Hello Sebastian supporters! Sorry for the long pause between updates. Things are getting pretty hectic around here. So, I'm sure you're all dying to know how the vet went. It should be no surprise that ALL his skin scrapings came back positive for mites... The mange is back. We're bummed, of course, but we were also not surprised. His skin and hair had taken a turn for the worse very fast. So, it's back to the meds. We're looking at a couple months of therapy with the medication before we even consider surgery again.
Unfortunately, this is just the reality of Sebastian's situation. This on-again, off-again mange may be something we deal with for the rest of his life. We just don't know. What it comes down to is that immune system of his. It's just not staying strong enough to fight off anything as serious as mange. The medications he's on now will do well to treat the mites and the secondary skin infections, but I am studying a lot of resources to figure out how to treat the root of the problem which is the immune system. I've gotten some great leads from other Sebastian supporters and I have a accumulated a library lately of holistic/natural animal therapy books! We will figure something out!
Also, next week we head out for our cross-country trip! I really haven't gotten everything packed but I'm slowly but surely getting there. I got a nice new tent for $10 off Craigslist so we can camp out along the way. Also, a huge pet first aid kit to keep in the car. The movers come on Wednesday so we better get the rest of it done quick!! I'm getting pretty excited to head out. A little nervous, but mostly excited. Bella and Sebastian seem to sense that there is something going on. The boxes and clutter are confusing them! I am definitely ready to hit the road though. We have a long ways to go and lots to see a long the way.
So, we're done with vet visits for the time being. We have to find a new vet in Erie, PA once we get there and get Sebastian in to start the skin scraping tests again. In the meantime, rest assured that I will take lots of photos on our trip and if I can get online I will post updates along the way. Wish us safe travels! Till next time...
Oh, it is never ending my friends! Just when we think we're on one track with Sebastian, we find out we're on a whole different one!! There are SO many things that have changed in the last few days.
Most importantly, Sebastian is UN-cleared for surgery again!! Our veterinarian spoke with a prominent local dermatologist about Sebastian's symptoms. The consensus now is that what we're seeing is the beginning of a new mange flare-up. We are seeing some patchiness in the thinner hair again, odd sub-dermal growths, and of course, the discoloration of the skin that they found when they had him prepped for surgery.
Sebastian's next vet appointment is this Monday, April 7th. They will be taking skin scrapings from several areas to look for mites and they will also do some biopsies of areas of concern. Sebastian is going to go back on his antibiotic treatments as well. Based on the findings Monday, we'll create a whole new plan for Sebastian, but essentially as long as he is immuno-compromised... there can be no surgery.
Other big changes... It appears that for the time being, the dogs and I will not be going to Montana. Without divulging personal business, Dave will be going there to the dorms at the university, and the dogs and I will be heading back to Pennsylvania where my family is. What this means is that the dogs and I are in for one hell of a roadtrip! We'll be leaving in a little over 2 weeks, heading south to California to see my sister, then east stopping to visit family in Las Vegas, and a few sites of attraction in Arizona and New Mexico. From there we'll head due north through Colorado and Wyoming, and head east again, stopping in Deadwood, South Dakota, and then all the way back to Erie, PA. Whew!! haha Quite a trip huh?? I've put the map down below... I know it's an odd way to get home, but it's rare that I have the time to take it so I am going to take it WELL!
So, our adventures with Bella and Sebastian will continue on the other side of the country for awhile. I'm not sure how long we'll stay in PA. We may end up going to Missoula, MT after a few months... We just don't know! Either way, please keep us in your thoughts! Wish Sebastian luck at the vet on Monday, and of course I'll post the outcome right afterwards. Thanks for your support everyone!
P.S. There's a new way that you can help on the You Can Help! page and it won't cost you a penny! All you have to do is vote everyday for Bella's photo on a website photo contest! Details on the You Can Help! page. Thanks!
