Chronic Inflammation - Exclusively Setters2024-03-29T09:10:34Zhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/forum/topics/chronic-inflammation?commentId=865021%3AComment%3A1138345&feed=yes&xn_auth=noNice to see a standing Hobson…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-06-10:865021:Comment:11549732015-06-10T06:28:45.640Zsilviahttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/silviamarco
<p>Nice to see a standing Hobson, getting ready for his cake :)))))))))))))))))))</p>
<p>Nice to see a standing Hobson, getting ready for his cake :)))))))))))))))))))</p> I am writing a blog for Hobso…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2015-06-08:865021:Comment:11548142015-06-08T10:35:40.690ZFinding_Beauhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p>I am writing a blog for Hobson to celebrate his 12<sup>th</sup> Birthday on 10 June 2015. I thought I would have my “vent” now in this forum topic. </p>
<p>Hobson has been receiving ongoing treatment from the University of Queensland (UQ) veterinary hospital since 14 May 2014, more than 12 months now. The reason for the <i>Chronic Inflammation</i> in his blood test results in April 2014 has been determined. All my questions have now been answered. <i>Hobson has been suffering from Demodectic…</i></p>
<p>I am writing a blog for Hobson to celebrate his 12<sup>th</sup> Birthday on 10 June 2015. I thought I would have my “vent” now in this forum topic. </p>
<p>Hobson has been receiving ongoing treatment from the University of Queensland (UQ) veterinary hospital since 14 May 2014, more than 12 months now. The reason for the <i>Chronic Inflammation</i> in his blood test results in April 2014 has been determined. All my questions have now been answered. <i>Hobson has been suffering from Demodectic Mange for many years. Demodectic mange is an inflammatory disease. Hence, the diagnostic result of Chronic Inflammation.</i><i> </i></p>
<p>When this inflammatory disease becomes generalised, as happened with Hobson because he was never correctly diagnosed by any of the 6 vets I sought help from after Dr Ian Hobson resigned in late 2008, this disease is very difficult to “cure” and can be life-threatening, as happened with Hobson. </p>
<p>Demodectic Mange is not contagious. Demodectic mange results from a compromised immune system. </p>
<p>Hobson has been suffering chronic pain since October 2010 because of a neck injury. All the 6 vets ignored me. 1 of these vets is a registered chiropractor. These 6 vets include so-called “holistic” vets. A bowen therapist and a canine acupuncturist also misdiagnosed Hobson. A chiropractor correctly diagnosed Hobson on 20 December 2013. However, the chiropractic treatment was much too severe for Hobson because his condition had been untreated for so long. </p>
<p><i>The most likely reason for Hobson’s immune system becoming compromised is because of the chronic pain he suffered from/and the undiagnosed and untreated neck injury which eventually damaged his spine, his pelvis and his hind legs.</i> </p>
<p>It is just as well I did not do as I was told and give the drug, <em>Atopica</em> to Hobson, even though his vet turned his back on him – unethical behaviour to say the very least, because <i>immune-suppressant drugs should never be given to a dog who is suffering from Demodectic Mange.</i> If I had done as I was told Hobson would surely have died and I would never have received any answers. </p>
<p><i>The reason for Hobson’s high temperature in April 2015 was because of his severe pain.</i> It is fortunate I trusted my own knowledge and intuition and handled Hobson’s neck so carefully because Hobson was at extreme risk of becoming permanently paralysed. <i>Hobson is now permanently disabled</i> because he has suffered irreversible damage to his neck, spine, pelvis and his hind legs. His cruciate ligaments have been damaged in both hind legs, he has developed severe arthritis and he has also suffered neurological damage in both hind legs. Hobson had another setback in November 2014, soon after I posted the video of him, but he is now walking again .. very slowly and not for long periods of time .. but he is walking again. It breaks my heart when I allow myself to think about all of this because Hobson used to be a strong, athletic English Setter (and he used to have a beautiful coat). I have not seen Hobson play or run since the morning before my English Setter, Annie died on 25 June 2012. I doubt I will ever see Hobson play or run with Misty or any dog again, but he is alive, and he is happy, and he is enjoying his life to the best of his ability. </p>
<p>Even though Hobson has been given off-label Ivermectin sheep drench for more than 12 months now the Demodex mites have still not been completely eradicated. These terrible mites continue to target Hobson’s spine, front legs and the hind area of his body. However, all the scale has gone from many areas of his body, his coat is growing again and the colour is returning to his coat. The only suitable shampoo is Malaseb and he still needs to be bathed 1 – 2 times a week. I am hoping very much that the remaining areas of scale on his body will disappear within the next 6 months, or sooner. I will be so pleased when I can stop the Ivermectin. Hobson’s case is too serious for natural products to kill the mites now. </p>
<p>Hobson still requires twice-daily cleaning of his ears and his eyes and twice daily checking of all areas of his skin. Recently he had another bacterial infection in his ears but fortunately this cleared up after 1 course of antibiotics. Hobson’s UQ vet is thorough and took a sample to test before she prescribed antibiotics. Hobson did not suffer a reaction when the antibiotics ceased, I believe because of his diet which includes natural probiotics, etc. <i>Untreated demodectic mange results in secondary bacterial infections. Hobson’s health had been so grossly mismanaged by “GP vets” that he developed Septicaemia.</i> </p>
