Pugwarts
So, Carls Jr. (son of evil wartlord Carl) has been opening up new wart franchises all over Sid’s face and inside his mouth. I’m sure you’ve noticed them in some of the photos from our trip – they’re huge. Just in the past week, about five more began sprouting on the outside of his muzzle, one has begun growing underneath his right eye, and we discovered a few big ones on the roof of his mouth, back near his esophagus. Like, right in his throat. They all seem determined to eventually connect with the Carls Jr. flagship location on his chin, turning Sid into one giant wart. Sigh.
It’s the esophagus ones that are freaking us out the most – Sid’s breathing has been a little wheezy lately, and he’s been extra drooly – so we’ve scheduled a teeth cleaning for Sid on Monday. While he’s under anesthesia, our vet is going to remove the majority of the Carls Jr. locations. But, what we’ve learned over the past few months is that the Carl family is much, much stronger than Sid’s prednisone-addled immune system. These warts aren’t gonna be waving a white flag anytime soon.
We have to fight the underlying problem of his weakened immune system in order to banish these warts for good. He’s on the prednisone to manage his epic allergies (if it’s a carbon-based compound, he’s allergic to it). The prednisone basically stops his immune system from going haywire whenever Sid comes in contact with an allergen (basically every moment of his existence). But, the prednisone is also stopping his immune system from fighting back against the papilloma virus. So, when we say goodbye to the warts, we’ll also have to say goodbye to the one thing that’s guaranteed to tame Sid’s crazy allergies. (Atopica was a great alternative to prednisone for awhile, but, after a month or two of amazing success, he began vomiting whenever he took it. Of course.)
So, after Monday’s teeth-cleaning-wart-excision-bonanza, the next step is to go back to the dermatologist, get a skin allergy test done (more accurate than the blood tests, apparently), and start him on allergy shots. I’ve read that 65-85% of dogs respond well to allergy shots. A lot of people would consider those odds to be good, or at least “okay,” but considering Sid’s luck, that doesn’t make us feel very hopeful about going down this route. It is what it is, though. Right? And who knows, maybe our little guy will surprise us this time around.
But, in the meantime, Sid could use a little juju for Monday’s procedure. He’s gone under anesthesia for a teeth cleaning once before and he did fine, but that doesn’t stop us from being a nervous wreck, especially since he’s going to have all of these Carl’s Jr. locations removed from his face (and tongue!) (and eye!) (and throat!!) at the same time. Blergh. Google has only increased our anxiety levels, so any positive stories that you can share of pugs undergoing anesthesia, wart removals, and/or allergy shots in the comments section would be much appreciated…
July 6th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
Oh Sid and peeps! What a struggle! First of all, Sid, never fear, you are handsome and perfect with or without a metropolis of warts and I just adore you! Secondly, I know you will do fine with your procedure on Monday (and I will be praying for you). Brain and Jenn, Payton went under anesthesia too many times for my comfort level under stressful circumstances, but she always did fine. I just know Sid will be ok. That pred is no fun drug, so if the shots work for Sid, that is probably best in the long run. Before Payton got sick (PDE) she was on the allergy shots and they really helped her out. We noticed improvement in the first few weeks. She was on them for about 6 months, maybe a bit longer. Sorry I don’t have any long term prognosis or stats to share. Dr. Podell took her off them after the PDE diagnosis and then when she stabilized, we didn’t want to think about giving her yet another drug so she never went back on them, and luckily never had severe enough issues again that weren’t fixed by her diet change you probably read about on Pugnacious P. Try not to worry too much this weekend, just snuggle with that cool pug of yours. Give him a few big kisses for me!
Love,
Christy
July 6th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Oh Sid, we are so sorry. Those are sure a lot of warts, but you are always gorgeous and we are thinking of you at all times. I agree with Payton that the shots may be better the Prednisone. The whole dog journal had a really good extensive article on allergies in dogs, I may be able to send it to you if I can find the link. We will be sending all juju possible!
urban hounds
July 6th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Sid has had some amazing luck ending up in such a loving, caring home. Just in case, maybe Sid should get a few extra days of “Planet Cool Sid” to bolster his confidence and keep him distracted.
July 6th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Hi Sid, Jenn & Brian,
Suki & I are sending special juju your way. Becoming bionic twice & having her extra wart toe removed, like Sid’s toe, she has been in lala land & so far has done fine. Like you, I’m a nervous wreck, but I know she’s in good hands.
Suki has allergies too, she has done great on duck & potato. Thank goodness for no more extra toes.
Prednisone is not good at all, it only masks the symptoms of allergies & give short term relief. Shots and pills are not good, long term use can lead to Cushing’s Disease.
We will be thinking about you all & saying a special prayer on Monday.
Hugs,
Suki & Suki’s Mom.
July 6th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Charlie the Pug’s human!
Charlie says—-Sid you can do this! You were sooo brave about Carl! Tell your mom to try that Sweet Potato thing. Anything is worth a try!!! My Human and I are sending you serious Ju-Ju for your “cleaning”!
July 6th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Grandma & Grandpa Demski will be thinking about Sid on Monday and keeping him in our hearts….Even Ellie sends her love and hopes all goes well. Dogs have an amazing ability to bounce back quickly – I guess they just move on and accept what comes their way. Stay positive! Love Mom
July 7th, 2012 at 11:17 am
Ginormous amounts of JU JU being sent from NorCal to BK for my pal Sid! Those warts are going bye bye and never comin’ back…xox to all of you!
July 8th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
We don’t have advice be we have lots of love & juju to share with Sid, we will be holding you all close!
xoxoxoxo
Meredith & Scarlet
July 8th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
good luck Sid! I’ve been reading pugslope for a few months, since Sid reminds me so much of my little guy (http://the-captain.tumblr.com/) They both share a love of chin bolsters and soft plushy toys 🙂
July 9th, 2012 at 8:13 am
i’m sending good thoughts your way! Everything will turn out a-ok….
–Belly
July 9th, 2012 at 9:25 am
Tons and tons of juju to you and your folks Sid! You are just as dapper with those warts as you are without them. However, I do think it is time to take a stand against corporate america taking up so much real estate without even asking:)
Lots of pug love!
July 9th, 2012 at 10:00 am
Sid, Gampy’s praying for you and your family, although I think Christy has it right!
Love,
Gampy