I know, 2 posts in 1 day. Are pigs flying? No. I actually wrote most of this a while ago and forgot to publish it so it got stuck in the drafts (whoops!).
I never quite know what to say when I am asked "how is Toad?". I love that people ask and care about him, I just don't know how to describe how Toad is. Good/Bad never seem to describe it right nor does either one seem true. He has good times/days and bad times/days. He's both good and bad all at once and it can change in seconds depending on one tiny itch.
Toad will never be healthy. Ever. That flew out the window a couple years ago when someone decided to cut his ears off. The best we can possibly hope for for Toad is for him to be "Toad healthy".
Toad will always need meds, both oral antibiotics and ear ointments for the rest of his life. He will always have ear issues. He may always have skin issues at times too. The hope is we can get that to a liveable, relatively itch free level and keep it there with medications. That is "Toad healthy" and that's what we are aiming for. Much like a dog with arthritis who needs meds to control the pain, Toad will always need meds to control the infection. If it improves so far beyond that he can live without medications he will have far surpassed the expectations of the best possible prognosis for him.
Thank you for your updates today! I imagine they were not easy to write at times as Toad, as ridiculously cute as he is, raises some very tough questions. With my previous beloved dog it was so simple... he kind of let me know when he was done by his declining interest in food. Such a different situation with Toad, and honestly I hate that person who did that to Sweet Toad's ears. Even though we have never met, I admire your commitment to Toad and the thoughtfulness you put into his care. Blessings to you!!
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