Infection: good God...I have a dilemma (Updated 10-14)

[twiztedlilfae]

So glad to hear that he's doing better! And that's scary about him getting caught in the grids. But thankfully you were there.

[ameyjaney]

Glad to hear he's doing better :)

[suzilovespiggie]

Poor little pigster! What an ordeal. So glad this all has a happy ending.

[pigsmakemesmile]

Would you believe I recieved a call today from the vet about Pigster's cultures. This was done a while ago.They called me to inform me that the final report came in today and it shows Pigster has a "very nasty fungal infection" and needs to be on interferon for a month. My eyes bugged out as I wasn't expecting this kind of call. the last call was a while ago and then they said it was fungal but he didn't need to be on anything.

I'm leary about putting him on an antibiotic...I'd like to pick up a copy and research the fungi and research the anti fungal medication before I give it to him...if I even give it to him. The baytril blocked him up and gave him massive constipation. I thought I was going to loose him just from the effects of the baytril..lots of weight loss and no poo's.

Pigster's back to his old self and picked up the weight he lost. The fur that was shaved off when they drained the absess has even begun to grow in.
I can't see treating a condition when there's nothing going on...any insight anyone???

Would appreciate the feedback

[dpringle1737]

Fungal cultures take 4-6 weeks (or longer), so a few weeks ago there was merely a fuzzy growth on the culture media. Essentially, the fungus finally grew enough they could run the necessary testing to identify it. (I work in a people lab, and we often run tests on vet samples.) Now that it has been identified, the vet can recommend a treatment plan. Interferon is a strong medication so I would take some time to research it, and then discuss it with your vet. Fungal infections often can lay dormat for a period of time & then recurr with little notice. However, there are also risks when taking strong anti-fungal medications. My personal experience lays with dogs and anti-fungals. Emma (our gsd mix), takes rounds of oral anti-fungals for her ears in 3-6 weeks stints. During those times her food is closely monitored and her lab work too. It's a treatment plan that is not to be taken lightly. I wish you the best of luck in deciding what treatment is best for your little piggy.

[akstrohm]

Interferon is not an antibiotic. I recommend you go with your vet's advice and start treatment.

[Wheekie]

You're a really great Piggy Parent and Pigster is so lucky to have you! A good ending finally!