The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Vickie · **Posted:** Sun Mar 18, 2012 4:28 pm

Prayers are on their way for Arlo - and for you since I am sure you are very worried. Please let us know how things go.

may holly · **Posted:** Sun Mar 18, 2012 5:02 pm

Hope your baby is doing good.

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Thanks for all the posts everyone.

Arlo thanks you for your prayers - we'll post an update as soon as the doctor tells us what they find.

xo
Leigh

Terry T. · **Posted:** Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:35 am

Adding my prayers for little Arlo. So young to go through so much. No picnic for you either. :hp

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Today's tests are in. Good News... with some not so good. But, very good in that - there is NO TUMOR.

The CT Scan along with contrast was performed.

The growth that was presenting was most likely inflammation over the bone area.
And, the canal was so narrowed that they had not been able to get a good look.

The scan showed fluid behind the ear drum - a middle ear infection. Since we have already done 2 flushes (that would have been their next step). Instead - they will go in with the scope & camera to look behind the ear drum and get the fluid out.

I believe they will also test the fluid - biopsy and culture & sensitivity. We already did the culture last week so we'll have both the canal and the fluid behind the ear tested.

I have spoken with another forum member (thank's Debbie- great talking with you :) who has been through this EXACT problem & her guidance has been wonderful. One thing I've learned is that the Vet's can take a LONG time putting off getting that fluid out - with the puppy suffering along the way.

The unfortunate part of today was the reminder that this experience is having a VERY bad impact on Arlo and his budding "handler aggression". They had to muzzle him and instead of just sedation they had to first give him a shot and then fully put him under - WOW! No other Vet has had this experience. Again - it all was about trying to remove his collar. He is only 22 weeks! Then they are so surprised when he wakes up and is SO sweet -and they bring him out to see us and he pees all over the place. Yowza ... They can then really see that he is this way because he is SICK.

Next step
The Dermatology specialist has excellent reputation - but I don't know her. They have no appointments for over a week. So, I ask how we can accelerate this - they say "well, maybe the two doctors can talk on the phone" This can let the specialist know what her next step will likely be- and we can book THAT kind of appointment and remove the in between (time eating) consult. I say great. We exchange contact info. When I get to the Vet to pick Arlo up the Radiologist tells me she KNOWS the specialist really well (says she is excellent) and they will positively talk today. And, she'll pass on my feeling that since Arlo already had 2 flushes - let's all agree not to try that again - and move forward to the next step.

Allergies:
Of course they said this is almost always from allergies. Since Arlo came to us at 8 weeks with this problem and his environment was different there than it is here- we don't plan (at this time) to do the allergy tests.
Instead - we will change his diet (although we really don't think Chicken is the problem) and will be looking into the "elimination" diet. Plus we will look at our home environment. Home cleaners and maybe we'll get a filter for his bed area (he is crate trained).

debbiefive · **Joined:** Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:10 pm **Posts:** 5352

keep us posted!

I didn't think allergies would show up so young (8 weeks)?

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Update.
Thursday morning Arlo goes in for a procedure called: Myringotomy.

While we are looking forward to this treatment to remove the fluid buildup in his middle ear,
we also are aware of the possible complications - so we place our focus on Arlo having a successful procedure and a perfect healing of the ear drum with no complications.

For those who do not know of the procedure - below are a few links of information.
http://www.vetstream.com/canis/Content/ ... e/teq00852
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnGR_Lyfxlg

Will update after Thursday.

Thanks again for to all for holding good thoughts for Arlo this upcoming Thursday.

KLADCkrs · **Posted:** Wed Mar 21, 2012 7:02 am

Prayers for Arlo, and also for you guys. I'm glad you saw the Specialist and that things are moving along. My hope is that once all of the issues with his ear are sorted out, he'll be like a new dog.

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Journey longer than expected with twists and turns in the road :)

Today we saw the dermatology specialist. She was very clear with the path she wanted us to take and why.

For others who might go through this I'll share the Dr's advice so you'll know what to expect once you've identified a middle ear infection. These infections don't clear up on their own and once in the middle ear it seems this procedure is necessary.

Causes of the middle ear infection:
Allergies are the first suspected cause.
Arlo presented ear problems at 8 weeks. This leads the Dr to think "food" not "environmental"
- this is actually her hope. As it is easier to treat.

Rather than do the Myringotomy procedure today - She placed Arlo on prednisone for 2 weeks and then she will do the procedure. The dosage of the prednisone is 4mg - 1 a day for 7 days, then every other day for one more week. Then he gets the procedure.

