Flynn, then aged 10. Returned to Greyhound Welfare in May 2006 after 6 plus years in a home. The information here might be helpful to others.
Nasal problems were immediately apparent which the family 'attributed' to an allergy. Had not seen a vet for months.
Test after test followed. Aspergillosis (fungal infection of the nasal cavity) was finally diagnosed. We sent emails all around asking for any information or knowledge of this condition and received a an amazing number of replies.
Many thanks to everyone particularly Kathy from Greyhound Gap.
The charity disregarded recommendations to euthanise and he enjoyed a further eight months of happy family life.
May - June. 06. Flynn soon made himself comfortable with home carers. He was booked in for a dental and our vet took advantage of the anaesthetic to take a biopsy when he saw a swollen tonsil. Fortunately no cancer was discovered but the condition got worse and Flynn started to have frequent nose bleeds. The medication was changed and an x-ray requested. Put on Nizoral which is horrendously expensive but seemed to stabalise the condition followed by homeopathic and herbal remedies. By August Flynn was clear of nose bleeds
Photos taken in May 2006
July 06. This condition is apparently more common in cattle and birds and if anyone has the same problem we're in an ideal position to advise and reassure and pass on what we have learned. Caution needed; it's zoonotic. We can get it and so can pets in close proximity. Flynn is now happily settled in permanent foster care with experienced owners in Ebbw Vale and new pictures of his improved appearance are in the pipeline.
One nostril was particularly affected and the x-ray showed damage to the bone structure of his skull.
Please see the close-up. The gloop is most persistent
July - Aug. 06
Hopefully the growth of the fungus has now been halted and Flynn will have quite a few happy years in front of him. Coat is beginning to shine.
Eating like a horse but not putting on weight
Sept - Oct
More tests. Tumour suspected but not confirmed.
Abcess between shoulder blades responded to treatment
Nov. 06
No more Nizoral. Still leading a normal family life
and eating well but not much weight gain
July 06
Never mind the medical details. Where there is life there is hope. In spite of his problems Flynn is a brave boy with a spring in his step and a wag in his tail. See if you can spot the little chap on a day out at Crickhowell Dog Show. Happy just to be "one of the boys" and doing well on Nizoral (expensive but effective)
Photo taken June 06
Jan. 07
The fungus has won.
Flynn suffered a stroke on Sunday 7th. Massive bleeding from nose, mouth and eyes. No options left.
Sadly PTS, lying on his own duvet with his head in his foster mum's lap.
Reluctant goodbye to a brave, sweet soul.
For further information please contact Greyhound Welfare and Rescue
enquiries@greyhoundwelfare.org.uk
website
www.greyhoundwelfare.org.uk
Telephone 01633 892846
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