Dear Listers, Some may recall my Griffin's nosebleeds last fall which lead to a rhinoscopy in January as well as a discovery of high ehrlichia titres. Towards the end of December, Griffin developed some suspicious lesions on his muzzle as well as a severe case of conjunctivitis. His breathing was also whistling as if his right nostril was stuffed up. During this entire time, Griffin was under the care of experienced veterinarians and specialists, who all assured me this was not histio. My intuition said otherwise, but I stuck with the vets and complied with their advice. Griffin's nasal symptoms subsided without treatment eventually and the muzzle lesions settled down (though I could still see them lurking).
Well... sadly, Griffin is having the same problems again. The lesions are back with a vengeance and this morning he woke up with bad case of conjunctivitis in his right eye. This looks to be a classic case of systemic reactive histiocytosis. I might be jumping the gun a little, I know. However, I am now abandoning the vets that we have been seeing since the late fall and winter. Another Swedish lister, Margareta Strand has been counselling me (Tusen tack Margareta, du är underbar!) and has graciously set up an appointment for Griffin at her vets this Tuesday. Margareta's Vincent was diagnosed with systemic reactive histiocytosis late last year and has been doing very well on cyclosporin treatment. In fact, Margareta has given up Vincent's follow up appointment this Tuesday so that Griffin may come in instead to her vet as an emergency case. This is such a generous gesture that I felt I should share it with all of you. Pat, I think I need one of those histio blood test kits .... let me know what to do, k? If it will go faster, just tell me what tubes are needed (additives and if you want them centrifuged) and I will managed the blood collection myself. My beloved Listers, thank you for making this list such a caring and generous community. Please say a few prayers for my sweetheart Berner, Griff in tonight. Hugs to all your Berners from us here in Sweden, Cecilia Ståhl and Griffin Stockholm Sweden
