Ollie’s Ears and Skin: An Update

~ beetleypete

As you may remember, Ollie had to return to the Vet this afternoon for the second dose of ear-gel to combat his ear infection, and to get the results of his blood test to see if he has an underactive thyroid.

He had the gel in his ear, and then I was told the results. His thyroid function is completely normal. Usually, that would be good news, but this means he cannot have the tablets that are well-known to almost stop recurrent ear infections. So if he gets one again (or rather when he does) we will have to rely on the gel to cure it.

The vet checked out the bald patches in his skin where the fur is falling out, something that has also happened a lot in the past. He concluded that they are ‘Paintbrush Lesions’, a dermatitis associated with infections, and best treated by being washed with medicated shampoo. They are called ‘Paintbrush’ because when you scrape off one of the small scabs, the result looks like a tiny paintbrush.

So, his last trip to the Vet for now. Until the next time.

It was very busy there today, and also a sad visit. One man brought in a small dog that had to be put to sleep, and he was so upset he couldn’t wait with the dog while it was injected. He rushed out to his car in the car park telling the receptionist he would come back another time to pay the bill.

Then a couple came in, the man telling the receptionist, ” I have come to collect my dog”. He emerged from a treatment room carrying a small box containing his dog’s ashes, and was very tearful.

Ollie had another stressful trip, and is sleeping soundly next to me now.

At least I didn’t have to bring him home in a small white box.

73 thoughts on “Ollie’s Ears and Skin: An Update”

  6. When we got the pup she had a skin condition that required special shampoo that stayed on for 10 minutes each time. That was a challenge that thankfully Charlie took up. She is fine now, thank goodness. It is troubling when a dog’s skin bothers him. Glad you found help for Ollie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. I had a similar experience at the vet that will stay with me forever, Pete. When you have to put a dog down now, they let you come around back where no one else will be there. In the past, they would take your dog in the front, and then you had to pay your bill. The whole thing was awful. As I was waiting with my dog in the lobby, people kept coming by and saying things like, “Oh, what a beautiful boy! You’re so lucky!” I knew I was doing the humane thing as his cancer had spread, but the whole experience felt terrible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. They do have a special room where you can go and stay with your dog while he is injected, and remain after that for a while, if you so wish. But the man yesterday couldn’t face that, and just handed the dog lead to the Vet before leaving quickly. Those kind of trips to the Vet are the worst.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. Sorry there’s no better cure for Ollie but at least the infections are treatable when they happen. The Vet’s office is always a sad place to me. I’ve had to take kitties in before that didn’t come home and the grief is so real. I think it’s very hard for the veterinarians too from what I’ve read about the profession. I spoke to one recently who said they don’t really prepare you how to deal with the humans who are inconsolable.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, I have taken four dogs to their ‘last visit’, and a large German Shepherd was put to sleep by the Vet at home, as I cradled his head in my lap. he couldn’t walk, and was too heavy to carry to the Vet, who charged us double, for having to drive just two miles.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Like

      Reply

  29. I am so glad thta everything Ollie has is treatable and his thyroid is OK. Such a worry our dogs can be. Feel so bad for the folks who lost their pets. It is inevitable, I know but so hard to deal with.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. So glad for Ollie (and you!). How sad for those people who lost their pets. I’ve often wondered how the vets get through those visits. I had a very wonderful lady vet who was simply wonderful when I lost different pets…so many tears she saw over the years. She was such a help but I am sure she was affected too, to a degree.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I suppose they get used to the deaths. They must happen every day, and become part of the job. Much like when I was dealing with human deaths as an EMT. You have to try not to let it get to you, or you can’t work properly.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I know. It’s just that the treatment would have also cured his ears. My mum had her thyroid removed when I was a baby. They left a thin scar that made her look as if her throat had been cut. (Which it had been, of course.)
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to beetleypete Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.