In 2009, we were called to adopt a beautiful adult dog from a shelter who had a persistent and ongoing case of dermodectic mange. This is a type of mange that is not communicable, per se, but is caused by an exaggerated reaction to the mites that all dogs naturally have occupying their skin. Often dogs with ongoing dermodectic mange, have other autoimmune issues, which occasionally include lupus.
Sable was a beautiful dog who still had missing fur around her eyes and muzzle. We were told that now that her dermodectic mange had been treated that it should resolve and she should live normally. We knew at the time that the possibility of recurrence existed. In not too many years prior to this, dogs with ongoing cases had to be euthanized.
About a month later, Sable once again had a severe case of dermodectic mange. She was itching, losing hair, had infected eyes, and had areas of skin that were also infected. Our vet treated the infections, but needed to do some research as to how to suppress as severe and as continuing a case as she had. Once again, she recovered, only to backslide again, every time the daily drug which helped to prevent her reaction was withdrawn or the dosing schedule amended. In addition, Sable had a touchy stomach and couldn't receive the oral version of the drug as often as she needed it to inhibit the reaction. Eventually, the vet had me administer Dectomax, which we had on the farm for other animals anyway. Sable received about a half ml. subcutaneously every third day, and this permitted her to recover, and live a normal life. Of course, medicating any dog as frequently, with any drug, is not well charted territory. As much as she needed the drug, receiving it could ultimately cause liver and other problems. Each year, the vet explored cutting back, and each year, Sable would have a flare, and we would have to return to the prior dose. At some intervals, she received Dectomax every other day via subcutaneous injection. We realized that the continuous use of the drug might decrease her expected lifespan. We also were grateful to have her live a wonderful life here on the farm, and not require euthanization.
Eleven years have passed since beautiful Sable came to us, and she has enjoyed a wonderful life and has been an important part of the farm. She has played with horses, alpacas, cats, chickens, guineas, ducks, sheep, and other dogs, and now she plays with our grandchildren. Her jet black hair is now gray in places, and her eyes have aged. Despite the thickening of parts of her skin as a result of her ongoing skin process, she still has thick hair, so much so that she frequently resists our putting a turn out style dog coat on her in Winter.
A couple of days ago, Sable went out, and didn't come back in. When we found her, she seemed unable to walk and more concerning, unable to eat. We have had dogs recover from strokes before and so we were initially very positive. She received an antibiotic in prevention because her lungs seems congested following her neurological event. For the two days that followed, she peacefully lay on her side. We offered food and fluids at intervals, and were prepared to have her euthanized, had she experienced pain or tooth grinding. Sable passed peacefully in the early afternoon today, probably the result of a stroke.
When we take on an animal with a chronic illness then we must anticipate some added effort and some expense, but we also should expect a loyal and kind friend. Sometimes a dog who has required specialized medication all of their lives will die early, but sometimes they won't. My family and I don't regret even one moment of the time we had with Sable. Sable sweetheart, rest in peace, and thank you for being a part of the farm. It was our honor and privilege to have you here.
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