Hi-

My Pom was diagnosed with a fungal infection. I brought him to the
vet a couple of weeks ago because I noticed a scab on the end of his
tail, which he was chasing, and then I noticed 3-4 scabs elsewhere on
his body. During the 10 days while the culture was, well, culturing,
I gave him antibiotics and an antihistamine (which we got from the
vet) and have been shampooing him with special shampoo. I also had
his hair cut down so that now he looks like an Ewok--this just makes
it easier to monitor the situation and makes it easier to shampoo him.
The "scabs" have cleared up and he has stopped chasing his tail
around and he seemed quite back to normal when the vet calls and tells
me it's a FUNGAL infection (culture was done culturing by then), and
prescribes medication that is going to cost $60 and I have to drive 25
miles to get it! (Of course, I realize that the cost of the medicine
and its distance from my place isn't the vet's fault.)

I'm leaning heavily towards NOT shelling out another $60 (in addition
to the $175 office visit costs). I'm thinking there must be something
cheaper than this that can do the same thing. Anyone have any ideas?
I looked at past posts but didn't find any solutions.

TIA,

Lesley

What has probably happened is that the secondary skin infection has
cleared up (the places where the dog scratched) but usually the fungus
only shows up under a "Woods Lamp" so just because you can't see it
doesn't mean it isn't still there. Also, it may be something that can
be spread to you and your family (most fungus comes from soil not the
animal) so getting rid of it would be best for the dog and yourself.

Of course skin fungus has no internal health consequences but seeing
your dog lose patches of hair can't be a 'good thing' and having
itchy, scabby sores on your own body isn't that attractive either.

I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Now that pet care has started to catch-up to options afforded people
there comes that high-price tag which has followed the gift of better
than ever pet health. The choice is still yours to make. Complete the
care of stop half way and hope it resolves itself without the pricey
medication.

What has probably happened is that the secondary skin infection has
cleared up (the places where the dog scratched) but usually the fungus
only shows up under a "Woods Lamp" so just because you can't see it
doesn't mean it isn't still there. Also, it may be something that can
be spread to you and your family (most fungus comes from soil not the
animal) so getting rid of it would be best for the dog and yourself.

Of course skin fungus has no internal health consequences but seeing
your dog lose patches of hair can't be a 'good thing' and having
itchy, scabby sores on your own body isn't that attractive either.

I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Now that pet care has started to catch-up to options afforded people
there comes that high-price tag which has followed the gift of better
than ever pet health. The choice is still yours to make. Complete the
care of stop half way and hope it resolves itself without the pricey
medication.

(Colleen) wrote in message . com...
I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Yeah, I decided to go ahead and get it, but it's not 25 minutes, it's
25 miles each way! But they are going to mail it to me.

Even though Fuzzy seems to be OK, I know I won't be able to stop
WORRYING until I get the prescription.

I need to get a second job.

Lesley

(Colleen) wrote in message . com...
I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Yeah, I decided to go ahead and get it, but it's not 25 minutes, it's
25 miles each way! But they are going to mail it to me.

Even though Fuzzy seems to be OK, I know I won't be able to stop
WORRYING until I get the prescription.

I need to get a second job.

Lesley

I know what you mean about having to get that second job. Just when
you get ahead it seems something comes up and when it comes to these
little pets of ours it is impossible to say no to treatment when it is
available (for a price).
I keep telling myself I'm going to start a "Vet Fund" by putting a set
amount of money aside each month just for doggie health care. Maybe
that will be my New Years Resolution.
Hope you get this problem under control but keep in mind fungal
infections can often take a long time to resolve so be diligent and
don't get discouraged.

(Lesley) wrote in message . com...
(Colleen) wrote in message . com...
I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Yeah, I decided to go ahead and get it, but it's not 25 minutes, it's
25 miles each way! But they are going to mail it to me.

Even though Fuzzy seems to be OK, I know I won't be able to stop
WORRYING until I get the prescription.

I need to get a second job.

Lesley

I know what you mean about having to get that second job. Just when
you get ahead it seems something comes up and when it comes to these
little pets of ours it is impossible to say no to treatment when it is
available (for a price).
I keep telling myself I'm going to start a "Vet Fund" by putting a set
amount of money aside each month just for doggie health care. Maybe
that will be my New Years Resolution.
Hope you get this problem under control but keep in mind fungal
infections can often take a long time to resolve so be diligent and
don't get discouraged.

(Lesley) wrote in message . com...
(Colleen) wrote in message . com...
I'd go ahead and spend the $60 or call the vet and ask the name of the
medication he is prescribing and see if you can get it online cheaper.
If so (and if cheaper includes shipping fees) then ask the vet to fax
your RX straight to the online source (which most vets aren't thrilled
to do but good one WILL oblige...and probably talk stink about you
behind your back (: or ask if you can have it mailed to you, thereby
saving the 25 min. (no big DEAL)ride to pick it up.

Yeah, I decided to go ahead and get it, but it's not 25 minutes, it's
25 miles each way! But they are going to mail it to me.

Even though Fuzzy seems to be OK, I know I won't be able to stop
WORRYING until I get the prescription.

I need to get a second job.

Lesley