Tyser

Since last Monday we have had an unwell Tyser. We don't really know his age but its estimated around about 11 or 12 so things are bound to start to go a bit awry. We know his joints are giving him pain but he really went down not moving much when walking he couldn't keep up. He was very wobbly Monday morning with symptoms that looked like he had the  canine tick disease from an infected tick bite. A emergency dash to the vets his red blood cells had been affected and broken down. Although the parasite could not be seen in his blood he was treated with injection and antibiotics.

Thinking this would get him back on track it was a bit of a shock for him to go down even further. Thursday he was back again with anaemic and weak. A blood test revealed his red blood cells were so below the normal count it was beginning to look a bit bleak. He was suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a disease that affects his immune system which reacts by attacking itself. He was admitted and stayed at the vets for 2 nights being allowed to come home Friday.

Back today his red blood cells are increasing and white decreasing so were on track to make a full recovery although he will need medication for life these dogs are here to keep me on my toes. His on a iron diet, just as well we have lots of wobbly bits in the freezer although I'm not sure spinach and kale are going to be so easy to feed him. Our kitchen floor has never been cleaned so many times a day as due to the high  dosage of steroids his on were having lots of accidents.

This afternoon he had a treat, his first bath ever (his had an occasional hose pipe clean up ). Not sure if he enjoyed being cleaned up but he didn't put up a fight, the water and he stayed in the bath and I was able to towel dry him without getting wet. It was more of a problem lifting a floppy wet dog out of the bath at least his down to his target weight of 27kg, which will help his joints when he starts to walk again. He even let me blow dry him, we didnt take a photo as his furs gone a bit bouffanty, personally I can see my next career change - a dog groomer although I'm not so sure Franklin will be a willing model - where's that Sorrel.