Hurleys Story..Cysts and MRSA

[Regina and Hurley]

Hello..today is Hurleys 1st birthday. I had it all planned. A doggie dip at his favorite yogurt bar and singing Happy Birthday to him. Today was filled with tears and confusion and I am turning to all the doodle moms and dads with much needed direction and prayers.

At 8 weeks I noticed 6 little areas on the top of his head that would not grow hair. When I brought him in for his puppy shots I showed the vet who said it was nothing, maybe some kind of birthmark. So I let it go. He has been a happy, healthy and much loved member of our family. When he was about 8 months old I noticed one of those "areas" was bleeding. I brought him right in to the vet. They said it was a ruptured cyst and he needed antibotics and a cytology. We had it done. It came back as Keratin Cysts. The vet said that with the antibotics and Vitiamin A they may go down or even away. I went for a second opinion. The vet confirmed that it was right but changed his antibotics. He put him on a very expensive antibotic, Clindamycin 75 mg. The vet said we had a 50% chance they would go away. The vet mentioned too, that this was common in Goldendoodles. (keratin cyst). They did not go away and they have doubled in size. Last Sunday the big one on the middle of his head ruptured. We went to the ER vet and was there for close to 8 hours. They shaved his head and we saw the horrible cysts up close. They did a biopsy. They put him on more antibotics, Xanax and Benadryl. (Xanax for being in a cone all day).

I got the results yesterday. He has MRSA and Keratin Cysts. I am trying to wrap my mind around this MRSA. The only way we knew was the biopsy. The cysts have to be removed ASAP. We are getting a rough estimate of 2000.00, but until the infection is gone which will be in about 2 weeks we won't know for sure. We are going through a Vet Dermotogist. He said its going to be around that much. We just don't know what to do right now. Only 3 special surgeons in our area will do this complicated surgery. The cysts between his eyes are so large that there is not enough skin to stitch up. We can not get a skin graph done. We just do not have the money for this. My husband and I are trying to figure all this out. We love our Hurley so much.

Next Thursday, we get his stitches removed from his biopsy. Then we will get a referral to the surgeon. Hurley is so special to us. He is my teddy bear. He follows me everywhere. He goes everywhere with us. He does not deserve this. I am hoping that there is someone out there who has good advice. Right now I am asking for prayers. Lots of prayers that a door will open and we can get this surgery done. That with enough prayers Hurley is going to be ok...please give your doodles big hugs right now..send lots of love our way. Thanks..Regina and my big orange moose, Hurley

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good to have the information here. I would think unless the vet says this is a genetic/congenital thing your breeder will not accept responsibility. This condition does appear to be life altering in some ways. Get advice on how to protect the family from the MRSA.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Regina, I am very sorry that you and Hurley are going through this. I hope you can find a way to help him, I know how hard it is to see a dog you love suffering.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Praying for you and for Hurley. Hoping you get wise counsel.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Regina, There is a group on DK called:

Low Cost Clinics & Veterinary Financial Assistance

[Regina and Hurley]

Thank you! I will check this out,,,so glad I told my story..I can find out what options are out there. thank you...:)

[Karan Johnson]

Regina, are you aware of The Doodle Messenger? this is a site dedicated to helping doodles in need..please check it out:

http://doodlemessenger.webs.com/

[Regina and Hurley]

No I have never heard of this..I will check it out :) thank you

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

About 15 years ago, a friend of mine obtained a lab at the local pet store.  There was a small fatty spot on the dogs head.  A year went by, and this tiny fatty spot grew so large the massive cyst ( very similar to your pictures) was successfully removed.   The dog lived to an old age.

I wish the best for you and your poor dog.  I see the Doodle Messenger has reached out to you.  That is wonderful.

Hoping to hear positive and happy updates from you very soon.

[Regina and Hurley]

Thank you for your story. I took Hurley for a long walk came back in and saw some replies. I am on the Doodle Messenger website already and reading it. I am going to write to them as soon as I get an estimate from Hurleys surgeon. We have to wait until next week to get the referral to be seen. I am going to get my letter started and pray Hurley gets some help for his surgery. Thank you:)

[GBK]

You and Hurley are in my prayers Regina!  I hope all turns out well and will be watching for updates.  Can't imagine how difficult this is for you all.  They are such a huge part of our lives, giving us all their love and sweetness.....

[Regina and Hurley]

Yes..Hurley is a huge part of our lives :) he goes just about everywhere with me. He goes to school everyday with me to pick up my kids. He knows when it's time and let's me know. This has been very draining on all of us. He has been through so much and he is only 1 year old. The thing is, he is still so happy. Tongue hanging out, tail wagging and ready to go. He just needs to get these horrible things off of his head and I know everything will be alright...he has my heart and I will try my hardest to make sure he's going to be ok:) thank you for your kind words..

[GBK]

My heart truly aches for you Regina.  I would do anything for my two, and understand how the money issues can make it even worse.  I have insurance just because of this and I hope you can find help thru whoever is available to you!

Gina, Buddy and Kona (GBK)