Chronic infection

It's been a real treat to have Sabbath home. She's been no bother at all with the medications, and of course feeding is easy.

We went for the repeat blood test yesterday. Results back today - not too good. She has an infection with Babesia gipsoni, a parasite that affects the blood cells. This infection is not completely treatable so far. Most dogs with this will have a chronic infection, with anaemia and that in time affects the liver and kidneys. There could be acute episodes like she had as well. Her blood count has gone up but is not that promising. Her bone marrow is working extra hard but can't keep up with the cell destruction caused by the parasite.

Our vet has read up in journals, that a new drug combination has been tried that eradicates the parasite completely in 80 percent of cases in trials. He thinks there is no harm in trying. The drugs are 'human' drugs, quite easily obtainable; though there are several possible side effects. If we decide to go ahead, it will start end of next week, after another blood test and when the present antibiotics are completed.

This news is worrying, although again, we are grateful even to have her home for now. She actually , seems quite normal in energy if we allow her - though for now,we restrict her from tearing down the stairs or jumping on to chairs. Although I have found the freedom to 'let her go', the emotions naturally still lag behind. I am glad that for the next few weeks, my schedule is lighter.

This week has also been tiring because I have been waking up in time to see my younger son off to college. He gets a ride from a friend, but can sometimes sleep through the alarm. It reminds me of the back to school days again, waking up at 6.30am. This is just the first week of college so in time, he should adapt to early days again.