GALLERY OF DOGS
TURK
Totally fall in love with the handsome TURK who arrived at WFTRM Chicago. He is a charismatic little Lakland Terrier boy with a sweet and silly personality. He is a Blue Lakie and was bred in Italy, is 7 years old, weighs 20 pounds and just the best little boy. His mom acquired him as a puppy and they used to live nearby in Chicago and owned the groom salon we still go to. It was not until they moved to Florida years ago that things took a turn for Turk. He developed a cough and would lick and bite his feet, which became more severe as time went on. She felt he was allergic to something environmental in the south - has had x-rays, given medications, baths, nebulizer, only for the issue to return. He was miserable, heartbreaking to hear him cough and struggle. His mom loves him so much she felt he needed to be back up in the Midwest or colder climate.
Turk is a fun and friendly little Lakie boy and likes other dogs. Loves toys and especially the ones that crinkle – he will run and jump around with it and toss in the air. He likes to rub on me like a cat, a cuddle bug and lays on me while he noshes on his earth animal no hide. He had everyone in love with him at the vet, was so well-behaved for services and waiting room. He is great in the car, wanting to be your co-pilot, and seems to really enjoy having an active, whatever you are doing I will do too, kind of life. Turk likes the yard but likes it better with company and will run zoomies from one end to the other. He has a nice athletic shape and springs in the air right onto the bed he enjoys snoozing on. Let us not forget that he is photogenic and takes the best pictures and what a ham. Turk is a stoic little guy but can be a barker if he wants something or if the other rescue residents are barking at something out the window.
Turk’s cough is a strained honking repetition with a gag or hair ball affect at the end. It is definitely a struggle for him and happens at various times and situations. Coughing can have many different causes and some examples include:
• Inflammation or irritation of the respiratory passages due to allergies or inhaled foreign material.
• Infection of the respiratory system due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Tracheal collapse caused by a weak trachea.
• Lung or airway tumors
• Heart disease, especially congestive heart failure.
Let the investigations begin:
February 24, 2026
• Bloodwork panel drawn & sent out returned good - did show inflammation.
• Heartworm Test 4DX – negative for Heartworm
• Fecal Test – Positive for Hookworms (a parasite that can migrate due to the worming only killing live worms and not larvae). Two treatments 2 weeks apart and possible three is needed. • Turk was given Virbantel and will get the second dose on March 12.
• X-ray of his chest – there is a section of his trachea that is narrowed.
• Urinalysis with a $500 fungal panel to Mira vista which returned negative for fungal infection.
• Since he has had Temaril P and prednisone prior with limited results, I received a prescription for a cough suppressant that I filled at the pharmacy. The hydrocodone upset his stomach, and he refused to eat therefore decided to stop this medication.
March 3, 2026
• Dental cleaning & full mouth radiographs and was diagnosed Grade IV Periodontal Disease. One tooth was extracted as the roots were totally visible, gums were recessed and another tooth was extracted and called Supernumerary - a condition where the jaws contain more teeth than the usual number. This was a pre-molar permanent tooth #305 on the bottom.
• Turk's right ear was diagnosed acute – large amount of brown gunk. Cytology shows infection of bacteria, yeast and white blood cells. Left ear had white blood cells.
• Tracheal Wash - fluids collected to send out for culture and cytology. Swab also taken and sent out. Vet did see cells in the sample.
• Compounded ear drops of Micon/Baytril/Dex brought home to treat his ears.
March 10, 2026
• Culture returned with large amount of Bacteria with normal tracheal cells
• Cytology returned identifying the Bacteria as Klebsiella. Not common but is contracted from exposure to cows and the environment (manure, soil, or water), as these bacteria are common in cattle feces and bedding. And his owner happened to live sandwiched between two cow farms with one being a full cattle rancher. Cytologies also test for drug susceptibility and resistance to the bacteria and his go to antibiotic now is Enrofloxacin and has started a 14 day treatment.
• Deep ear cleaning of the right ear – impacted hair removed. Simplera was put in his right ear – a medication that slowly releases and lasts 30 days.
Turk is already beginning to feel so much better. His coughing spells are less and infrequent now. His spunk-o-meter has been turned up as well as his playful personality. He is such a delightful little Lakeland Terrier – an absolute treasure.