<p><i>Hobson has never had an auto-immune health condition.</i> “GP vets” need to stop guessing. “GP vets” need to understand the importance of getting the diagnosis right. “GP vets” need to listen to the owner of the dog. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922871444?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922871444?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>This is a photo of Hobson taken on his 2<sup>nd</sup> day in the Intensive Care Unit of the UQ veterinary hospital on 16 May 2014. Understandably he was not expected to live. </p>
<p>Despite his critical condition above, Hobson’s recent blood tests have improved though he still has an inflammatory condition because he still has Demodex mites living and defecating inside of his body and creating toxins. I believe Hobson’s diet is helping him. Hobson’s immune system must be improving because his coat would not be improving otherwise. (The skin is the largest organ of the body). Hobson required high dosage antibiotics for 6 months after his admission to the UQ ICU. He has been coping very well without any drugs except for his pain medication which are not NSAIDs. </p>
<p>Hobson has had blood in his faeces and in his urine but these have cleared. His UQ vet believes the blood in his urine is due to his prostate gland. Hobson was desexed by a vet I had never met without my knowledge or permission. Hobson’s scrotum was removed without my permission. Not enough stitches were placed in the wound. I was never happy with the surgery. Again, this is unethical behaviour but appears to be the norm with “GP vets” in Australia. Hobson is still suffering the consequences from this surgery. This is why I did not want to allow any of these “GP vets” to spey Misty. </p>
<p>Hobson still has proteinurea and an enlarged kidney but he continues to improve and he continues to defy the odds. Hobson has an incredible will to keep living. His healing is a “continuing work in progress”. His UQ vet often says at our regular monthly visits: “<i>Hobson continues to surprise us</i>”. Everyone involved in his care is celebrating his 12<sup>th</sup> Birthday milestone.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922873654?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922873654?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>This is a photo of Hobson with his dear sister, Misty on 4 June 2015 after his check-up at UQ. (Misty is not impressed because I have a camera in my hand). </p>
<p>The continual “stuff-ups” of “GP vets” and some “specialist vets” have caused my animal children to suffer unnecessarily, have caused me to suffer an indescribable level of worry and heart-ache, and have cost me a significant amount of money. Many of my English Setter and horse children have died. <em>Hobson is one of the “lucky” ones even though he is permanently disabled.</em> Every time we visit UQ I speak to dog owners who have suffered similar experiences. It is rare that I do not speak to a dog owner when I am walking Hobson and Misty who do not share similar experiences. These endemic problems in the vet industry in Australia need to be addressed. Vets did not use to behave this way. There is too much focus on $$$$’s, too much selfishness and too much arrogance of human beings who earn a living from the “animal industry”. </p>
<p>I will only talk about happy things in Hobson’s 12<sup>th</sup> Birthday blog, only 2 days away now. </p>
<p></p> Good on you Hobson and congra…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-07-03:865021:Comment:11405752014-07-03T08:12:19.926ZMarie Szychowskihttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/MarieSzychowski982
<p>Good on you Hobson and congrats Susan:)</p>
<p>Good on you Hobson and congrats Susan:)</p> Susan,
I'm so pleased for yo…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-07-02:865021:Comment:11402592014-07-02T17:37:35.548Zkaren chesherhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/karenchesher
<p>Susan,</p>
<p> I'm so pleased for you with the positive news on Hobson and i too hope he continues with the amazing progress he has made,ive got everything crossed for you that Misty also responds as well to her treatment.Please give them both a big love and kiss from me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Susan,</p>
<p> I'm so pleased for you with the positive news on Hobson and i too hope he continues with the amazing progress he has made,ive got everything crossed for you that Misty also responds as well to her treatment.Please give them both a big love and kiss from me.</p>
<p> </p> soo nice to see Hobson walkin…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-07-02:865021:Comment:11403712014-07-02T12:43:28.438Zsilviahttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/silviamarco
<p>soo nice to see Hobson walking on his own legs and with such a better skin! such a great news! </p>
<p>soo nice to see Hobson walking on his own legs and with such a better skin! such a great news! </p> I am so pleased that Hobson h…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-07-02:865021:Comment:11401552014-07-02T08:35:39.276ZSue Patersonhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/SuePaters0n
<p>I am so pleased that Hobson has responded so well and hope he goes from strength to strength.</p>
<p>I do hope Misty is getting over her ordeal too. Thinking of you.</p>
<p>I am so pleased that Hobson has responded so well and hope he goes from strength to strength.</p>
