Graham is not well

[Rachel]

Leslie, our hearts are so sad. I don't have to tell you how much we love Graham here. One of the highlights of my life was meeting and spending time with Graham and having him interact with Hannah and Tucker. Hannah was smitten and Tucker had his first and only best friend.

When I read Graham's extreme change of behavior, I was more inclined to believe that there had to be a physical cause and that he is probably dealing with symptoms that are serious. Graham has had lots of changes in his life and I just didn't think that the addition of Boone would throw him in this manner. Although the prognosis is not good, at least there is a diagnosis and some kind of treatment can be instituted and there is a chance of help for him. We will be praying that our Graham Love will once again rise and shine from adversity. He has done it before. Hannah sends her adoration and affection. Tucker says to tell Graham, *I can still lift my leg to pee, just like you showed me.*

[Cinder & Smoke]

Graham has (probably) what's called histoplasmosis.
It's a fungal pnemonia.

They can only confirm his histoplasmosis if they do an asperation
of his chest/GI tract, but that's not necessary.

If it is this disease ...

This all sound a bit "iffy" to me ...
and just "waiting to see" if he gets better - that can loose some valuable time.

As others have suggested -
I'd suggest a Second Opinion - from either a Vet School or a
very well respected, multi-vet clinic.

There are articles on "histoplasmosis" on the i-net -
but be sure you specify the Canine variety.

Here's one: http://www.mold-survivor.com/canines.html

Please ask around to find a suitable hospital or clinic to seek a Second Opinion.

{{{Hugs}}} from Phred

[Rachel]

Phred, I didn't read Leslie's post to be a *wait and see* protocol, just that the procedure to confirm the diagnosis was not necessary. The post to me read that they intended to try the medication and if it worked they would see improvement in his willingness to eat.

[Logan]

Leslie, I am so sorry that I missed this thread until now. You know you and your sweet Graham are in my prayers. He is a happy, loving dog and to hear of him being so sad and sick makes me sad and sick.

Please keep us posted as you can and know that you have all of us praying and thinking of you both.

Logan

[Cinder & Smoke]

... the procedure to confirm the diagnosis was not necessary.

... they intended to try the medication and
if it worked
they would see improvement in his willingness to eat.

My worry is the diagnosis is not confirmed ...

means the treatment may not work because it's treating the wrong condition.

I still suggest a Second Opinion from a First Class School or major clinic.

/s/ Phred

[Jadapit]

I'm so sorry Graham is feeling so bad. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

[Ginger's Mom]

My prayers will be with you and Graham. I know of another person whose dog was suffering from a deep depression and after many tests was also diagnosed with cancer. That was my fear for Graham. I hope the medicines that he is now on work wonders for your special boy. You and he will be in my thoughts.

[lizbud]

I really tend to look at any depression in an animal, as having a physical
cause rather than a mental one. I do hope Graham responses to this kind
of treatment & can have some good, happy days left for him.You both
are in my prayers.

[Sudilar]

I am so very sorry to hear of Graham's illness. I hope the medication helps him to recover. My prayers are with you and Graham at this very difficult time. It is so sad to hear that each of our Pet Talk original furbabies are getting older and having serious medical problems. I will be hoping and praying for improvement and a return to health. Hugs your way.

PS Great to hear that Cassie is still a happy girl!!

[Daisy and Delilah]

My thoughts and prayers are going out to you and Graham Oh how I hope he gets better soon!

[K9karen]

OMG Leslie. When I finally checked in and saw the header, I nearly passed out! Graham Cracker is such a special boy to us. I can remember Graham stories vividly. I'm praying with every beat of my heart, my soul that Graham's treatment takes affect. Do you have any idea how he contacted fungal pneumonia? Please please keep us updated.
I love him as my own. I don't know what else to say, I'm so stunned. Please, Graham, hang in there. So many humans are rooting for you. {HUGS}

[AdoreMyDogs]

OMG Leslie. When I finally checked in and saw the header, I nearly passed out! Graham Cracker is such a special boy to us. I can remember Graham stories vividly. I'm praying with every beat of my heart, my soul that Graham's treatment takes affect. Do you have any idea how he contacted fungal pneumonia? Please please keep us updated.
I love him as my own. I don't know what else to say, I'm so stunned. Please, Graham, hang in there. So many humans are rooting for you. {HUGS}

Yes, it's contracted by consuming soil that's been contaminated by bat and/or bird droppings. For some time now he hasn't wanted to swim when we take him to the lake, but for some odd reason he has taken a liking to licking the clay around the lake so that's most like how he got it.

Thanks everyone for the prayers.

[ChrisH]

Oh, no. Big prayers, love, positive and healing thoughts all on the way for dear Graham boy. {{hugs}}

Originaly posted by Pam
Please do tell your mom that Cassie has a fan club of at least one member on on Pet Talk. Ask her if she would plant a kiss on her little puggily face from me. Bless your mom for continuing to care for this sweetie when others might have thrown in the towel.

Please include me in that fan club, the request and the thanks.
Chris

[wolf_Q]

I'm so sorry to hear that Graham is not feeling well. I remember meeting him at the dog park and he was just the sweetest boy. I hope he will get feeling back to his old self soon.

[shais_mom]

OH Leslie -I am so sorry I am coming late into this.
You and Graham will be in my thoughts and prayers.