Maybe the Vet needs to Pre-treat me!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Those of you that know Stuart are well aware that we almost lost him last year when he went into anaphylaxis - a reaction to a bee sting and the saga of how we now have to carry an epi pen.  Prior to that he had two more mild reactions to trifexis - one that left him with head tremors (went away eventually) and the other a mild case of shock.  Stuart has turned 2 and today was his vaccine appointment - knowing how allergic he is to everything - I laid in bed last night sleepless with worry.  I'm so happy to report that our Vet is not underestimating Stuart's sensitivity!  I told her that I just can't chance the Lepto vaccine (it has the highest reaction rate) and she agreed that for Stuart is was just too risky.  As small dogs don't usually get treated for Lepto and his breeder said NOT to ever let him have it - Rooney's never had it either. 

He did need Bordetella but since there is a very low reaction rate - especially to the nasal kind - we opted to have him pre-treated for a reaction, waited and then gave him the vaccine.   I might need to be pre-treated next time we have to go through this - maybe with Valium - lol because here it how it went down.  The vet brought everything into the room to have on hand in the dire case that he went into anaphylaxis.  Oxygen, shots, i.v. bags, etc.  Then she gave him a low dose shot of Benadryl into his vein - CAUSING HIM IN A MATTER OF 15 SECONDS TO COLLAPSE TO THE FLOOR.  Of course this scared the heck out of Bob and I - and even the vet was stunned at his sensitivity but reassured us that the Benadryl HIT his system hard and made him overly woozy.  When it was time for the nasal drops she did one and waited, then did another and waited, etc. 

Thank God for a Vet that cares so much for Stuart!!!  After today and what she saw I think we are now going to do the Titer Testing as other vaccines come due - she said that she feels that Stuart might not survive a rabies vaccine and she will go to bat for us to get a waiver.

So why take the time to share this story you might ask - so that I can tell those that don't already know that Stuart was born in a puppy mill, was adopted at 8 weeks and has a potentially life threating medical condition that will never go away.  I love this boy, he is my heart dog and I adore him just as he is, we've been through a lot in his two years and I will protect and care for him always, but if I can help educate people about the evils of puppy mills, that is my goal.  The way to shut them down is to spread the word that dogs sold in Pet Stores (we have a large one right here in Ft. Myers) are most certainly puppy mill dogs.  Secondly - rescue is the right way to go and many Doodles are out there that need a good home - but I strongly suggest Pet Insurance of some kind - just in case, thank goodness that I had learned that here on DK - Stuart is covered!!!!    

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Jane, Stuart is really special to many of us here on DK.  I remember when you made the "road trip" to rescue him...and then having to "catch" his poop on a paper plate during that terrible time when you were treating his giardia.  He is SO lucky to be with you, and I really "get" the whole idea of this guy being your heart dog.  This is a good reminder about puppy mills and the importance of rescue.  It sounds like you have a great Vet which is so important with a dog with Stuart's  health issues. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, It does seem like just yesterday that Jane was running around behind Stuart with a paper plate! True love, if you ask me :) Stuart is one lucky dog :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, Thank you for sharing. I am so glad your vet is so wonderful and Stuart has been so well taken care of by you, your husband, and now, your vet. Lucky Stuart. Lucky you!

[Leslie and Halas]

It's nice to have a vet that cares so much. It's scary to know that the vaccinations a lot of us take for granted can be so harmful for Stuart.

A reminder about pet stores and puppy mills is always good, especially with new members joining every day.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So glad Stuart is fine!  I have learned so much from all the DK posts about puppies, mills and best advice regarding insurance.  We have not had to use it-which is FINE!  but I feel better knowing it's available.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am soooooo glad that Stuart is owned by you because you are one of the best dog advocates I 'know.' You rock, Jane.  I agree that Stuart is a very good example of what you might get with a puppy mill dog - wonderfully sweet, absolutely adorable, but with very tricky health needs.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Awww - thanks for the nice words but any of you would do the same for your doodle - or any dog for that matter!  I learned so much from all of you!!!! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

First, Happy 2nd Birthday Stuart! You sure lucked out in the mom department! 

It's good to "see" you again, Jane! As you know, JD is also a puppy mill dog, and has way more than his share of genetic incurable inherited diseases, most of them immune-mediated, so thank you for helping to get the word out about puppy mills. I'm so glad you have a knowledgeable and caring vet who has Stuart's best interests at heart. Hopefully neither of you will have to go through another scary experience with vaccines.