Our Little Quincy Has Auto-immune Disease, Hurts So Much Options

[Aaron]

It was just a few years ago that I came here to lean on this community for support when we lost our car Reggie to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). It's with great sorrow that I have to return for support for another sick pet. Our sweet dog Quincy, a Maltese, came down with auto immune disease recently and we are trying to suppress the inflammation, but it is proving to be a difficult task so far. We are by no means giving up, but I feel like every day that passes that he does not improve means we are closer to losing him. Back in late December he had his regular annual exam and got his vaccines. We suspect that one of the vaccines triggered his immune system to go into over-drive, for lack of a better phrase. The vaccine was not the cause, as all vets we have spoken with say this is genetic and it takes just one trigger to bring this disease to the surface.

We initially tried steroids which helped some, but it did not completely suppress the inflammation. He slowly got worse so we got an MRI done which revealed considerable fluid on the right side of his brain. So they tried a large does of steroids (prednisone) which had an impact but then he seemed to get worse. So we went to the next treatment which is chemo since we are trying to suppress over-active cell activity. He was having seizures so he is on meds that make him considerably drowsy, so it's hard to tell if the chemo is having an impact since they cannot measure his neurological signs accurately. But the doctor is concerned the chemo might not be having an impact, which means we have fewer treatment options. They have told us that if the chemo does not have an effect, then his prognosis is "poor".

If you are reading this, then you know how difficult this can be. We are stressed both physically and mentally and it would devastate us to lose another pet after just 2.5 years. I can't even imagine how destroyed my wife will be of we lose him, but I am starting to prepare myself for that. I am just typing this to get it off my mind and my chest. We are staying positive and won't go out without trying every viable option. But every day is incredibly difficult.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.

[Aaron]

thanks moon_beam, we keep reminding ourselves that progress, slow or otherwise, is progress. I know these meds, especially when given in the manner Quincy received them, can have stronger temporary side effects that take time to subside. It's definitely a "team effort" in getting Quincy back on his feet (figuratively and literally). My wife and I, her parents, my parents and her sister and her husband have all layed a role in helping Quincy. The last few days he has shown improved ability to get himself up after he stumbles, which is an indication that his hind leg strength is getting back to normal. My wife sent me a video of him waking in the backyard and he is walking "taller" and in a more controlled manner. So it appears that the side effects of his meds are slowly waning. We have someone on duty for each day over the next 2.5 weeks, so we're hopeful he will be back to his more normal self after that time so he can hang out next door with his cousins or at his grandparents' house. It's been a challenge on many fronts, but we told ourselves we would not give up on him.