Tessa's Web Page

Special Needs: The Radiologist suggested that this is probably a congenital problem given all her other medical issues. She has a luxated bone in her hock (or her ankle). Tessa will eventually have to see an Orthopedic surgeon for this new finding. So at this time, Tessa is still battling her demodectic mange and it looks like she has to also battle a congenital skeletal abnormality as well.

Description:

Tessa is what's known as a double dapple dachshund, a product of poor breeding practices by a backyard breeder. She presented initially on 4/13/07 with a severe case of demodex and a secondary bacterial and yeast ear and skin infection, not to mention lots of fleas. Tessa has been on oral ivermectin for her demodex, but she became lethargic and began vomiting because of the medications. We stopped all the medications and she got better.

In June of 2010, after many months of fighting Tessa's demodex/skin infections, we had blood tests done, for allergies. Tessa has TONS of allergies that most dogs dont have (potatoes, certain grasses, cottonwood trees, corn, are just a few) and is now on monthly allergy shots and special food. Her skin is looking great! No signs of the demodex or the yeasty infection that went with her demadex. Her coat is growing back, slowly. Tessa tolerates her monthly shots without a problem and has been a real trooper through all of this!

Tessa will be traveling to Austin to Orthopedic Surgeon Elaine Caplan to be evaluated and have spine surgery for a ruptured disc. Please keep Tessa in your thoughts as she will need a lot of energy to recuperate!

UPDATE 05/26/12 - Tessa is doing very well on her allergy shots. We are now on once a month shots. Her coat is growing back in, the redness of her skin is lessening, and she is the happiest little girl. She is allergic to ALL kinds of potatoes, rice, and some other grains. She is on a special food that has nothing in it but meat and "gum" and she loves it! Since Tessa's back surgery, she has recovered nicely, and has NO signs of her surgery. Tessa never lost feeling in her hind end. We were fortunate to get her to Dr Caplan in Austin, in a timely manner, before any damage was done. Tessa loves to play in the yard and sit in your lap.