Hi All

Thanks so much to all of you who have shown concern, support and asked us to keep you updated.

A Special "thank God for you" to Cynthia who shared her knowldege of MRSA and meds with us!

Today is Bud's second month milestone as a tripawd and it was also his vet check. As many of you know, he had a nasty skin infection. The official diagnosis was "bacterial pyoderma", I believe. Because of the history of MRSA , the vet was treating with proven MRSA sensitive drugs. He had 2 antibiotics and a topical spray.Well, things didnt go well. The infection continued to spread. Bud has hair loss from where his last rib touches to where his hip should be. There was blackening and browning of the skin. Scabs and pus. He never did act sick, run a fever or have other symptoms.The vet thought we might have to hospitalize Bud so he could be treated with IV antibiotics.

We apparently have a better combination of things, I am happy to report there is no more spreading! The scabs are gone. There is just some redness. The vet said that even though the infection did not look or act like MRSA ….  he was still "suspicious" of the MRSA . We have agreed on a aggressive and longer term treatment. Bud will continue meds and will follow up at the vet every two weeks.

I have come to the conclusion that this MRSA is something that will always be a concern in Bud's recovery and treatment. It is not just the three week ordeal that the place he acquired it from, said that it would be. I often am reminded of the many of you with cancer pups, fighting bravely, finding comfort and joy in spending each day and hoping in tomorrow! Even though we have different diagnosis, I take heart in that! I also am so grateful for the monkey dog/tripawd banter that made me laugh on days I was not laughing!

So celebrate with us! Bud is still on his diet….from 103 to 82 and working toward 75lbs and that new knee brace. He has to have apples but for those of you that can….have something meaty, greasy or stinky for my Bud dog "K"