Print

[shell66]

My friend's golden was just diagnosed with blasto today by the opthamologist.  Her regular vet suspected it on Monday when she took him in.  Monday lethargic, eye drainage (green goo).  Of course it's been hot and he's a golden so has allergies--but she took to make sure.  He did have fever and had lost weight, but he was overweight and she was actively trying to help him lose weight so not sure how much is blasto.  Wednesday morning she went back to vet--still a fever, swollen lymph gland in leg.  They did xrays and bioposy of node and noticed eye retina seemed detached.  Suggested make appt with opthamolagist.   Weds night good appetite--well it was homemade chicken and rice.   Thursday morning he woke up basically with very limited vision-running into walls.  Got morning appt with opthamologist and I went with my friend with all my printed facts about blasto and all the medical records on a cd rom--including xrays and test results.  They confirmed it was Blasto and now plan in Rimadyl, Itraconazole, prednisone, flurbiprofin?, the clavamax he was already taking since monday.  They also did two injections into his eyes today.  The opthamologist doesn't seem very optimistic on the eyesight recovering--can he be wrong? 

This friend needs prayers and positive healing thoughts!  She just lost her mother after long battle with cancer last week.  About two weeks ago they went up to Wisconsin for a family trip--now we suspect that he may have contracted it there--but could have been here at home.  This dog was pulled from a kill shelter with heartworm and she fostered and adopted him.  He came into her life just days after her other golden had passed--he is her blessing, her rock, her soulmate. 

I am trying to wade through the right questions to ask--what to expect.  She cannot even grieve for her mom because now she is facing this battle. 

I thought that if it was in the eyes and not so much in the lungs the prognosis was better but reading through some of this forum I am confused.  He is not coughing and hasn't been.  Thanks for all the information and for everyone sharing their stories.
--thanks  so much
Michelle   

[Lolasmom]

The vet is probably right about the eyesight.  But thats not the end of the world.  Dogs adjust to it very quickly and they do fine.  You just cant move the furniture around a lot.   

My dog Lola had mostly lung involvement, but if she had it in her eye, I think I would probably opt to have the eye removed.   The problem is that the eye is so close to the brain and if the Blasto hits the brain, its over. There are a number of really sad stories on here where that is exactly what happened.  Lung involvement is bad but if they make it through the first few days they will usually be okay.  Eye involvement is a more complicated matter and, in my opinion, more serious because its so close to the brain.

I have read of Itraconazole drops for the eyes. Sporanox (Itra) is a great drug. The only problem with it is that it doesn't cross the blood-brain or blood-eye barrier.  Fluconazole does.  That isn't to say I am recommending the switch, but you may want to discuss it with your vet. Sporanox is a little more effective with lung involvement, and a little less toxic but I'm not sure if it would be my first choice with eye involvement. If you go to search and look for apope43 you can follow Izzys story.  He had eye involvement and is doing fine now.    I would recommend that you don't use compounded bulk powdered Itraconazole. If your going to use it, brand name is best, BEADED form is mandatory.   

Please keep us up to date and know that we are praying for you and here if you need a shoulder. 

[shell66]

Thanks so much.  Those posts helped so much--little hard to follow because i could not get them chronologically in order so had to jump around.  I just sent a text to my friend and suggested looking into fluconazole--told her to call the opthamologist about it.  Not sure why they didn't discuss it as an option.

Took Bo on a walk tonight--figured his mom needed a break and he needed to be with his "pack" of doggy friends.  It's quite a parade usually--my three, my friend's husky, plus Bo (the golden) and sometimes Jazzy's two.  Bo usually pulls and he's big so he gets to where he wants to go.  Tonight though he didn't pull and strangely the other dogs seemed to be guiding him as we walked.  I had two of mine plus Bo.  I used words as we went to turn (left, right, road/wait, step (for curb)).  With his limited vision at this point and compromised immune system I didn't want to overdo it.  His mom is struggling with seeing him run into walls and furniture--so Jazz suggested she tether him or leash him and walk around the house to help him figure it out.  He loves walking with our group--if we get to his house and he is in the backyard he will run to the sliding door to be let in because he knows we will meet him at the front door for a walk--spoiled!  I didn't want to take that away from him.  I want him to adapt to a different normal and dogs don't let other dogs have pity parties--they don't care if you only have 3 legs, no vision, no hearing, whatever...they don't see the handicap.  It's why we live with them, it's why we love them-unconditional acceptance.

I have been fostering for over ten years and reading through your message board brings tears to my eyes because of what lengths these incredible people have gone for their dogs.  It's so inspirational.  apope43's story about Izzy--better than any marley and me book out there.  Definitely some of these stories should be compiled and published. 

Think all this is too overwhelming for my friend to sort through at the moment but I am taking in all this information and trying to help her fight this.  I did have her get all medical records and tests from her vet--they put it on cd-rom so she can take it to ER or specialist--so she is not paying for duplicate tests.  Weds I believe they did the blasto urine test so maybe by monday have more news.  $195 for 2 prescriptions at Walmart on top of the $300 for Itraconazole (5 days worth)---then they will have the pharmacy in az send it to her for $300 a month I think it was.  Crazy! 

