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[Algonquin]

We got the results from Zekes second Mira Vista test today and he is at 9.57.       Last test was early November and it was off the scale.  All clinical signs point in the right direction - he is eating, his energy is increasing and his coat is getting back its shine.  We will do another test at the end of February.  Keeping our fingers crossed that no liver issues arise.

[Lolasmom]

That is such good news.  He's really coming along wonderfully.  It took Lola 6 months just to get down to a measurable level.  Please give Zeke a great big kiss and hug from me.  It all down hill from here. 

[Algonquin]

Thanks, after all he has been through we are really hoping it is all downhill. We will take him back to the University of Guelph in the spring for xrays and blood work. Until then we are just doing the Mira Vista and watching the clinical signs. Fingers still crossed!

[Lolasmom]

Thats all you can do.  My advice is do not stop the treatment until that Mira Vista test is negative.   We continued for an extra month even after that just to be sure.  Please know I am praying for you.  Give Zeke a big hug and kiss.

[Lolasmom]

How is Zeke doing?

[Algonquin]

Zeke is great!  He is eating, playing and swimming - not much else to do in Key West!! He continues to get 200 mg of sporonox every night and we will do another Mira Vista late February.
There are no outward signs that would indicate he has Blasto. But, we know it is there and continue to baby him.

We are in the process of weaning him off the GI food that was recommended by the University and switching him to Taste of the Wild.  It is just impossible to feed him raw at the moment. 

We have noticed little things that he can do once again - for example he would always take a big long stretch in the morning as if he were bowing - he did not do this for three months but he is back doing it - must have hurt him to stretch before. He now wants to play ball and although he can't do it for very long the desire is there. He, for some reason is much nicer to his fellow canines?

It has been a long, emotional, expensive journey but we have our dog back!

Thanks for asking - how are you?

[Lolasmom]

Oh....thats so wonderful to hear.  Thats the most important thing, that you realize that even though they are doing great....the Blasto is still there.  Far too many people quit treatment too early.

YEP.....For Lola it was jumping up on to the couch.  For probably months after she got sick she couldn't or wouldn't jup up onto the couch.  The first time she jumped up there on her own agian, I almost threw a party.

I don't know if you have yet but I would make sure you have his kidney function test done pretty soon and a CBC just to make sure the Itra isn't causing any underlying problems. 

Hugs and kisses to Zeke.

[paintubturner]

I would definately get blood work done to check liver and kidney function levels.  My Gunner had to be in liver support meds and special food for quite awhile when he was on Itra.  I actually pulled Gunner off the expensive liver support meds and had started him on milk thistle that I got at Walmart and it obviously worked for him but of course each situation is different.   

[Algonquin]

We are getting blood work on Saturday, thanks for the reminder. We started him back on the milk thistle, Sam-E and vitamin E. He is wise to pill pockets now and approaches everything I give him with caution. I am afraid we have created a monster, we gave him cookies and praise when he started eating again and now every time he eats or drinks water he wants a cookie.  As a matter of fact he now eats a little bit at a time, pretends he is finished, gets a cookie and then eats a little bit more!!! Smart dog and stupid people!! But we love him. 

[Algonquin]

Well it is difficult to compare Zekes blood work from November because of the difference between metric units and imperial units. But, his October results from Chicago are in imperial and from then to now everything seems much better and under control. Liver values are all within the normal range. White blood cells are normal, lymphocytes are low at .63, normal being 1-4.8. That is the only thing out of range.  Have sent the results onto the university, so will wait and see what the vet says. For now we are happy, will do the Mira Vista again at the end of the month - still waiting for our next supply of intra to arrive. Zeke is happy, eating well and energy levels improving.

Thank you all!

[Lolasmom]

I love it!!!  Smart dog!!!

Everything sounds great.