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Paul Richard Hain
For those of you who may be curious about what has transpired with our family pet and therapy dog, Maxwell, the Standard Poodle. He has been treated for Blastomycosis, a deadly fungus found in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He has been taking a human anti-fungal medicine called Itraconazole since February 26, 2017. From October 2017 through Feberuary 2018, it was thought he had a bacterial infection or allergy. We tried antibiotics and everything but it only got worse. Itraconazole was the right treatment.
However, Blastomycosis caused what looked like acne on his back and rear end. We took him to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Hospital and Clinic where their team of internists and dermatologists confirmed it was a Blastomycosis outbreak that had become complicated by a stafflococis infection. Terrible sores developed on his butt, tail, eyelid and neck. Very hard to keep him from licking and scratching, which only slowed the healing process. More meds and sanitary treatments of his skin. Progress was slow. Then, things really got scary.
In early July, he seemed to be getting weaker and weaker. We took him to the special conditions animal hospital. His liver enzymes were five times normal, caused by the Itraconazole. They immediately took him off that medicine. They sent tissue and fluid samples out to find the status of the Blasto infection. He was clear of Blastomycosis. They treated his liver. The veterinarians determined he developed spinal meningitis, which sometimes happens to dogs that are treated long-term for Blasto. He stayed in the hospital for two and a half days on IV antibiotics for the meningitis, liver medicine and pain meds. They were amazed at his improvement in such a short time. So, he came home to recover.
Since then, he has been recovering nicely. The need is still here for him to take antibiotics for the meningitis. But, he is active, playful, horsing around with our other Standard Poodle Marcie. (He was never a threat to spreading either condition to Marcie, but we kept them seperated until recently). His liver and meningitis symptoms are gone completely. His skin is healed except for one small spot that is growing new skin, but taking its time doing so.
He broke his left leg ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) last November when he fell backwards out of the car while trying to get in the car after a veterinary visit! That will require surgery in about 2-3 months after all other conditions are history.
As soon as he is ready, we need to take him through the three-year Therapy Pet recertification. They granted us whatever time was necessary to get him healthy. It has been a long, tough, worrisome recovery. We have learned that many dogs infected with Blasto die within a few days because it goes to the brain or lungs where it sufficates the dog, or the treatment does not work and the dog has to be put down.
Max is half human, I swear. We love him so much! There is no way we could give up on him, though it looked like the odds were quite long. His gentle, loving eyes and his affinity for people are something to behold. He has served autistic children from age 3 to 18, and assisted living residents. By served, I mean he visits with them, allows petting, plays with them. Whatever is suitable for the patient is what we let him do. I can hardly wait to get him back on the schedule. It won't be long, now.
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