule, I'd like to follow along on Aspen's progress and continue to look for a dog my wife really wants/needs. She could use a nice lap dog. meaning an adult and she likes the miniature schnauzer - let us know if you can if any come up within you sight of the adoption market. We continue too look for a healthy Westie, just lost one good looking dog named Daphne in Mendham.
Back to Aspen, if you can answer:
1) I just looked at the ear flap and it looked nice and pink on the inside. just right I believe. I did not try to look deep into the ear channel, that's where the back gook comes up, and yeast develops (an between the toes too). You mention ear medication. Our Westie, Wilson, had ongoing ear problems, and in general required attention even on good times with a good ear wash (used Mal-a-Ket TrrizEDTA flush most recently) and used Otomax prescription drops a couple of times a week... and twice a day when we had a bad run. He also had prescription eye drops twice a day to treat dry eye. He was deaf due to yeast infection in the ears before we adopted him. He had a real rough life and was likely "dumped" in or near Liberty Park in Hoboken where animal control picked him up. Wilson had a beautiful Westie coat most of the time.
2) I think you mentioned an antibiotic, we have used Cepalexin 250 mg for a few weeks and that came up a couple of times a year... thus my experience based worry about adopting. I was heart broken when our Westie died, I would have happily bathed and treated him for years more if he'd have lived.
3) The main problem I noted on Aspen was the thin hair on his back and tail, very thin, I could see his pink skin, and take the pink (never mind a couple of spots) skin is a good sign, but is the hair growing back, and does the vet know why? You mention food. We feed Wilson Hill's Prescription Z/D which had only hydrolyzed protein. This would help eliminate any protein allergy reaction. This was problematic and it ended that the Protein may not have been the problem, allergy blood tests ran just before his death showed a high allergic reaction to dust mites and the like (dust mites are common in our homes). I added a room HEPA air cleaner and upgraded the heating to HEPA filter and used HEPA vacuum...but he died before we could draw any strong conclusions... albeit Wilson was regrowing some of the lost hair on his chest and all four legs, mostly along the inside where he could lick and bite, albeit he didn't do much of that.
Hope I didn't get lost in my story, hope it helps you understand my questions and motivations.
Just remember, I'd like to see Aspen in a "forever home" and I remain a possibility.
Please keep me posted, I'll let you know if we adopt another dog and if that affects my ability to offer Aspen a forever home. My wife likes Aspen too, but she was always troubled by Wilson's health problems.
Jerry
----end of my last transmission to Stephanie/Second Chance. The pictures of Aspen in the Petfinder listing don't really show how thin the hair is, and given the dog has attention from a vet I assume fleas are under control. As told in the story Aspen, like Wilson, was picked up by animal control, an abandoned dog set to be put down when the rescue folks picked him up. He is a spry dog, but I suspect he also needs a complete teeth cleaning and maybe other work...I'd like to try to get a "deal" from Second Chance if that is needed and possible. With Wilson it cost me about $1,000 in the first months for teeth cleaning and tooth removal, so a "rescue" fix or even a discount would make adoption easier.
My wife's interest now in the miniature schnauzer as a lap dog may be misplaced, and there is some schnauzer-look in Aspen I think.
A big uphill for an adoption here is our large property which has always beed sufficiently removed from public road traffic we have let our dogs run free, with supervision. Wilson knew very well where he could "run" and even when I walked down our private access to the mail box, about 400' on a downgrade, Wilson would wait at the top of our "formal" driveway for my return. Boy, he is sure missed.
Hi Jerry.....I LOVE Aspen....How old was he??? I don't remember.....You need to know what prescription diet & what antibiotic as to give you some idea of aliments going on...It doesn't have to be skin related at all....The diet has me the most concerned & again, there would be clues if we knew which one it was.....