This is done for two reasons:
1) The swelling will be down and she will be able to have the best possible results in seeing the canal and in performing the deep flush (deep meaning middle ear).
2) By having Arlo without pain - he will also allow us to treat him - she hopes.
Unfortunately after the procedure we'll have to give him drops for 6 WEEKS - daily. Today, they placed a muzzle on him - and we may have to do the same when treating him IF we can't get him out of pain and more willing to allow this. She felt it was clear that he is in pain.
Note: While doing the procedure she'll do a culture of the fluid. This helps identify the exact bacteria.
Today she looked at a swab she took of his ear canal and the bacteria was of the staff family (better to treat) so we hope for the same in the middle ear fluid.

About the diet:
She placed him on Royal Canin's Venison prescription. The idea is that they use a protein source that the puppy would be unlikely to have been exposed to. There are a few other items he can have.
Carrots
Apple
Yams
Sweet Potato

So sad about the diet because he LOVED his home made rice and chicken and carrots. And, we pray he likes the new food. Fresh chicken was his "high value" treat.

His new treat is:
Potato Pleasers by Serenegy. He can have up to 7 a day and they are about one inch square. So, we'll break them up really small and use for his treat and in training.

Some immediate side effects of the Prednisone:
He began his pills at about 11 am. By the late afternoon he peed suddenly inside the house (he has not had an inside accident in months). It happened 2 times in about 2 hours. And, he did this about 10 min after coming back in from going potty. Uh Oh... fun for us for the next two weeks. Yikes.... We wonder if he'll pee in his bed (he is crate trained).

Day two (about 24 hours after first pill) He had hard time sleeping through the night. Had to take him out 3 times (thankfully he let us know). He went to sleep a few hours later than normal. And when he awoke he was very thirsty. He also is not pooping as often as normal so wondering if it causes some constipation.

I'll keep you posted.

Ps - Any info on the Royal Canin venison diet appreciated.

dawn & kevin · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:47 pm

Hi Leigh,

I am wondering how much Prednisone did the Doctor prescribe for little Arlo? Prednisone will make Arlo want to eat more, will be thirsty and thus he will pee more. Try taking him for potty breaks more often. OH! and we have a waterproof mattress pad, just in case. It works great and our mattress still looks new after 5 years...

I was told to use Royal Kanin for Chloie's allergies. No specific mixture though just the "Hydrolyzed Protein" as you stated. Did the Doctor tell you that Arlo will have to be on that food for about 8 weeks? He should love it. All my dogs did. But, that food did not help Chloie.

When our Moonbeam was diagnosed terminal cancer and was loosing her interest in food, I put her on the Royal Kanin as well. She kept going for six months and four days (just like the doctor's gave her). I think that it did help her to stay with us longer.

I want to thank you for such complete updates. You are not only relieving some of our anxieties/concerns for little Arlo, but you are also educating us. We tend to soak up info on our Cocker's.

Sending my good thoughts, best wishes, visualizations and my prayers for your baby Arlo. You do know how I feel about his little self. What a CUTIE!!!!

Dawn

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Arlo Update:

Today Arlo had his procedure and it went well.

Follow Up:
On steroids for another 2 weeks along with pill form antibiotics (for 4 to 6 weeks).
Ear drops that are anti-inflammatory (but not steroids).
The regimen is a 6 week one and requires drops in his ear 2 times a day.
Not sure of on going regimen yet. I'll get the exact name of all the meds and post them shortly.

We are told that 90% treated do get their hearing back. And, that while his ear drum was pierced today - he still should have some hearing in that ear. I don't know to what degree.

His left ear drum was healthy but the outer canal was irritated. The Doctor feels this is very possibly seasonal allergies.

In closing: I am so glad one of the posters wrote me about going through this exact same thing.
Because of her - we pushed to get to this stage PRONTO. Even so - it has been from 8 weeks to now 25 weeks old. So, he suffered for 4 months! Imagine the impact on his personality.

I would advise anyone with an ear infection that does not clear up completely after first round of treatment prescribed by the family vet to go to a dermatologist specialist. They have the equipment and the knowledge to get you quickly to a final result.

Also - the cost. We spent nearly $2,000 PRIOR to hitting the Dermatology Specialist with the many visits and treatments. Once there it was very reasonable (around $1,300 - which includes todays procedure all meds and prescription food) . Also - had we begun here,Arlo would have been put under only 1 x not 3.

Again - we finally did this and pushed for this because another poster (thanks again Deb) let me know. Hopefully, someone might read this and save their puppy the pain Arlo has endured.

