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[bostonmom]

I am new to the forum, but sadly not new to blasto.  While I know my dog and I are some of the lucky few to survive this once, I just found out today that she has had a relapse.  Charley is a 4 year old boston terrier (one of 4 that I have and the only one to contract blasto).   She was first diagnosed in May of 2005 after I noticed she had developed a limp in her back leg and redness in her right eye.  The vets were quick to diagnose what was wrong with her (and I will be forever grateful to Dr. Brian Williams and Dr. Stan Rogers for all they did to save her!!!), and started her on Sporonox immediately.  Her right eye however kept swelling and the decision was made to remove it.  She went in for her surgery the day I went into the hospital to deliver my son.  I made my mom call the vet's office to check on her while I was in the delivery room....that is how much I love this animal!  After healing from the surgery and nearly 5 months of treatment she was given a clean bill of health and aside from losing the sight in her remaining eye she had shown no signs of blasto symptoms.  About a week ago I noticed her remaining eye was red and swollen.  She had an abrasion on her eye and at first I thought this was the reason for the irritation.  When I took her into the vet Monday Dr. Williams immediatly wanted to test for blasto again.  The test results came back positive today.  My heart sank when I got the call.  I know she survived this once, but I haven't been able to really find any information on dogs that suffer a relapse.  Is there anyone out there who might know what kind of survival rates are given to blasto relapse patients?  One article I read said some had an 80% survival rate, but another was more grim about it.  I guess I am just looking for someone who understands what I am going through....the worrying, the fear, the determination to save the life of something that you love with all your heart.   Thanks for any info anyone can provide and thanks for listening to a fellow dog lover.

[Jen]

I don't know of anyone whose dog has relapsed, but it's always in the back of my mind when I think about Dirtbike being taken off the meds.  I have heard that it happens more often in females, but that's all.
Best of luck to you-
jen

[Wilson3]

Boy it you sure have been through a lot to!!
from what i know about blasto if a dog has mmade it through it once and gets a relaps with in 15 months of a clean bill of health they do make it through it
I also know that it is very very important to really make sure they are 100% clear of it before taking them off the meds. my vet said that once wilson is 100% he will stay on the meds for another month maybe 2
good luck with everything hang in there
you will be in my prayers

how is the baby??

wilson3

[evayola]

I am not sure about the relapse but I will tell you that the most important thing is to STAY POSITIVE! We were so worried about Marge and all I kept saying is stay positive and it has worked. Marge is doing so awesome right now that you were never ever know that she is sick except for when she lays down after being up a while and see her breathing. From the things that I have read finding it early is so important. I will be thinking of you. If she has the will to fight it the first time she should have the will to fight it the second time. We are not sure if Marge is going to retain eyesight in her left eye. We are hoping that she will. If not, that is okay. She lost a toe and if she loses an eye we will love her the same. I wish you the best! Keep us posted.
Eva

[Wilson3]

wilson would have lost a foot if it wasn't for PASCALITE CLAY!!!!
it saved his foot!!!!!!!
I have pictures of it to. The clay is a wonder and mircale from the earth.My vet was soooo schocked by it,but very happy!!1
The meds where taking waaaaay to long on his foot. Now the nail is back to normal color to.
Just a thought to try the clay it works!!!

[sheila]

I hope your dog is doing better.  Do you have any updates for us?  What a trying ordeal! 

We are going through something similar.  I just posted about it under the heading "Vince after 6 months."

[bostonmom]

I really do appreciate everyone's help with my question and all of your kind words of support.  I do have an update on Charley's condition...sorry it has taken so long to post again on here, but things have been hectic the last month or so.  She is doing so much better.  She has been on her meds for a few weeks now.  Her eye is no longer inflammed or red.  I will be setting up an appointment next week for a check up with the vet just to get a professional opinion on how well she seems to be coming along this time.  So far she has had no negative side effects to the meds.  Her first time with it the meds really upset her stomach for the first few weeks, but so far she is feeling fine and eating like a little pig.  My parents have been helping me with her during the day while I'm at work...playing puppy doctor for me and keeping an eye on her to make sure there are no changes.  I am hopeful that she will get this out of her system entirely this time.  I don't know what I would do without her.  I truly am grateful for all of your thoughtful words and for your prayers.  My heart goes out to any of you who have lost a special animal to this horrible condition and those who are fighting it -- you are in my thoughts and prayers as well.  I will keep everyone posted on how my little Charley-girl is doing over the next few weeks.