It was just about 100 days ago that I found Apollo in the throes of a seizure. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with Valley Fever and put on twice-a-day doses of Fluconazole.
Initially his infection level was 32, severely infected. This week we were informed that his level is down to 2 — barely infected!
The vet wants to keep him on the drugs for another 90 days and then test again. If he’s clear, he can stop taking drugs and be called cured.
I think he deserves an A+ for his first 100 days!
Good job Apollo!
Comment by Heather — April 30, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
WTG Apollo! I’m sure he’ll be glad to stop taking those pills (as you will be to not have to coerce him to take them)!
Comment by Dianna — May 1, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I didn’t think anyone could coax an A+ out of me for the first 100 days score, but you have done it! Congrats, Apollo!
Seriously, that’s really good news. He’s such a young and beautiful dog, and you want his future to be the best it can be.
Comment by Donna — May 1, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
Yay Apollo! A++
Comment by Don — May 1, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Apollo, the Wonder Dog! Do you know where the infection started? It seems as though it would be difficult to get a canine chest x-ray. In humans, the most likely point of entry is the lungs; I’ve had a lot of experience with human coccidioidomycosis; (I can’t even spell the word any more), but he didn’t have any of the people symptoms, like coughing, and exhaustion. And he is recovering so rapidly. We could still learn a lot of things from animals.
Comment by Mom — May 2, 2009 @ 8:05 am
We don’t know where the infection started, but I think it almost always starts in the lungs, as the spores are breathed in. I guess in humans it typically stays there, but in dogs it can infect many other organs.
He coughs occasionally, but not a lot. And he usually has lots of energy — too much sometimes!
The only side-effect we know from the pills is increased thirst. We have to leave two water bowls full all the time. It will only get worse as the days get warmer, I’m sure.
Comment by Daryl — May 2, 2009 @ 11:39 am