More later

ps:

I am attaching the photo of his ear drum before and after the procedure.
Healthy left ear drum - top left.
Bulging right ear drum - top right.
Right ear after procedure but before ear is flushed - bottom left.
Same ear -after the ear drum was pierced and the fluids flushed out - bottom right.

debbierg · **Joined:** Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:32 am **Posts:** 343

Leigh

Sending prayers of strength, endurance and speedy recovery to Arlo and you.
He is so precious and enjoyed the videos of this heart throb beauty!
debbierg

beckyboo · **Joined:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:35 pm **Posts:** 912

sending prayers for a pain free arlo! he is adorable!

Vickie · **Posted:** Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:27 am

I hope Arlo is feeling better this morning (and you too for that matter). It sounds as if you have a wonderful vet who is not only in sync with you and Arlo but also knows what to do and how to do it. I'm sure he's in good hands....you sound like a great cocker spaniel mom!

JuanitaD · **Joined:** Sat Sep 11, 2010 4:23 am **Posts:** 1511

Thank you, Leigh, for keeping us updated on all these procedures and experiences with your darling Arlo.

It's such a shame that a gorgeous puppy like Arlo has to go through so much at such a young age.

debbiefive · **Joined:** Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:10 pm **Posts:** 5352

Bless his heart...the pain he must have suffered with this problem! Now for a speedy recovery and pain free life!!!!

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

So Arlo had a good day.
In fact .. he wore ME out...

I am attaching the diagnosis and treatment plan in case anyone wonders what might be required in the event of such a treatment.

Once we are ALL done and he is well - I'll create a new post and subject with the information in a more cogent way along with the images and treatments. Hopefully .. Identifying this early will help the puppy recover more quickly, prevent the "handler aggression" that can be an outcome, and even save the pet owner money. Either way treatment is not cheap - but it did not have to be SO costly - could have been about half what we spent.

Also- in case anyone wants to see it and because we are crazy addicted parents of our baby..
Here is a little video (I am sure you won't want to watch the entire thing :) - of Arlo playing ball in our hallway day 1 after surgery.

:)
Leigh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruGDR2q6 ... tBpHvM0tQ=

debbiefive · **Joined:** Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:10 pm **Posts:** 5352

Its wonderful to see him playing so soon after his procedure.

He has got to be one of the most beautiful cockers ever...I love his markings

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Thanks debbiefive ... I'll let Arlo know you think he's good lookin :)

When he is being his bratty self ... we tell him - "Good thing your such a good lookin guy"... or else...

:)

Terry T. · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:46 am

I'm so glad to see he is doing better and playing! I agree with Debbie, Arlo is a looker. I love his face! :hp

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Update on Arlo : 4.13.12

Saw Vet and she looked at his ears. The ear drum is healing nicely - no oozing.
Does not see any infection.

On the other hand. He has some personality changes - most likely due to the meds.
Wants less exercise.
Suddenly started to howl when we left the room (this is getting better)
And, perhaps most draining -he was not able to sleep.

The vet suspected the steroids and cut him back to one every 3 days.
This seemed to help. And, we now await our remaining 6 to 7 weeks of healing.

Poor guy - right about then he'll be neutered (he is already 6 months) and wear that head gear for a week.

Still - he is our adorable son. We pick back up with his dog trainer next week. Looking forward to that.

:)
Leigh

dawn & kevin · **Posted:** Fri Apr 13, 2012 12:58 pm

Good for Arlo! And you too!

I am just so crazy about his cute little face. When time permits, could you please post more pictures of your little boy!

Dawn

beckyboo · **Joined:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:35 pm **Posts:** 912

So glad!

Arlo

debbiefive · **Joined:** Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:10 pm **Posts:** 5352

I'm so glad Arlo is healing well. I too, think the pred could have been the culprit for the changes.

leigh4ta · **Arlo** (Male B/W Parti) 10.08.11

Update on Arlo.

His recent doctor visit shows excellent progress.
The results after 4 weeks of treatment:

Off the oral steroids.
Still on the oral antibiotic (will be for 8 weeks).
No more ear drops.
Clean ears 2 times a week with solution that Vet created by adding steroids.
This will go on for at least 4 weeks.
He is still on only Venison and Rabbit - no cheating what so ever.

Note: An interesting (and seemed smart) thing the vet has us do.
We have a left ear and right ear bottle of the solution we use so that we never introduce an infection that might start in one ear - into the other.

Other changes:
Arlo is now 7 months old. His neutering was delayed due to his ear treatment.
- Out of the blue he peed on the den sofa (lucky it is leather).. thought maybe we hadn't taken him out soon enough. But, then the NEXT day he peed on the kitchen floor while we were cooking - and he had just been out. We are thinking this is due to him needing to be neutered. So, we are calling the Vet to make his appointment for next week. We had hoped to wait until about 8 months...
But, if this new behavior ...

I am adding a photo of Arlo out in the Garden... He's a little shaggy - In need a his daily brushing... But, he has great fun with us when we do the watering.

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