12/31/2024
Dear Aiko! (pronounced I-Ko) This funny little man with all kinds of interesting conditions came to us in February 2021. He wasn't eating, had diarrhea, possibly some blood in his urine, and was lethargic. His gait was stiff and disjointed. And of course he had chronic phlegm dripping out of his nostrils and a nasty skin condition to add to his repertoire. His bloodwork/urinalysis were unremarkable.
A month on doxy and enrofloaxacin did nothing for the nasal discharge. He was reactive to light so I draped a sheet over his kennel during the day. Within a week he was eating well but none of the other symptoms were resolving.
We put him on apoquel for the itching and that seemed to help but didn't cure the problem - just made it bearable. Also cephalexin in case of infection.
I tried oatmeal/coconut oil baths - he wanted to eat the mixture. It took me longer to clean g**k out of the tub than to bathe the dog. I moved to medicated shampoo/conditioner that helped. I had to sit in the tub with him for 10 minutes while it penetrated his skin. He enjoyed being foamed and rinsed. This continued every 3 days or so.
His gait still was stiff 2 months later. It seems to affect all four quarters. Our vet thought it might be his prostate. And..... if he didn't have enough physical problems he was entertained with a laser pointer as a pup so he spent a lot of time obsessively focusing on shadows and light movements. I'd only had two other dogs in 15 years with idiot owners who did this and he wasn't as bad as the previous two, but it meant he never really relaxed because he never knew where/when a light was going to come from.
In the meantime this little man was so grateful for everything we did for him. He smiled. He loved to lie outside on the cots and soak up the sun. He was delighted when he could pick up a ball in his mouth. He was good with the entire herd at Casa UPP, including the cats who ignored him.
Eventually his maladies dwindled and most departed. And the summer brought an inquiry from one of our wonderful adopters in ID. With the help of fix-it dude, Kenny, and Aiko's new dad, Jeff, he was home for supper on Aug 25. And he got a new name...... Spencer!
Spencer had the best 3 years ever! He lived beside a lake. He went on walks with his mom and dad. He was an indoor boy with plenty of windows to keep him occupied. And he had his family hold him while he died. It doesn't get any better.
Thank you Davis Co for sending him to us, our vet, Kay, and Kenny & Shawna who helped with daily essentials. And thank you amazing parents who fulfilled all of his dreams and needs.
