Carol Chong contacted me 3 months ago when she first started fostering a distemper dog, who, at that time, was given no hope of recovery. Carol did not want me to tell her story until now.
Here it is, in chronological order:
On Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 8:55 PM, carol chong wrote:
Hi Kah Yein,I would like your advice on a matter concerning canine distemper. I think you have some personal experiences nursing dogs with distemper.2 days ago I foster a dog, Lucky, who was unwell (was under care of vet who told us dog could be discharged anytime and to continue medication). I seeked a 2nd opinion from another vet today. Diagnosis is distemper. Prognosis is uncertain at this stage. Lucky has very good appetite although suffering from limbs weakness and twitching. My concern is the safety of my own 2 adult dogs. Vet assured me that as both my dogs have been vaccinated annually, there is no danger of them catching the disease.Have tried to get dog-lover friends who don’t have any dogs at the moment to foster for a few weeks(by then we will know if Lucky can pull thro’). No success so far. Owner will for opt euthanasia if nobody can foster. I really want to help BUT am worry about my dogs.Please advise from your own dealing. I know I should trust the 2nd vet but……I can’t stand the thought of euthanasia.
I replied and Carol wrote back:
On Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 10:32 PM, carol chong wrote:
Thanks for the prompt reply. Really appreciate your advice.My own dogs are local breed. Difficult to isolate as I understand the virus is in the air. I am putting Lucky at the back portion of the house and the other dogs in the front porch. Giving Lucky good nutrition is no problem. Effective isolation is my headache.Will keep on trying to get suitable fosterer. Might have to get your help to blog in Myanimalcare blog. We shall see.Once again, thanks! Take care!
And more:
On Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 10:26 PM, carol chong wrote:I’ve decided to foster Lucky till she gets better or passes on. I’m separating the dogs and doing barrier care i.e. wearing disposable aprons and gloves when I handle Lucky. Being an ex-nurse, I’m practically doing barrier nursing!!My 2 poor dogs don’t quite understand why from being house-dogs, they are not allowed inside the house anymore these days.
I only hope I’ve made the right decision. Owner will definitely put her down if I refuse to foster her. Lucky is trying to be strong. She wags her tail whenever she hears me around the kitchen. I want her to know that someone cares and loves her till the end.Thanks for all you advice. Will keep you posted on the eventual outcome of Lucky’s fate.
And later:
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 7:51 PM
Subject: Re: canine distemperLucky is holding on bravely. Whenever she hears me coming to the kitchen, he struggles to get up, walks wobbly to the back door and wags his tail waiting for me. She wants so much to come inside the house and play with my other dogs at the front porch. It’s hard to deny her this but I have to be firm even as I look into her pleading eyes.Will go to vet in couple of days for more vitamins and immunity booster. Her skin problem appears better as I apply calamine lotion 2x daily. Vet wants to defer treatment to skin for now. She twitches all the time and needs help with her food. Her movement is spastic. She gobbles down her 3 daily high- protein meals still. This is a good sign, I think.She has slight bloody spotting from vagina for past 2 days. She is 5-7 months old. Could she be having her menses? Both my dogs are male and I’ve no experience with female dog. This doesn’t seem to bother her. Will mention to vet when I next visit.Will let you know if there is any new development. Please remember her in your prayer. Thanks!
And a few days ago…
Subject: Lucky the survivor!
To: Chan Kah Yein <chankahyein@gmail.com>Hi Kah Yein,It has been a while since I last updated you on Lucky,the distempered dog I’m fostering.Lucky has survived against all odds!! It has been just over 3 months since I have her. During these 3 months, there were ups and downs with her condition. She suffered from Demodex too.To treat or not to treat was a difficult decision. Vet warned me that the medication could cause fits and she could die from the fits.Not much choice but to go ahead with the treatment as her skin was getting bad. Thank goodness she tolerated the medicine well. Had to slowly increase the dosage every 3 days to the max allowed.Now her skin is 95% ok. Her fur has grown over those previously bald patches. The goal now is to fatten her up with more carbohydrate and fat!! I have recently allowed her play with my own 2 dogs once a day. Poor girl had enough of isolation. Vet will want to vaccinate her( 2nd dose) when she is stronger. Will get her spayed when vet thinks she is fit. She dominates the 2 bigger dogs when they play!My plan is to find her a home eventually. She is lovable and intelligent. Wish I could adopt her but 2 dogs are about all I can manage for now. It gives me great joy the see her run around the compound. I’m glad I took her in when owner wanted to put her down. My initial aim was to give her palliative care as even the vet didn’t think she could make it. She fought and recovered.I would like to thank you for your emotional support.
Lucky, one month after treatment.
Lucky, today!!
The moral of the story is: Once we have taken in an animal, it becomes our responsibility. Its life and wellbeing are in our hands. What we do is totally dependent on our values, our resources, the time and energy that we are willing to spare for it, and most importantly, our conscience.
Carol Chong did not give up despite what the vet said. She persevered with Lucky and look at Lucky today.
Thank you, Carol, for your very inspirational sharing!
Comments
3 responses to “A story of perseverance for a distemper dog (from Carol Chong, Ipoh)”
Carol, you are an angel.
The dog live up to his name. Lucky dog!
Thank you for an inspiring experience. Lucky is lucky to have found you.
Its so touching! GBU