<p>I do hope Misty is getting over her ordeal too. Thinking of you.</p> This is a photo of Hobson mak…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-07-02:865021:Comment:11403082014-07-02T02:56:55.021ZFinding_Beauhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922868062?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922868062?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></a> This is a photo of Hobson making his own way to the reception area of the University of Queensland veterinary hospital on 25 June 2014. Misty was undergoing major surgery on this day. This was her second operation in 7 days. Hobson and I spent another anxious day at the hospital. His sister, Misty was now at more risk of dying than Hobson even though Misty is only 2 years…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922868062?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1922868062?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a>This is a photo of Hobson making his own way to the reception area of the University of Queensland veterinary hospital on 25 June 2014. Misty was undergoing major surgery on this day. This was her second operation in 7 days. Hobson and I spent another anxious day at the hospital. His sister, Misty was now at more risk of dying than Hobson even though Misty is only 2 years old. </p>
<p>Hobson has made amazing progress. Every veterinary staff member at the hospital knows him. Even the veterinarian who looks after the reptiles and the wild birds came over to me last week and said it is fantastic the turnaround Hobson has made. Hobson still has a long way to go but he is going in the right direction.</p>
<p>A positive culture result was achieved from the skin biopsy taken on 30 May 2014. The correct antibiotic had been chosen for Hobson to treat the bacterial infection. His skin is no longer bleeding. He still has mites in his skin but these are nowhere near as prevalent. It will take months for the mites to be eradicated. </p>
<p>Hobson's pain medication is working well. Even though he would like to resume his walks, he is still not able to do this but he can make his own way around our home and spend some time outside now without my having to help him to walk. He is due to have another x-ray of his neck and spine very soon.</p>
<p>Hobson still has proteinuria which is a concern but the hospital vets continue to monitor him very closely.</p>
<p>Hobson is slowly putting on weight and his digestive system is normal.</p>
<p>Because of my concern about a possible thyroid problem, the hospital vet organised a Free T4 by Equilibrium Dialysis test the day he was admitted on 14 May 2014. Hobson's result was 23.2. The range is (9 – 47.4). This was an excellent result and shows that Hobson does not have a thyroid problem. This has also been confirmed with Dr Jean Dodds, Hemopet.</p>
<p>I feel extremely grateful to the veterinary team at this hospital for saving Hobson's life. Hobson celebrated his 11th Birthday on 10 June 2014. It proves yet again that one should never give up.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for caring about my English Setter boy. I will let you know about Misty very soon.</p>
<p>Warmest Wishes from Susan xxxxx</p> Thank you Cornelia and Joy, N…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-06-03:865021:Comment:11390232014-06-03T08:11:25.665ZFinding_Beauhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p>Thank you Cornelia and Joy, No results have been received yet. I am very stressed at the moment, particularly with Misty's health problem now too. Sending hugs to you and Joyful. Susan xxxxxx</p>
<p>Thank you Cornelia and Joy, No results have been received yet. I am very stressed at the moment, particularly with Misty's health problem now too. Sending hugs to you and Joyful. Susan xxxxxx</p> Hi Susan,
I read about the mi…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-06-03:865021:Comment:11389412014-06-03T07:07:22.732ZCorneliahttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/Cornelia
<p>Hi Susan,</p>
<p>I read about the mites and also about Discospondylitis on the internet. I do hope the vets at the clinic can obtain a positive culture and give Hobson the right treatment, that will stop the infection! So fingers crossed for the diagnosis. Warmest wishes, C & J xxx</p>
<p>Hi Susan,</p>
<p>I read about the mites and also about Discospondylitis on the internet. I do hope the vets at the clinic can obtain a positive culture and give Hobson the right treatment, that will stop the infection! So fingers crossed for the diagnosis. Warmest wishes, C & J xxx</p> Dear Karen
I've just read you…tag:irishsetters.ning.com,2014-05-31:865021:Comment:11389952014-05-31T01:01:15.265ZFinding_Beauhttps://irishsetters.ning.com/profile/HammerBeau
<p>Dear Karen</p>
<p>I've just read your message. You've always cared about Hobson. You've always been a good friend. This is why ES is such a special community.</p>
<p>Seeing that it was feared on 15 May 2014 that Hobson may not live another 24 hours and at that time he could not even walk, it is a miracle Hobson is even still alive. As well as the infection, the mite has to be killed. I am worried about the Ivomectin but it is too late for anything else now and the vet specialists are…</p>
<p>Dear Karen</p>
<p>I've just read your message. You've always cared about Hobson. You've always been a good friend. This is why ES is such a special community.</p>
<p>Seeing that it was feared on 15 May 2014 that Hobson may not live another 24 hours and at that time he could not even walk, it is a miracle Hobson is even still alive. As well as the infection, the mite has to be killed. I am worried about the Ivomectin but it is too late for anything else now and the vet specialists are monitoring the dosage very carefully. The damage Hobson has suffered from his undiagnosed and untreated neck and spinal injuries is irreversible but in saying this, when we were ready to drive home after Hobson's checkup on 28 May 2014, Hobson decided he wanted to go for a walk with Misty. I had to remind him that he was not well enough yet for walks!! </p>
<p>I cannot wait to see more photos of your beautiful baby girl, Orla. Please write another blog about her very soon.</p>
<p>Sending big hugs back to you and Orla from Susan, Hobson and his devoted sister, Misty xxxxxx</p>