So appreciate this resource--definitely adding it to my list of recommended sites on our rescues facebook page.  Think we need so much more public awareness.  I'll update as this goes.  I expect to have a happy ending. 

[Lolasmom]

Its amazing how dogs deal with disabilities.  I have a Springer Spaniel who is 16.  He is completely deaf and has severe catoracs but that doesn't stop him.  He has became best buddies with our neighbors Basset Hound Duke who has bad hips and can hardly walk sometimes.  They lead each other around and have daily adventures into the woods.  Its really something to see.  They're both so pathetic but really happy, go lucky, dogs.

You mentioned the Itra from AZ.  Make sure that that is not powdered compounded bulk Itra.  Lola was on regular Sporanax for the first 18 days then we switched to bulk for 3 months. Her levels didn't drop at all.  Shop around, you CAN find beaded Itra (generic) or Spornax for much cheaper.  There is a couple of pharmacies in Canada where you can get it pretty cheap.  Right now I am using a small local independent drugstore and they are selling me 30 100mg caps for 199.00.  (My vet has been reluctant to purchase through Canada but many others have for quite cheap) Canada Pharmacy has good prices.   I have also ordered from Drugstore4save.com.  They have Sporal which is the brand name Sporanox is sold under in Thialand and Australia.  I checked it out through Jansen-Claigg first and they are legit.  They sell the pulse packs which are individual doses packaged in foil.  You can get 54 100mg caps from them for 142.00.   But I still think you should look into the Fluconazole.  Its a lot cheaper too.  I think Costco has some really great Fluconazole prices.


Its wonderful that your helping out your friend.  Really, friendship is so important at this time.  Good luck.  Were praying for you.

[Lolasmom]

Thats a great idea with the cd of information.  Really, once treatment gets going, it should get cheaper.  The Mira Vista urine test runs 70.00 and it will give you a number to start off with.  The first 3 months should just be meds after you get the initial numbers.  Right now I am running the MiraVista on Lola about every month and a half.  But she is 7months into treatment now.  Hopefully, we will only have a few more months to go. Her last test results put her at 7.48 so she is decreasing about 3 points per month.   Lola is heartworm positive too.  She has remained at stage 1 since Nov 2010 and still shows no symtoms.  My vet feels there may only be one or two heartworm.  Currently we are treating those with Heartguard given every two weeks.  The idea is to prevent them from getting any worse and allowing the few she has to die off naturally. 

I am in Alabama and Blasto isn't really common here.  Education has brought Lola through to this point.  This site is wonderful for that.  My vet has been amazed at the things I have found on here.  Neither him or the other vet in his office expected her to live.  But shes doing great.  I think the thing that help me the most was reallizing that MOST dogs don't ever need any AZOLE to beat Blasto.  There natural immune systems beat it.   Really, if you take that into consideration, the odds look a lot better.  Stay positive and give that pup a big hug.

[shell66]

She called the opthamologist today to ask about the fluconzole and they said they need to keep him on the Intranzole (screw it if I am not getting these spelled right) initially since they already started it but are willing to switch.  So just need to call around and see about prices and dosage for a 100lb dog. 

I walked this morning with Bo and his mom (and of course my three).  I gave her one of my dogs so we were paired with two each.  Using word commands to let Bo know left right street, etc.  She is a bit concerned because he had not pooped.  He did poop on Thursday when I walked him.  His appetite is still good--she said he was actually begging.  He looked sick--his eyes are a bit cloudy and he has lost weight in his face, but he was definitely happy to be on a walk.  The new reality is starting to hit the family, but they are determined to fight this and adapt.  Life sometimes throws us curve balls.   

I just had one of my former foster dogs test positive for heartworm.  He was from Missouri originally and was negative--now two years later in upper WI  he is positive.  His owners have four dogs have never missed a heartguard pill--very particular.  Apparently the rumor is that heartguard is having some breakthroughs where even dogs on heartguard are getting heartworm.  Some rescue people are suggesting switching to interceptor or another one--cannot recall.  Though heartguard is supposed to cover treatment of heartworm if you use their product and your dog tests positive from what I have been told.  Lola sounds like a survivor and lucky to have you. 

It's always good to have copies of any and all your records in case of emergency--the dogs who found me book talks about it--since many records were lost with katrina and the evacutions.  Personally I feel I paid for those tests and should have them.  I agree though the CD-rom was even a better idea.  My vet has an id card for my dogs--has their picture and all their vaccination dates--not quite as extensive, but good for me. 

I agree education is the key to beating anything!  You need to advocate for your pet even if you have a great vet.  They don't live everyday with your dog and honestly they can't know everything.  My last dog is my  only  foster failure (one I kept) since I have been fostering over 10 years.  Actually he is not mine-but my husband's dog--the only one he ever asked me to keep.  He has lyme disease--that diagnosis scared the crap out of us but he's doing great and as long as his immune system stays strong he will most likely never show symptoms.  Fingers crossed.

