July 9, 2019

White Dog knows that we have been involved in an on-going conversation with out vet's office since before the Boom! Explode! Holiday about readdressing and reworking Roman's medication cocktail.

It was then he suffered a severe setback behaviorally, not linked to a specific event that we can discern, that sent him into PTSD mega trauma. Our strategy then was to get him through the moment and the constant negative reinforcement of fireworks using calming drugs that would lessen his hyper anxiety and his threat to himself and the others. In the meantime, Dr. Julia and the behavioralist, the momma and White Dog have explored options.

We had to address THE question. There were no indications of a brain tumor or worsening neurological issue (we did xrays just a few weeks ago as part of or ultra thorough exam). Roman's ambivalent reaction even at the height of his attack, taking treats from my fingers and responding to the command "Crate," even as he snarled and lashed out with teeth indicated that he was attempting some self control even in the grip of his worst demons. Tears leaked when Dr. Julia said, "I do not think he is beyond help. He is not to the point of considering euthanizing. We have lots of options that will help reinforce what he is already starting to embed as right behaviors. BUT we need to step backward. Whatever triggered him may or may not be gone, we can not place anyone in danger. So he wears the muzzle all of the time for now, it won't hurt him. Reassure him it is just part of healing and not punishment. Touch him if he will let you without anxiety. And continue to use his crate as a place to recalibrate and be safe."

Today, we talked at length about his complicated medications. Roman has several issues that need addressing pharmaceutically: his active Lyme disease; his behavioral issues; and his non-functioning rear leg.

We agreed to continue use of Gabapentin for its pain reduction qualities (although its seizure properties did not seem to help his behavior). The doxycycline would be continued to combat the Lyme since it seems that when he is taken off for more than a week, the Lyme symptoms return.

Roman would remain on Acepromazine, the tranquilizer we added in as a response to the latest PTSD setback. We would wean him off of Prozac (which he has been on for a year) based on the idea that often pets, like humans, start to have negative effects if kept on these type of drugs too long. Replacing it once he is clear will be clomicalm; which we will assess in a month.

Additionally, Roman will receive extra-strength pain plus and CBD oil.

Roman's medical team will continue to research the issues for new insights and work being done. In the meantime, White Dog summed the mantra: "time and love. This is not insurmountable."

Roman presses his face into my hand. "We are with you on this journey Baby Boy. You are not alone. You are safe. You are home. Your are surrounded by so much support."