A New Friend

Winston is now being idolized by a new puppy in the family!! His name is Lewis and he is an 11 week old French Bulldog.

He is owned by my primary nurse and good friend Amy. This little guy will be accompanying her to work (shhh) and has been doing WONDERFUL! He truly loves Winston (who isn't too thrilled with him). Winston is very apprehensive about hurting him because he is so tiny. I started basic c/t with Lewis and Winston barked the ENTIRE time. Jealous much? Thank God he doesn't do that at the kennel while i'm working!

Update on Cyst 3

Well, Winston has been on the two strongest possible antibiotics for his cyst, as well as the pain medication combined for six days. It went from nasty, to TERRIBLE, to healing!!! For those of you that have been wondering and can stomach it, here are the photo's.

First Day
Today

I am finally relaxing and confident that this cyst will clear up and surgery will not be necessary!

You know Winston's sick when he's snuggling with Oliver!

Update on Cyst 2

Went to the vet again today because it looked significantly worse.

The vet put him on the strongest antibiotic, and said to watch it over the weekend.

Winston's temperment continues to consistantly be positive.

He works with moderate enthusiasm.

Time to go give him his last dose of meds and call it a night.

Thanks to all for such support.

Update on Cyst

Just got back from the vet, things are no better.

He was switched to a stronger antibiotic and put on a strong anti-inflamitory medication.

Still no cone though, because his licking is controlled and it will stress him out more.

Discussed things further about removing the cyst. Surgically vs Laser.

I'll update as I know.

Thanks for everyone's support. It is greatly appreciated.

Passed TDI - Cyst On Paw

Good or bad news first?

How about chronological order?

First off. I don't remember if I updated on Winston's eye. It was a cyst, and it cleared up on it's own, perfectly within the next week.

Last saturday (August 6th) Winston passed his Therapy Dog International test and also his AKC Canine Good Citizenship Award. We traveled to Lewisburg with one of my good friends and passed SSD trainers, Betsy. She was testing Scarlette, a 12 month old relative of Winston. (whom I fell head over heals in love with!) Winston did amazing, and I am so proud of my baby!

The week went by fast, Winston barked a lot in the crate and kennel while I worked, but that's okay.

I went to bed wednesday night after my nightly goodnight routine with Winston (petting him and playing a tiny bit). When I woke up thursday morning he had a quarter sized, red, irratated, almost oozing/open, lump on the inside of his right paw. I freaked out, called the vet and got an appointment for 3pm. I took out some frozen Busy Buddies and gave them to him before running the errands I had scheduled to run. There was no way he could work with that on his paw. Made in home just in time to pick him up and make it to the vet. At this point I knew it wasn't a tumor but it really looked like one. Doctor Barren my vet came right out and saw us in the waiting room. He is very concerned. He did a topical swab biopsy and it is not a tumor of any sort. It is another cyst, but much more serious. Winston is on an antibiotic and if it is not any better by monday morning we will be referred to a specialist. Doctor Barren said that he has seen them on Labs, in that specific area, get so bad, that they require amputation.

I can't think about it, I have to take this one day at a time. He has had two doses of his antibiotic and I think it seems less red and irratated, although the size is the same. I'm on my way to PetSmart to get dog food and more toys to keep him occupied. My dad kept saying things like "Well, you can't have a three legged service dog, so i'll take him." It took everything in me not to cry. Winston responds well to Antibiotics, so lets just hope for the best.

Please keep him in your prayers!