Alpha!

Alpha didn't seem right last night. She peed on the floor and then wouldn't eat this morning. We got her to the vet quick. They did a blood test and everything looked great, even her liver values. PHEW! Turns out the "new" antibiotic - which is actually an old antibiotic, was hurting poor Alpha's tummy. Anti-nausea meds and some probiotics and she's already seemingly doing better.

No more scares, okay Alpha?

Alpha goes in tomorrow for the first of 3 injections over the next 6 weeks and the start of 7 weeks of no exercise (that means a lot of crating for Alpha - who loves her crate, but still).

This is going to be the toughest part of her heartworm treatment.

Please send positive energy, prayers, etc. her way. We are expecting a full recovery, but we are still cautious, especially with all the trouble we've had so far.

I'll keep everyone posted.

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My dogs have always been adopted from shelters, but so far, I've never dealt with a dog with heartworms- what a miserable parasite! So hard to treat in our innocent canine buddies- yes, Dave & Katie, I'm pulling for your special pup with this treatment- "7 weeks of no exercise" sounds pretty medieval for any normal dog. Hang in there & Get Well, Alpha! :please: :sunny:

I sure wish everyone would protect their animals from catching heartworms- & maybe they would with better education about it. So miserable to treat once a dog has them.

Cute pics of Alpha! What a handsome & personable dog!

Too bad my dog can't substitute for Alpha in this treatment- he'd be perfectly happy to remain on my lap for 7 weeks! :rofl: (There's a lot to be said for a mellow senior dog.)

Thank you, Bogertophis, for the kind words.

Alpha had her first injection today and is clearly in pain and very lethargic. Having said that, she seems in good spirits considering, and the vet said she did amazing! She got lots of belly rubs at the vet today and is resting comfortably in her crate. She likes pets/rubs, but doesn't want to come out yet and feels very safe in her crate. We are keeping her away from the two little guys (a miniature schnoodle and a Shi Tzu) for now. They are old and nosey and she is in pain and don't want her to be bothered.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Thank you again for the warm thoughts and prayers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

...Alpha had her first injection today and is clearly in pain and very lethargic....

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Aww, poor sweet pup! I can relate (a little)- my arm is sore- I just had a flu shot today. But her injection was far worse, I'm sure (from what I've read). Hang in there, Alpha.

Is Alpha feeling any better now? I hope... She might learn to hate the vet's office after a few of these. I wouldn't blame her.

Alpha is doing much better today. She seems to be in much less pain and is doing well with her short walks to potty and he calm crate time. She spends some of the day in the office with Katie and some time in my office with me. Otherwise, she's been in the crate.

She still seems lethargic but she's on pain meds and a medicine to keep her calm. So that's to be expected.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Alpha is doing great! She came off bed rest (following her ordeal with antibiotics and then 12 weeks of injections and having to remain sedentary) the first week of January. So far, no signs of heartworm, although we cannot officially check until fall. She is full of energy and still the sweetest girl.

We are so relieved. That was definitely a close call on many fronts. So glad to have our sweet Alpha happy and healthy.

On another happy note, she celebrated her 3rd birthday last week. Here's to many more, sweet girl.

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Congratulations! I've never had a dog with heartworm but I understand the treatment is quite an ordeal- and especially having to keep a young, normally-active dog "quiet". So frustrating for such a long time- you & Katie obviously did a great job! Alpha is a beautiful dog- & she won the lotto with you folks.