Hurleys update :)

[Regina and Hurley]

Hi guys!! I wanted to touch base with you and let you know how Hurley is doing. Over the weekend he was great. No issues. Monday afternoon I came home and noticed Hurley was just not acting right at all. He seemed in discomfort and kept shaking his head. So of course, I sit down next to him and start looking over his entire head. I lifted his left ear and saw some sort of rash on him. It was not in his ear but on his head. I will post a picture on his photo page soon. I noticed there was a discharge coming from it. I called Dr. Genovese and within the hour I was at his office. He said he thinks Hurley has been rubbing himself in the cone and it started this infection. He clipped the hair around it and scrubbed it with some medical flush. He sent me home with more medicine for Hurley. Today, Dr. G called and wanted me to bring Hurley back in. I went in at 3 today. Dr. G was not happy with the way it was still looking and switched his medicine again. He is now on a very strong Topical steroid spray and a medical flush. We can't have this infection spreading to his incision site....that is what is scaring me. He said it would be a nightmare if this spreads to his cysts that are remaining or where he had surgery.
I have been keeping constant vigil on him today. I won't leave his side. I have the cone off of him and his ear up so it can get air where the infection is. We are torn when it comes to the cone issue. A soft cone might work. A donut blow up cone, he may still rub his incision site on the couch or wall.

His incision is not what bothers with. He is going nuts with this rash infection thing going on. I have him on benadryl to help relieve him. I thought for some reason...surgery will happen everything will be fine and then his next surgery. He just keeps getting things things come up with him, that I feel put us one step back. I am spending my days caring for him and making sure he is ok. I feel like sometimes I am putting other things on the back burner because he needs me. I am going to be by his side every step of the way. When Dr. Genovese called me today and asked if he could see Hurley, I said yes. He said he knows I am busy and have my kids and lots going on. I told him when ever he wants to check on Hurley I am bringing him in. Wouldn't you do the same thing? I can't let this infection get out of control. So I am staying by his side and getting him through this..

I hope next year this time I am going to be posting Hurley and all his hair grown back, posting pictures of him playing with other dogs and talking about the crazy silly things he did that day. No mention of the word cyst, infections, needles, doctor visits....I just know it will come one day....

Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes, advice and donations for Hurleys surgery and recovery care....you have helped Hurley have a chance at having a long life....

I am going back again tomorrow so Dr. G can see Hurley again. I feel like this vet has totally taken Hurley under his wing and is just as determined to see him get through this just as much as me and my family, and of course, my family here on DK....

Doodle Kisses,

Regina and Hurley

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Constant pawsitive thoughts are going your way. Hugs to you and Hurley. I believe everything will be just fine.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear about this set back. You are so lucky to have a vet like Dr. G.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Your vet sounds like a compassionate man who is partnering with you to be sure Hurley is as comfortable as he can be & eventually cured.   You certainly found the best doctor just as Hurley has the right family :)  Here's hoping things will calm down soon :)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Regina I hope the same for you and Hurley this time next year....all a bad nightmare gone away!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Regina, did Dr. G say what kind of infection he thought this was? Cellulitis? What medication is Hurley on?

[Regina and Hurley]

It was caused by some kind of irration from rubbing in the cone. That's what we think. I put the picture on his photo page so you can see. He put Hurley on Topical Steriod Spray (Genesis) and he is on Chlorhexiderm Flush for the infection. He has seen him Monday, today and tomorrow to make sure it is not spreading. He said this kind of infection can get out of control and can spread very quickly if we don't keep it clean and keep medicine on it. I have been by his side all day.
Hurley is on Doxycycline 100 mg for his over all staph infection, Tramadol, and Acepromazine.
I can not name what he has called this. He told me the name but I just can remember what he said. I will ask him when I see him tomorrow.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I did look at the picture and I was thinking maybe cellulitis. How did Hurley manage to rub in the cone? By rubbing the cone against things? I hope you got it early and it will soon be gone.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Regina, I am so sorry for the setback.  Poor Hurley - I think itching is probably the worst to endure.  Hopefully once is gets to the next stage of healing, things will be easier.  My prayers are with you both.  Our Springer had a cyst removed from his eyelid 2 weeks ago, and while it isn't quite ready for the stitches to come out, it it looking very good.  When the vet said he would have to cut the cyst out of his eyelid, I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to close his eye completely.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like you and the doctor are doing everything that can be done for Hurley, he's lucky to have you both. Hope the meds help and Hurley's recovery continues. 

[BG and Gavin]

We continue to send prayers and good vibes to you and Hurley.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

So sorry to hear about this setback for Hurley. Of course, I will continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Hurley is one lucky doodle to have you and Dr G in his corner. Hang in there.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sorry to hear that Hurley has developed an infection but his surgery area is really looking great. It sounds like 2 steps forward and one step back right now but you are still making progress! And we're all still rooting for Hurley!