Update

I went to see Mark again with Troy today. The corticosteroid has worked well and Troy has been eating well (and is also feeling much more comfortable with his joints too) over the last few days.

We discussed the options for Troy now, which are either continuing the steroids for Troy more or less permanently or to have him referred to do further diagnostict tests to find out what the underlying problem is. As Troy is 10 years old and the findings would most likely not be treatable, we have decided to go with the steroids. We will see in time whether we can reduce the dosage (though it's not a high dosage he is on anway 15mg/day) or whether he will need to stay on it permanently.

For now, Troy is doing really well and if we can give him another couple of years like this, then I am prepared to accept that deal.

Blood tests

I just talked to Ian, blood tests are little different from the previous ones. White blood cells still lower, exactely the same as before though. Ian said to take another faecal sample as Troy's poos are currently very liquid and mucousy again.

Vet Visit again

Went to see Mark this morning. He took more bloods to re-run the test Troy had a month ago to see what his white blood cells and liver enzymes are doing. Mark also gave him another corticosteroid injection (he apparently only had an anabolic steroid on Saturday), which is what made him eat again the last couple of times. Let's hope it has the same effect again.

Update

On Friday, I talked to vet Mary who confirmed that faecal test came back clear too. We did agree to bring Troy in again this week for further treatment/diagnosis, though it isn't clear at all what the problem is.

On Saturday morning I was pleased that Troy ate a whole block of tripe... but got worried when he threw it all up again in the afternoon. So I booked him into the vets again and Ian saw us. We are still as puzzled as ever, but Troy is now also on ulcer medication just in case it is that.

Troy isn't really eating better eventhough he had a steroid injection again in addition to everything else. He occasionally eats a whole meal, but 9 times out of 10 he takes a couple of mouth full and then walks away! So it looks like we will be going back to the vets fairly swiftly again this week.

This morning, we went to Sue where Troy enjoyed his chiro session very much.

Bloods

Just heard back from Mark. The bloods are ok, apart from the white blood cells being low. Haven't received the faecal results back yet.

Troy is still not overenthusiastic with eating. He is eating at every meal, but sometimes just half of it. Something isn't right still.

Fussy again

Troy started becoming fussy and picky again this week. He went back to the vet's on Friday and we decided to do a blood and faecal test. I should get all the results on Monday.

Until this week Troy was actually doing really well and I was pleased. He can now eat most stuff without getting the runs, though the poos are still a bit soft at times and usually mucousy.