My name is Duke!

10/28/09: Quick update:

"Duke is doing great! The cardiologist that did his echo said everything looks very good. No overt signs of cardiomyopathy, regular rhythm throughout the exam, and normal heart signs and function. We have done a holter monitor on him as well and are waiting for the results, but he did not have a fainting spell while on it. The spells have only ever occurred when Duke has been startled out of sleep. He just seems to get overly excited too fast, and has to lie down. These episodes are very infrequent and when they happen they are over in less than 30 seconds. He doesn't seem to mind!

Duke has settled in nicely with my two boxers and loves to play and go for walks. He sleeps like every other boxer I've known, like its his favorite hobby, and prefers to be close to you or touching you while snoozing.

As for his allergies, they are under great control with his Ultra Allergen dog food and Atopica allergy medication. He looks great and seems to feel great and that makes for one happy dog."

08/29/09:

Another special thanks to Andrea B who offered to match the difference needed to achieve Duke's medical expenses to date; Your generosity has made a world of difference to a handful of NBR dogs.


07/21/09: DUKE IS SCHEDULED TO SEE A CARDIOLOGIST
We need your help once again to help with his medical costs

Duke had an incident at his foster home where his legs went out from under him and he had what was described as a fainting spell. We took him to our vet and they performed some preliminary tests (i.e. EKG, etc ) and gave him an exam. Although the doctor did not find anything conclusive they suspect that he indeed had a Syncopal Episode and recommended that he see a cardiology specialist.

We have scheduled an appointment with a Cardiologist for an exam and diagnostic tests which will include an echocardiogram. We are hopeful that this incident was a freak episode but we will not know for certain until his appointment.

On another note, Duke’s allergies have finally subsided and his skin and ears look great. His allergies did return a few weeks ago and he had to go back to the vet. The doctor decided to try the medication called Atopica and he is responding really well. This is an expensive medicine but it doing the trick. Tucker was also prescribed Atopica for his allergies and he had great results as well.

Please keep Duke in your thoughts and prayers. We are hoping the Cardiologist gives us good news.




06/01/09: A short Update and new pictures from Duke's Foster Mom:
"Duke has been doing great. His skin is totally healed. His fur has grown back and he is as handsome as ever. He is a total cuddle bug, but when no one is available to cuddle him he cuddles by himself in the sofa (refer to new pics =). Duke is happiest when he is with my husband or myself. He loves to be with people and assumes all laps have been created for his comfort. If you are on the couch, Duke loves to lay on top of you...all 85 pounds! Duke has never had an accident in the house and has never chewed on anything that was not his. He is the perfect companion waiting for a family to call his!"

05/01/09: GOOD NEWS FOR THE DUKE

Duke returned for a final visit with his doctor and was given a green light for adoption. All of his sore spots are gone and his ears have healed well enough that he will not need surgery. Hurrah!!!

The doctor feels we should continue to give Duke the Prescription Diet Z/D food and DermCaps fatty acid supplement for a while, but he no longer needs ear drops, oral medication, skin wipes nor frequent medicated baths.

We are grateful to Duke’s doctor and his foster parents for doing such a great job helping him to get better. His recovery was possible because of their hard work and dedication to his care. THANK YOU to Jacqueline, Jessica, and George. You all did a great job!

Here is an update from Duke‘s foster mom:

“Duke is looking great!!! All of his bald patches are half way filled in and his ears look wonderful. When Duke first arrived with us one month ago he was on many medications and wipes for his skin. He was the perfect patient; he would lie down and roll over so I could wipe all of his sore spots. We were also giving him baths twice a week and he was great with them. I am amazed that Duke was so tolerant with all the medications and baths he needed in addition to being in an unfamiliar home with strangers.

Duke is a very lovable and energetic dog, sometimes almost to the point of being ‘over the top’ lovable. Duke loves to go on car rides but when he can't go he has adjusted to his crate and goes in and lies down with no more barking!! When we come home he bounces around and licks you for at least ten minutes.

He has been very good with visiting children and the other animals in the house. He was initially a little protective of his food with the other dogs, but that behavior seems to have disappeared; he has never been a problem with people.

Duke is completely house broken and has never chewed anything inappropriately. He is just starting to play with stuffed toys. His all time favorite toy is a stick, and he likes to play catch but needs some work on the return. He is a great cuddler but is a little bit of a bed hog. With some more work on his manners and leash walking he will be perfect.”

3/25/09: DUKE MAY NEED EAR SURGERY
Duke was finally released from the hospital after a long stay. He responded very well to the intensive treatment he was given, however, his skin still requires a lot of daily care (i.e. medicated wipes, medication, medicated baths, special diet etc) to keep him on the track of healing.

The most troubling issue has been his ears. The doctors decided to anesthetize him to flush out his ears in an attempt to open his ear canals as much as possible. Unfortunately, his ear canals are still occluded although they are very much improved.

They discovered a lot of calcification and the doctor’s are concerned that Duke may need a total ear ablation. They are going to give it a little time to see if the swelling will subside but the odds are that he will need his ear canals completely removed. They are doubtful he has much hearing at this time.

Here is the first report on Duke from his foster mom:

“Duke has been with us for a few days now and is adjusting great. He has a few bald patches and the insides of his ears are still swollen due to his allergies but that does not stop him from being 100% boxer. We are working on Duke’s manners and trying to get him used to the crate for brief periods of time.

Duke has not had any accidents in the house, which is wonderful. He seemed a little nervous in the car at first and then settled down nicely. Duke loves to sleep in bed with us; there is no way he is going to sleep on the floor.

Duke has really bonded with us. When my husband is home Duke forgets about everyone and everything else. If my husband does not give Duke what he thinks is enough attention Duke lets him know; he will “talk” to him until he gets his total attention. It is cute to see him get so excited!”

DUKE FINALLY GETS SOME RELIEF

A family contacted us after reading Tucker’s story with hope that we could help their three year old male boxer named Duke who they said had the same symptoms. He had been battling chronic ear infections and severe skin allergies for over two years, and his family was at the point of considering euthanasia.

Like many of the dogs we get into our rescue program, a lack of finances did not allow Duke’s family to continue the recommended medical treatments. They were reluctant to give him up but could not watch him suffer any longer. They decided to surrender him to rescue when we agreed to help them.

NBR made arrangements to have Duke dropped off at a vet hospital to undergo evaluation and treatment. When he arrived at the hospital his ears were so inflamed the doctors could not see into his ear canal. He was in misery with severe itching and was in extreme distress.

He has responded well to the medical care he has been getting at the hospital the past week but the doctors say he will need many months of continued treatment at home. He now looks 70% better, and the inflammation in his ears has subsided enough to accept medication.

Duke will be released from the hospital to one of our foster homes this week. He will arrive with several medications, a prescription food (ZD ), and instructions for his continued care. We will give an update as soon as he settles in with his foster family.



Can you donate to help DUKE?

You can send a check directly to: Northeastern Boxer Rescue
P.O. Box 95 Sunderland MA 01375. or use PayPal

Jane Scott - janescott@boxerrescue.com

Pam Fosco - pam@boxerrescue.com