December - January, Sage got a penis infection (the preliminary diagnosis we were given).  I’m not sure that I noticed he was unwell right away… This new health challenge may have followed his grooming or coming off antibiotics.  It’s hard to be certain.  But, when I track back, it’s clear that Lev knew something was happening before I did, and alerted me. For more about the "second-dog advantage," please check out an earlier blog piece, Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008).

 

This time around, the two dogs adopted some cute positions together (hence the photos). Then, suddenly, they didn’t look cute anymore. Please see beneath Lev’s paw in the image below.

While I am open to homeopathy and alternatives, I still value conventional medicine, especially when time is of the essence.  In certain cases, antibiotics and other meds may need to be prescribed without delay, proper attention being given to potential side-effects. Also, a regular vet may not, always, be able to provide all the answers.  So, if the opportunity presents, don’t be afraid to ask a specialist (human) physician, like a urologist, (as I did).  Acess what’s feasible for another species…then proceed with caution.

Speaking with the urologist confirmed to me that dogs (male and female) can get yeast infections too, especially following treatment with antibiotics (not discussed on several investigatory vet visits). In addition,  Probiotic yogurt, which I’d thought to administer, just in case, might not have been a cure-all.  At the height of Sage’s discomfort, a combination of yeast infection and anti-inflammatory creams (in very small quantities) seemed to help a lot more than the advice to just lubricate…

Since Sage’s condition, ultimately diagnosed as paraphimosis, has been so concerning and prolonged, an information meeting with Dr. Craig Miller at VEC was recommended to discuss possible surgical options.  This occured yesterday. The main solutions he suggested weren’t too pleasant:  extenstion, reduction, or amputation!  Then, after paying another $173.25 (for a 15-minute consult, without examination), we weren’t inclined to ask for an estimate for how much such surgical procedures might cost…  Alternatively, there’s on-going "behavior management," which seems to be working for now: preventing licking (after lubrication and reinsertion) by keeping the area protected.

For more on-line details about canine paraphimosis, treatment options, and causes, PetPlace.com is a good place to start looking.

Earlier blog posts about Lev and Sage and canine health and safety concerns include:

•  “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• Dog WEIGHT LOSS and WELL-BEING (June 2, 2007)
• Animal Rescue: DOG-Neglect/SELF-Neglect (May 5, 2007)
• Rescue Dog, “Joey” (May 5, 2007)
• DOG FOOD that’s Safe and Delicious (March 20, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)