My buddy

[Big_Dave]

This is my buddy Hunter. He's about 5 1/2-6 years old and weighs about 80 lbs.

He rides with me in the big truck when I have runs with fewer stops. That way I don't get too busy that I don't have time to stop for him to get out and stretch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/hunter3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/100_6058hunter.jpg

The guy below is Hunter's buddy. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/southernrain/coolguyDave.jpg

[Jimbo]

What's up with the shaved areas on his hind quarters?

Hip problems?

[Big_Dave]

What's up with the shaved areas on his hind quarters?

Hip problems?
That's where they injected the meds to treat him. Series of 3 injections.

Somehow last spring, we managed to forget about getting him to the Vet for his annual heartworm check.

In December I noticed that he was breathing harder than normal and had other problems. We took him in and found out that he had indeed contracted heartworm.

He survived the treatment and is living a normal life again. From Dec to March was the longest 3 months in my life. I've never worried so much before in my life.

The treatment cost us somewhere around $900-$1000.

I won't ever forget to take him to the Vet for check-ups and tests again.

The first pic was taken a couple days before we found out he was sick.

The second pic was right after his last set of injections and a clean bill of health from the Vet. :cool:

[Jimbo]

Thank goodness you caught the problem in time. I have seen heartworms destroy a very strong dog, and it was a sad sight. He lived. but was never the proud guard dog he once was ever again. Do your part, and let other people you know about what happened, so they don't make the same mistake.

[mare]

Dave, he sure looks like a sweetie! I'm so glad for you that he survived his bout with heartworms, what a struggle for the little guy.... yea and the big guy too!!!!!!!!!!

[Big_Dave]

The day that I took him in and found out what the deal was, Hunter was so 'worn down' and not feeling good at all. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't go outside, wouldn't do anything but lay there and look at me. Talk about having a guilt trip. :wow:

The Vet gave us some Prednisone for him and the next morning, he seemed like a new dog....back to normal.

Here's a link to the original post I made about this situation.
Hunter's Illness (http://roundtable.truck.net/viiewt.php?t=46276)

Hunter is 100% recovered from the bout with Heartworm. He does have some minor damage to his lungs, but as long as he doesn't over exert himself, he'll be just fine. The Doc said that there is a possibility that his lungs may heal themselves over time also.

[Detour]

Hunter is 100% recovered from the bout with Heartworm. He does have some minor damage to his lungs, but as long as he doesn't over exert himself, he'll be just fine. The Doc said that there is a possibility that his lungs may heal themselves over time also.

Took my boss in for his checkup last week and while we were there I was thinking about Hunter and wondering how he was doing. So glad to hear this good news!