Medical Update

Yesterday I showed you Samba's naked feet and legs. There are some red spots on them and I was worried about infection, so we went to visit Dr B this afternoon.



The hair loss is from the high doses of steroids and he was also concerned about infection, so he's started her on some antibiotics. We're also going to wash her legs with a medicated shampoo a couple times a week and use a soothing lotion on them at bedtime. So far, she's been very good about not chewing on them.

The exam went well. Samba has good use of her jaw now, which she happily demonstrated by catching treats tossed to her. The muscles next to those that were destroyed have gotten larger and stronger and the dents in her head are not as deep as they were a couple weeks ago. Her eyes are not as sunken as they were, either. She has gained a pound and a half, which means that her ribs aren't sticking out anymore. All in all it was an excellent report

I feel much better knowing that she's made such progress. We're cutting her steroid dosage by 20% and that should stop the hair loss, so that new hair can start growing back in again. I'm starting to actually feel that she'll survive this and lead a nearly normal life.


On a lighter note, I know some of you have your dogs professionally groomed. Here's something from our training club newsletter.



10 Reasons Why Your Dog's Haircut Costs More Than Yours

1 You don't go for 8 weeks and never wash or brush your hair.

2 Your hairdresser doesn't have to carry you back and forth, kicking and screaming to the sink.

3 Your hairdresser doesn't wash and clean your rear end and give you a sanitary trim.

4 Your hairdresser doesn't clean your ears.

5 Your hairdresser doesn't have to remove the boogies from your eyes.

6 You sit still. You don't bite and scratch your hairdresser.

7 Your hair cut doesn't include a manicure and pedicure.


8 Your hairdresser only washes and cuts hair on your head.

9 You don't decide to do an operatic solo at the top of your lungs and encourage all the other patrons to join in.

10 The likelihood of you peeing or pooping while your hair is being cut is slim.



Believe me, having trimmed my active pack from time to time, I know that our groomer earns her fee.