I appreciate all the support and I know Bo and Chris do too.

So summarized the mira vista levels determine if the drugs are working?
Besides cost what are the advantages of flucanzole over intracazole (again the spelling)?
What are the side effects to expect from these drugs?
Is there any chance of any eyesight recovery? (if one eye is only partially detached retina?)

I need to go back and read through Izzy's story again for some of this info.  That was very helpful and I appreciate the direction.  Adding Lola to my prayer list--though I am pretty sure she must be one of those dog angels.

 

[shell66]

Bo has taken turn for worse.  He just got admitted.  Prayers.

[Lisa]

Aww no, sorry to hear that. Best wishes for Bo!

[shell66]

He spent couple of nights at animal hospital.  Now his prognosis is 50/50.  Chris came to this board and felt very hopefully after reading so many of the stories here.  She isn't giving up on Bo.  Vet said Bo is 2 weeks into a 6-10 month battle. 

He must night feel too bad since after Chris brought him home he ignored her when she tried to give him his meds--then her daughter tried and Bo took the meds like no big deal.  Think he is a bit ticked about being left at the hospital and being poked and prodded. 

Thanks to all that shared their stories here.  It keeps the hope alive.

[Lisa]

Go Bo Go!
That's amusing that he can be so sick and still be stubborn for his owner!

[shell66]

Yep  I take that as a good sign     The hard part is definitely knowing it usually gets bad before it gets better.  One ER vet was somewhat discouraging-going on about how he's depressed, etc.  Well of course he is!  He has lost his vision, he feels like crap, he is in unfamiliar place and mostly likely thinking he's back at the shelter (he was a rescue).  I wouldn't be too chipper with those factors. 

So if Bo isn't giving up then we can't give up!

[Lolasmom]

Oh...I'm so glad to hear he's home.  Its a long hard road but after about the first month it starts to get a lot easier.  Do you have any antigen numbers on Bo yet?  I would be willing to bet if he's still hanging in there he's got a pretty good chance.  He seems to be a fighter.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Bo and his family.

[Lolasmom]

The Mira Vista antigen test will guage the level the Blasto is at (how much fungi is present) and yes....it will help you to determine if the treatment is working.  Occassionally a little tweaking of the doseage is neccessary.  Mira Vista says 2-3 full points dropped per month is acceptable.  I don't have the Mira Vista levels in front of me right now but it does have its limits.  Above 14.9 is off their charts and its hard to know if your making progress when your numbers are that high.  Also, it seems like it takes some time of infection before you will get a positive from Mira Vista.  Lola was WAY up there off the charts but her first 2 tests were negative.  Weird.  It seems like once you get a positve then they can track it.

As for your Itra/fluc question.  Itra is probably better with lung involvement and its SLIGHTLY easier on the liver.  Fluconazole or Duflican (brand name) has the advantage of being able to cross the blood/brain and blood/eye barrier successfully.  It is a lot more difficult for Itra to get past those barriers.

As for his sight, its hard to say.  Some dogs do regain their sight.  Most don't.  But he will adapt.  Don't be concerned about the sickly look.  He'll get past that.  I will tell you what my vet said "if we can keep her eating, we'll beat this".  If Bo is still eating good, I think you've won half the battle.

[shell66]

Thanks so much!  I had a great suprise on Monday.  Standing at my door was Bo and his mom!  It's about a half a block walk from her house to mine, but he made it to see his doggy friends and me.  Of course I had to leash my 3 plus my fostermom for the trek back down to his house in celebration.  It really seemed to lift his spirits to get to see his buddies.  I am fostering a mom and her 10 pups so it's a bit chaotic here right now--on top of my own three--otherwise I definitely would have loved to just sit in the yard with him.  He can't be out too much because the flies want to get in his eyes. 

His original value was 9 I think.   We go back to the opthamologist on Monday to test eye pressure to see if they can leave the eyeballs in.   The ER vet wanted to do a different treatment that could cause kidney damage and was super expensive and Chris decided to give the intra time to work. It is a roller coaster and this board and it's great stories have definitely given her hope.  Chris ordered a book about how to train blind dogs.  Bo could not have found a better home.  Chris is also doing an eye rinse which seems to be really helping.  I honestly believe that all the prayers and healing thoughts are working too!  Fingers crossed.

Thanks! thanks!  thanks!

[shell66]

Bo went to eye doctor yesterday and his pressures are down so he doesn't have to go back for a month.  Not sure if he will retain any eyesight, but he is adapting to life without vision now.

He actually play bowed to one of his doggy buddies at the park this week and has been able to walk our shorter route with his other doggy walk buddies.  His tail is up, his appetite is good.

Thanks to this board for giving Chris and the rest of us hope to wait it out before making the decision to euthanize Bo.  It was very difficult to watch him suffer and decline, but it is true that it gets bad before it gets better.  I am sure it will continue to be a roller coaster recovery, but at this point things seem to be heading in the right direction for a recovery.