The diagnosis was devastating.  We feared the worst and thought that we were going to lose our  “Booboo” girl. The vet who diagnosed her was not my usual vet, and he told me that she didn’t have long to live and that putting her on the necessary medications would only prolong a life of suffering.

Andrew and I spent many days believing that the day when we had to make the final decision for Rhythm could be any day now.  I chose to try one more thing to see if she would respond. I put Rhythm on an all-raw diet.  She had been on a partial raw before this, but I decided to do away with the kibble at least for now.  Within a few days we saw a total change in her attitude. She became active again and wanted to play with her toys.  This dog wanted to live and we would do everything we had to, to make this so!

WHEN RHYTHM WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED

I took her to a wonderful ophthalmologist in CT and with her help we treated not just her eyes, but her overall health as well.  She responded incredibly well and before we knew it, it was like having our old Rhythm back. 

Treating a dog with VKH can be a bit of a roller coaster ride.  They’ll be doing really well for months and then have a relapse.  You can’t be afraid to change the medication schedule to keep them as healthy as they can be. Every year for the past 4, my vet has said that with the low doses of prednisone and immuran that Rhythm is on, that we shouldn’t see any other health issues. 

Rhythm continues to be the “queen” of the household and has enjoyed playing with any new pup that has joined our family.  She tires easily, so sleeps a good part of the day, but she always has that burst of energy when someone wants to play, or when there is pizza crust to be eaten after dinner.

It has been over 4 years since the initial onset of Rhythm’s ailment in December of 2000 and we hope to have many more good years with her.

RHYTHM NOW