Three weeks. Three veterinary appointments. And yes, I needed one of Dad’s spreadsheets to keep track of everything they told me. So get comfy as I update you on my eye, nose, and even a new primary veterinarian!
First up, I had my 4 month followup with my eye doctor. Good news! Despite everything with my fungal infection nasal surgery, my eye is alright! In fact, the scleral hemorrhage in the white part of my eye has completely healed! Also the “ribbon” on my optic nerve has become a small pinpoint of blood, which may also continue to heal and disappear. Best yet, nothing new detected during this exam! My Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis is not progressing, and the cataract has not advanced. So I will stay the course with my eyedrops regimen.
While there we also had a long conversation with my ophthalmologist about whether the fungal infection could have caused the hemorrhages in the first place. More specifically, could my diagnosis of high blood pressure could have been from the Aspergillosis? My ophthalmologist explained how although close in proximity, the fungal infection in my nasal cavity probably wouldn’t have affected my eye. There is the chance that it may have caused some stress, because any inflammation in my body could affect my eye. However, he doesn’t think that was the cause, and that the high blood pressure is a separate issue. He even went as far as to credit the fact I have no new hemorrhages to finally having my blood pressure issue under control. That brought up another concern Mom and Dad had about the carotid artery ligation I needed because of the excessive bleeding from the fungal infection. Again my eye doctor reassured them that it wouldn’t have any longterm effects on my eye. So all in all great news there!
Next I met my new primary vet. I didn’t want to say anything, but during the ordeal of my nasal surgery, my primary vet that I’ve seen since I was a puppy, and followed to a new animal hospital, moved again. He’s now at an animal hospital closer to his home, which is great for him, no more long commute! And even better for his pets, because less driving means more time with them. But it left me without a vet because his new animal hospital is too far for us to reasonably travel to, especially considering how often I go these days!
Therefore last week I introduced myself to my new primary vet. And well, I made quite the introduction! I wanted to impress her with my biggest goofy grin, but when she leaned down to say hello, I sneezed mucus right on her! AWKWARD! Thankfully, she had already read the report about my fungal infection, so wasn’t too surprised by what Dad calls my “nose cannon.” It was a long appointment because Mom and Dad had a lot to explain about my Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and the aforementioned fungal nasal infection. My new vet listened to it all, asked questions, and offered good advice. In the end, together we came up with a plan of how to move forward with my treatment.
Before needing a new vet, initially this visit was suppose to be a followup on my blood pressure diagnosis, to ensure my kidneys are ok. They were “leaking” before, and my previous vet wanted to make sure now that I’ve been on the high blood pressure meds for a while everything was on track. In June the results for my kidneys came back alright. But he wanted two consecutive tests. More good news! My urinalysis came back with my kidney function within the normal range!
I did have one issue with my new primary vet. She said I no longer need to get lunch. I’ve regained the 4-6 pounds I lost during the time I was fighting the fungal infection. So because I’m back to my ideal weight, and proved I’m maintaining it based on being weighed at all these appointments the past 3 weeks, it’s best I don’t pack on any extra pounds. Extra weight is just as problematic because it can cause stress on my hips, and I have a lot more hiking adventures ahead of me! So sadly, no more lunches. But they sure were delicious while they lasted!
Finally I had to have a followup with the Internal Medicine Specialist who did my nasal surgery. I know I told you at the end of September that I was headed in the right direction with the draining stopped, I only sneezed occasionally, and the honking cough disappeared. Well I reversed course in early October. It started as a slow clear drip, but soon the mucus returned in full force, with the frequent sneezing, and honking cough. Because of the damage to my nasal cavity from the fungus eating away at my soft tissue, I am more susceptible to infections. To take the least invasive approach, she started me on antibiotics to see if it is a secondary infection. The doctor said I should see big improvement with my symptoms in two weeks if that is the cause.
If that isn’t the cause, and it is the fungal infection fighting back, then I will need to repeat the treatment for Aspergillosis. Statistically speaking the Aspergillosis procedure I had is usually 80-87% effective, and some dogs require two rounds of treatment. The good news on that is it won’t be as bad as the first time. I already have the hole in my skull, so it would simply mean opening the skin above it, and inserting the fungal cream into my nose cavity again. It won’t require the scraping like last time. And it definitely won’t require another carotid artery ligation. So recovery time will be easier, just all that icky draining again. There is the concern though of putting me under anesthesia again at my age. Therefore at this point, we’re all hoping the antibiotics work and I won’t need the fungal cream treatment again.
So there you have it! Three weeks. Three veterinarian appointments. One happy dog, hopefully on the right path towards feeling my best again!
