The powerful combination of good medicine and unconditional love.
In the last post on Hazel’s condition, back last Thursday, I passed on Dr. Codd’s observation, “… that by not having Hazel on her meds we were, of course, letting the fungal infection continue its damage.”
Dr. Codd also recommended reducing the dosage of the Fluconazole to lower its side effect of suppressing appetite.
So since then, with outstanding care and patience, Jean has been coaxing Hazel to eat just sufficient food for Hazel to be able to take the Fluconazole, for her fungal infection in her lungs, and Doxycycline, for her tick infection. (Mind you, Hazel is still a long way from eating reliably.)
Yesterday, (Saturday) Hazel was showing clear signs of feeling better but still having to be hand-fed by Jean.
Then this morning (Sunday) she really was perky and readily came out for a walk with the other dogs.
oooo
More generally, Dr. Jim was trying to track down supporting details to the observation made by Dr. Russ:
Namely, that there was evidence that fungal infections can lay dormat for quite long periods of time.
Jim sent me the following email:
Paul …The following article is the one and only reference I have found so far that refers to the possible dormancy of this fungal infection. In paragraph 2 (Clinical Disease) I have highlighted it in red. I have to admit, I was skeptical.Jim
The article was:
Coccidioidomycosis (Zoonotic)
Last updated on 2/4/2011.Contributors:
Rhea V. Morgan DVM, DACVIM, DACVOSynonyms:
San Joaquin Valley Fever
Valley Fever
This is that domancy aspect from that paper that Jim highlighted (in red):
The incubation period in the dog is 1 to 3 weeks.1,2 The organism can remain dormant, with exposure preceding the onset of clinical signs by 3 years or more.1,3 Although people may acquire the disease from the same sources as domestic animals and the mycelial forms are highly infectious, with one exception the disease has not been transmitted from animals to people. One published report exists of transmission to a veterinary assistant via the bite of an infected cat.15
Meanwhile, over in Brandy’s corner, he has very quickly healed after his neutering operation last Thursday. It was fair to say that he was not a happy chappy when he arrived home that day.
oooo
But his cone was off by Saturday and he is back to the wonderful, bouncing dog we all love so much. (Can’t believe that last Saturday was only the second week that Brandy had been with us; he has so quickly woven his way into all our hearts.)
oooo
Returning to Hazel we are still some way from knowing that she has returned to a fully fit dog but the love and caring sent her way by all of you out there has been precious beyond imagination.
Thank You All!
Learning from Dogs 
Oh aren’t they both SO huggable !!
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Something that doesn’t go unnoticed or isn’t responded to very frequently!
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so glad to hear about Hazel 🙂
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What lovely photos! So glad that Hazel is starting to show signs of improving and that Brandy is coming to terms with his new status!
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Thanks Eleanor. It’s such a treat having your thoughts here.
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Great news that Hazel is pulling through. Tick disease is nasty eh? That plus a fungal infection = 😦
Still crossing all paws for her.
I feel for Brandy after Tosca’s recent spaying op – and the cone – but how fast they recover. He is a gorgeous boy and Jean has a heart of gold.
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Yes, we still need many crossed paws for some while ahead. Your sentiments expressed in your last sentence are spot on. Thank you.
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Wonderful news about Hazel!
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😀 Thanks so much, Tony.
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Good on Hazel! This is great news. As for Brandy, he’s just too good looking 🙂
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John, Brandy has a heart that matches his good looks. Lovely to hear from you.
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Yay!
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And so say all of us, Hariod! 😊
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Happy Dance 🐥🐥
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Thank you, Val!
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Thank goodness Hazel is feeling better by eating from Jean’s hand. For some reason when a dog or cat will not eat hand feeding works sometimes. Jean’s loving kindness and TLC makes it all so much better. And of course yours too.
My daughter told me that she thought that fungal diseases can live dormant for several years. I had called her to talk about one of my cats and told her about Hazel.
Healing thoughts and prayers are still being sent Hazel’s way.
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Yes, it turns out your daughter is correct. The likelihood was that the stress of the tick fever infection ‘activated’ the fungal disease. Said it before and I’ll say it again: your interest is so much appreciated!
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This is such good news, and hopefully continues, especially with Jean’s dedication and loving care. I love the way Hazel cocks her head to one side, and a good sign for you guys seeing her do it.
Don’t worry, Brandy will soon forgive you! He is a gorgeous boy, and I just love his soft eyes.
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Thank you, Barb, for your lovely comment. Everyone has been so kind!
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Paul, wonderful news about Hazel! Yep, she looks a lot happier! Interesting article. Thanks for including it. Good that Brandy is well healed! 💛 Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, it was only a small extract from the scientific paper. Did you want me to publish as a separate post all that Dr. Jim sent me? (It’s pretty dry!)
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Thanks, Paul! Not necessary to read the whole paper. It’s enough to know Hazel is getting better and acting like her old self! 💛 Elizabeth
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Just read your story about Hazel. So glad to see she’s feeling better! Brandy sure is handsome!!
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Tricia, how lovely to hear from you. If we can keep Hazel eating sufficient for hers meds then she will eventually be fully fit. Although Dr. Codd did warn us to expect some scarring damage to her lung tissue, for the infection was severe. Brandy is a treasure. Hope all is well at your end.
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