I personally see nothing wrong with a rescued dog hairless on back and tail.....Doesn't mean a life long threatening disease at all....I see this every day in dogs!! It means they were eaten up with fleas and have not had time to heal.....Backs, butts & tail hair loss or redness is FLEAS in their past.....Probably their whole lives.....Easy to get over!!! Keep me updated...I am watching closely!! ;) Karla
I personally see nothing wrong with a rescued dog hairless on back and tail.....Doesn't mean a life long threatening disease at all....I see this every day in dogs!! It means they were eaten up with fleas and have not had time to heal.....Backs, butts & tail hair loss or redness is FLEAS in their past.....Probably their whole lives.....Easy to get over!!! Keep me updated...I am watching closely!! ;) Karla
I'm trying to establish more contact via email with the foster mom. We met her on Saturday - she said prescriptions dog good, I said Hill's Z/D, didn't get a memorable answer (another way of saying if she answered it didn't register), and I'm sure she said an antibiotic, but nothing more, I hope I can explore. I mentioned ketaconazole to which she didn't have much reaction, but then I didn't push the point (she was rather young, 20'ish and I didn't want to take the role of a demanding father, no grandfather), and I didn't see/smell any sign of Yeast, but that is always secondary, maybe it is on its way.
I sent her an email, via the Second Chance email at scwoof, I think it is. I asked again about using KetaChlor shampoo and said I remain interested and would be happy to talk with the associated vet....it seems the Second Chance organization is connected to a large Animal Clinic and as all pets are in foster arrangements the Second Chance must provide any vet care given. I suppose too they pay for prescriptions and food, but don't know that either - the foster folks are volunteers and one shouldn't expect a volunteer to pay associated expenses...that's how I see it.
You are familiar I am sure, but suppose the arrangements vary from place to place.
One lovely looking Westie we're trying to make contact on is Dapne Mendham NJ - her number on petfinder is: 31095707
Thanks,Karla, for interest and advice.
Little Aspen was darling and if anything too healthy/young. We're old folks.. We're also pursuing some other possibilities including 3 or 4 Westies and one Wirehaired Terrier Mix, maybe part Parson's Terrier, mostly white and fostered within 20 miles of our home.
So far we are not doing well in getting contact via the web/email/appliication or telephone...it could be just most are taking more personal time Christmas to New Year.
I am increasingly interested in two dogs, one a Westie and one something else.. now the problem, one should be a lap dog I think, and we're not doing well in that regard.
The mix from Wilson's rescue person that was named Chauncey has been placed I may have said too much on that point in a private message. But, Barb didn't think she liked the "pug" or "near-pug" face on Chauncey, I thought it was rather cute myself.
I sent her an email, via the Second Chance email at scwoof, I think it is. I asked again about using KetaChlor shampoo and said I remain interested and would be happy to talk with the associated vet....it seems the Second Chance organization is connected to a large Animal Clinic and as all pets are in foster arrangements the Second Chance must provide any vet care given. I suppose too they pay for prescriptions and food, but don't know that either - the foster folks are volunteers and one shouldn't expect a volunteer to pay associated expenses...that's how I see it.
You are familiar I am sure, but suppose the arrangements vary from place to place.
One lovely looking Westie we're trying to make contact on is Dapne Mendham NJ - her number on petfinder is: 31095707
Thanks,Karla, for interest and advice.
Little Aspen was darling and if anything too healthy/young. We're old folks.. We're also pursuing some other possibilities including 3 or 4 Westies and one Wirehaired Terrier Mix, maybe part Parson's Terrier, mostly white and fostered within 20 miles of our home.
So far we are not doing well in getting contact via the web/email/appliication or telephone...it could be just most are taking more personal time Christmas to New Year.
I am increasingly interested in two dogs, one a Westie and one something else.. now the problem, one should be a lap dog I think, and we're not doing well in that regard.
The mix from Wilson's rescue person that was named Chauncey has been placed I may have said too much on that point in a private message. But, Barb didn't think she liked the "pug" or "near-pug" face on Chauncey, I thought it was rather cute myself.
Oh yes, I've already met that cutie, patootie, Aspen......His photos look good to me......I do see one dot of something of his right rear hip????? Karla
Hi Jerry...
Do you know what he's taking an antibiotic for? And what's the prescription diet they're using and why?? These questions need to be addressed so you would have some kind of clue...If you find out, let us know.....
SO, the front half of the dog was good & the back half showed signs of allergy? ANything else???? I'll go look at him.....
Do you know what he's taking an antibiotic for? And what's the prescription diet they're using and why?? These questions need to be addressed so you would have some kind of clue...If you find out, let us know.....
SO, the front half of the dog was good & the back half showed signs of allergy? ANything else???? I'll go look at him.....
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