Update on Griffin's (my granddog) battle against Blastomycosis: He is no longer getting any outward lumps and only a few have not drained yet. He has overcome not being able to walk due to an enlarged hardened lymph node in his back leg. Tonight Christa was able to take him on a short walk with socks on his feet to keep his sores from breaking open and to keep him from licking them. He is on an anti-inflammatory and his fungus med two times a day. His appetite is getting better. He sleeps most of the time but when awake seems to feel a lot better. Christa checks in with the Vet tomorrow. Thanks for your continued prayers and concern.
Bless Griffin's little heart. I am so glad yo hear taht things are looking better then they have for a few dasy now, that is a good sign, I hope. Please let Christa know that we are thinking of her and Griffin. I actually just read about them the other day on the Brat site..
Here's hope and prayers that he comes through this.
Do you have the BRAT link? I am not on that particular email list probably because I and not part of the people who are actually rescuing,fostering and transporting.
You can find most all the contact/links you need from www.basenjirescue.org for BRAT
So happy to hear Griffin's is getting better. I hope each day get's better for all of now. Good luck and tell your daughter we are thinking of them ever day.
Rita Jean
Griffin continues to be a fighter. He still battles the sores on his feet that aren't healing very quickly and the other lumps on his body. The Vet now feels that he contracted the fungus through a cut which according to my research is as rare a way to get Blastomycosis as it is to even contract the fungus. He will be on the meds for several months even after the symptoms disappear.
Poor Griffin..I ma glad that he is giving t his a fight and not giving in..send your daughter and Griffin hugs from us ..
It has been a little over a month since Griffin was diagnosed with Blastomycosis. All his sores are now healing and the coughing has stopped. He continues on his meds as well as an anti-inflammatory. My daughter was concerned over the long term use of Remadyl but the Vet assured her it was safe and that in a couple of weeks he will wean him off. If Christa does not give it to him he feels rough and will not eat. In two weeks he will have a complete checkup and hopefully the signs of the infection will be gone. If he gets a good report he and Phoenix will have both survived a near death experience.
I am so very happy to hear about Griffin doing so much better, yippea , there is light at the end of the tunnel..
They are strong and have a strong will to live and play…good news. I am happy for both of them.
There is a great book out there: Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 4th edition. Here is what it states on Blastomycosis:
This systemic fungal disease occurs along the eastern seaboard, in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River valleys. The fungus is associated with moist, rotting organic debris protected from sunlight and enriched with bird droppings, particularly those of pigeons. The disease is acquired by inhaling infected spores. Dogs are considerably more susceptible than are humans. Most cases of acute canine blastomycosis involve the respiratory system and cause bronchopneumonia. About 40% of cases involve the eyes and skin, producing signs similar to those of cryptococcosis. Weight loss and lamenuess may also be noted. Microscopic identification of organisms in transtracheal washings or in fluid aspirated from infected tissues is the most efficient way to make the diagnosis. In difficult cases, biopsy and culture may be needed. Serologic tests also are available. Treatment: A combination of amphotericin B and one of the imidazoles appears to offer the best chance of successful treatment. Months of treatment are required and some dogs may relapse months to years later. Hope this is helpful!
As I type this I was reminded that Griffin was suppose to go back to the Vet to have his lungs x-rayed this week and I have not heard from my daughter how that went or if it happened. He visited for Thanksgiving and except for some places on his skin that haven't totally healed he looked like a picture of health. Strange how a Nashville subburb just doesn't seem to fit where blastomycosis would reside and even the Vet thinking he got it through a cut which is more rare than the infection itself. We will pray that the relapse doesn't ever occur.
Strange how a Nashville subburb just doesn't seem to fit where blastomycosis would reside and even the Vet thinking he got it through a cut which is more rare than the infection itself. We will pray that the relapse doesn't ever occur.
Is there a lot of construction in the area? Blasto is often associated with areas of high construction activity or areas of excavation.
-Nicole
Wow maybe Christa's Vet really was on the ball. You have validated his theory on how Griffin got it. Christa lives in a condo and they had half of their driveways torn out and replaced. So whether it was from a cut in Griffin's paw or inhalation that really must have been how. Recently the other half of the driveways were replaced so Christa sent both Griffin and Phoenix over to stay at her boyfriends house. Thanks for your post.:)
Sounds like Griffin is better so happy for all of you.
Rita Jean
