Update on Sassy's cultures

It's good that the Zenequin works on all of the bacteria; poor Sassy; maybe that explains the swollen lymph nodes. I hope there's a discount too but at least it's working; I'm so glad she's getting better. []

That's WHY it can take so long -- patience is a good thing because this way they KNEW it was 'bad' and that there were *four* bacteria AND that the right drug was being used. 
 
You're giving probiotics, right?? (probably a dumb question -- people on here are pretty clued in)

Okay,, glad things are looking a little better on this.   Hopefully all of these issues will be cleared up soon.
Now, to somehow try to stop Sassy from growing this stuff............
Hope you got that discount...sure seems you should!

Yes, Callie you were right on about the time needed for it all to grow.  Last time they had results faster but then none of the meds worked, so now I wonder if we hadn't waited long enough.

I asked the vet about using probiotics and she said this antibiotic isn't hard on the digestive system, so I didn't need them.  I realize it can still help balance good vs. bad bacteria, so I'm going to the store today and will get her started on good, live culture, yogurt.  Good idea?  Or would acidophillus tablets be better?  I have been giving the echinacea morning & night though.

Sadly, there was no discount for the antibiotics, so another $200 bill.  I was driving there thinking that I'd basically worked the day to pay for the meds.  Oh well, at least I can afford to do it.  I wonder all the time how others who are single or have many other bills/responsibilities, manage to do it. 

Cathy, that is SO true.  I honestly think that most people can not afford that kind of money...some don't even try to pay for it. I am sure you are greatful for the fact that you can earn the money.

Cathy, I'm glad to hear you've finally got some definitive info about Sassy and the bacterial enemies she's fighting!  From what you and Callie are discussing, it sounds like quite a tough thing to get good, thorough, accurate cultures.  And who knows if things in the lab are 100% ideal (environment could be compromised, lab tech having a bad day and miss something, etc.).  It makes me think of a friend who has struggled with an intestinal thing no one can diagnose, despite all the "standard" tests for parasites, bacteria.  She's been on so many antibiotics for so long, it's created all kinds of new problems for her. 
 
I understand how angry it can make you when you're not getting return calls, or if you do, it's too late in the day to follow up (like picking up meds before the office closes).  We dealt with that a lot last year.  When Tonka had his thyroid tested (only at my insistance), they said they'd call if he required meds.  I didn't hear anything for a few days, but called back anyway.  Turns out he was low thyroid, and the vet who took my call said, "Oh, didn't anyone call about this?"  I was like, "Uh, no - I just decided to follow up myself."  We picked up the meds that afternoon!
 
Anyway, I hope things are continuing to improve.  Did you try that recipe of Callie's?  I made a note of it - I have some dermatitis/itchy patches myself, and I'd like to try that!  Take care, and give Sassy a special pat from me.

I *think* I found zinc oxide today at Wal-Mart!!  (I left the husband out of it today -- he HATES Wal-mart *grin*.  He nearly had apoplexy when he found out I'd spent 2 1/2 hours there today -- I just had a good old time browsing around LOL!!)
 
Billy is BEGGING me to tell ya -- Stoneyfield is THE bestest yogurt (he says - and go to their website and you can get coupons).  Those little kid-packs are perfect size.  I give them just whatever flavors they like -- I don't give ones that have Nutrasweet in them.  Billy's all time favorites are Rockin Raspberry and Strawberry Vanilla.  (Of course since Billy's 'mom' hates, loathes and despises banana he won't get a chance to try the Banilla one cos I can't stand the smell  of it -- yep, I'm weird)
 
Just give it 2 hours 'off' from the antibiotic.  It won't hurt and it can help.  It's not the stomach but the intestinal tract really.  And given that this dog already has yeast problems (right?? *trying to remember*) then you surely want to give probiotics with ANY antibiotic -- at least I'd think so.  But it won't hurt.  (and acidolpholus is mostly what is IN yogurt culture)

Hey Tracy - I know you understand the frustration.  Can you imagine if this were children of ours?  I know these are our furkids, so  we'd probably feel the same, but I'm afraid I'd been one of those crazed moms.  When I was a dental assistant working for a pedodontist (children's dentist), long ago, we had some really persistent parents and sometimes would make a note in the chart "PITA" for"pain in the *##".  I always worry that they're going to think that about me [], but I'll push the envelope enough to get the information I need to take care of my dogs.

I made a note of Callie's recipe too and have it in my purse to pick up the ingredients when I'm out shopping next.  Sounded good and Callie always has good info and experience to share (thanks Callie!).

Cathy - it's so funny -- I just finished typing a response to Callie's post about Billy's latest bloodwork, and in it I said basically the same thing you just said about being a paranoid parent.  I was telling her that I feel so awful that we didn't find him a better vet sooner, a vet like the ones Callie has.  She reminded me not to think of those things as "failures," because we do the best we CAN at the time, or the best we KNOW to do, and at least we learn for the next time, or to inform someone else.  I then replied that it's a good thing that I don't have human children because I'd beat myself up about things I did or didn't do that caused later problems in the child's life.  I guess if you have several children, you'd figure out the right way to do things after you "practice" on the earlier children, but think of the wrong you could do initially!  My psyche is clearly one that feels guilt or regret very deeply, and I'm definitely a worry-wart, so I would probably be someone with a "PITA" notation on my pediatrician's chart!! [&:]