Outr First Real Vet Visit •UPDATE•

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Two days ago Riley and I were out walking. I let him off on a long line so he feels he is free and I can get him back if he gets distracted.  This did not stop him rolling in something disgusting which was black, gooey and smelly (though more like rotten grass than you know what).  It was on his shoulder and neck, before I knew it was on my hand too and there were flies buzzing like it was a rotting flesh (maybe it was???) As soon as I saw it we ran home as I swatted away the flies and as soon as I got him into the house it was straight into the shower.  Two hours later Riley smelt and looked gorgeous.  I washed his collar too and kept sniffing everything to make sure every trace was gone.

Fast forward to this morning. I was up at 6am because I had a very busy day ahead.  Three Press days, Pandora Jewelery, Harvey Nichols Autumn Fashion launch and the fashion show and party for Dublin Fashion week and I had promised Chloe (DD) she could be my PA for the day and I would give her all the goodie bags that come with these event. She ended up with a Pandora bracelet with five charms, a really good manicure, lip liners and lip glosses...you get the picture...  RIley needed to be at Day care for 8am.  I gave him a quick brush through and noticed that he made a little whining noise when I brushed his shoulder. I just made a little mental note but he seemed fine and  I was in a rush so off we went.  I picked him up at 3pm and the plan was to go home have a rest, regroup and go out again at 6.  When I collected him he was happy as normal and I managed to see him through a window in a door without him seeing me for a few minutes and he was playingvery happily with another Doodle and  looked fine.   When he came out to me and I was petting him he made that little whine again and I realized there must be something wrong so I started to check him over carefully.  Nothing wrong with his ear but when I started to feel his skin on his shoulder and just under his collar I could feel bumps.  I called the groomer and the owner and they both had a good look.  In the very places where the yuk stuff had been were sore spots and some small scabs.  It looked like bites or a rash of some sort or even the start of hot spots and the three of us decided that a Vet visit was needed...  The girls said he had been playing loads and he behaved as normal.  They are paranoid at the moment as there is an outbreak of Bordatella in some parts of Dublin.   I rang the vet and half an hour later we were there.  The Vet went over Riley with a fine tooth comb.  Normal temperature, heart,  everything Ok except this rash/sore spots.  The vet said that it seemed like an allergic reaction to whatever that stuff was.  He gave him a shot of Antibiotics and also a Steroid shot.  The vet said he would wait until tomorrow and see if it settles down, if not his hair will have to be shaved and he will add some topical creams to the skin.  We have ten days Antibiotic tabs and ten days on a decreasing dose of Steroids.  The bill came to €65 which is about 52 $ including all the meds.  I wasn't thinking of the cost but actually it was much more reasonable than I expected. I will check him again in the morning and see whether it is improving and if necessary the vet said he would see him and to watch out if it was weeping or more lumpy.  

Thursday update

No problems today and the rash is not worse or infected.   The lumps look less red, there are now scabs on some of the areas which are lifting and getting caught in his hair.  The Vet nurse said I could pick them out and then wash the skin with Hibiscrub (medicated soap)  I think I will wait until tomorrow or if anyone has any ideas? Meds are going down a treat in small pieces of sausage.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

How's Riley doing? Just seeing this now and wondering if you ever found out what the yuk was? Hope he gets better-what a strange event!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Anything new? Hope Riley is better.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

How's Riley today? Any relief?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Sounds like fly bites - they can be really nasty.  I have never had a dog have that happen, but more than once one of our horses developed fly bite infections that looked quite like you described.  Yuck!  Good you took him to he vet.  Hope the antibiotics and steroids do the trick.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I sure hope Riley is better in the morning! Keep us posted!

[Gail and Bailey]

Poor Riley!  Hope tomorrow is better for him and whatever this is clears up quickly!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I hope Riley feels better soon and the meds help!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Poor baby! I hope when he wakes up feelimg better.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh goodness... what could it be? I'm glad the vet is being proactive and hope to hear that Riley's rash heals up quickly. 

I'm glad your DD could work with you and reap the benefits! Sounds like a very fun day (other than the vet visit).

[Donna K & Quincy]

Poor Riley, I hope the meds work so that he doesn't end up with a really funny haircut. If it is an allergic reaction the steroid shot should work well.