Since December 2016 he has been battling rare health conditions brought on by a routine vaccination. Burt was a healthy, beautiful and playful four year old show dog. He had a routine parvo/distemper vaccination in December 2016. About ten days later he collapsed and nearly died. He was diagnosed with a condition called Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). His body's immune response was sent i
nto overdrive by the vaccine, and attacked his own red blood cells. He needed a blood transfusion to save his life, and he was put on high doses of Prednisone to suppress his immune system. The side effects of that drug also caused liver damage. IMHA is an incurable condition, but it can be put into remission with drugs. Burt began to slowly improve, but in March 2017 he developed a sore on his leg. The sore quickly spread to huge raw patches on his chest, legs and back. He was finally diagnosed with Calcinosis Cutis, a rare condition in which the Prednisone caused the calcium to leach out of his bones and into his skin, basically hardening his skin to bone. The heavy wrinkles on his face hardened so much that he couldn't even open his eyes. Then he developed a drug resistant staph infection and MRSP in his wounds, because his immune system is suppressed. After months of intensive treatment the infection is improving, and his skin is looking somewhat better. It can take a year or more for all of the calcium to come through the skin, and for hair to grow back. Now (May 2017) he has suddenly developed an insatiable thirst and urinary incontinence. Tests have ruled out diabetes, a UTI, bladder or kidney infection. Now we are searching for answers to this...
Through it all, Burt has remained good natured and stoic. We have always told his vets and specialists that if they believe he is suffering, or if there is no hope for a good quality of life, we will let him go. They have assured us that he is not suffering, and that he can get through this. I will also say that this has been the most financially and emotionally draining experience of my life, as he needs constant care. We love him dearly, and he is a special boy.
