The Hog Diaries - Hope: One Week and Counting

Look at that face!!!!!! Naaaaaaaaaw

Little Hope turned a huge corner today. Since her admission to Hogspital a week ago, she has continued to be very fragile. Her weight has fluctuated a lot with both big gains and big drops, but has never dropped back down to her admission weight which has been a relief. She will complete her course of antibiotics tonight and has now started treatment for Lungworm in addition to her treatment for Capillaria and Mange. 

Slowly throughout the last week I have been working on removing the mange crust and as each layer/area has came away Hope's mobility has improved - and the awful mange smell has reduced! Phew! Her face is almost clear now and she can finally see again now that her eyes aren't crusted over anymore. I've had to work VERY carefully and for short periods to keep her stress levels down as this wee girl is extremely nervous and shy. However this morning we had a little breakthrough. Hope actually uncurled fully whilst I was close to her for the first time, then had a little explore around the bench. 

As you can see she is now much stronger and more steady on her feet. It was wonderful to witness her feeling more adventurous this morning instead of crouching huddled in a miserable ball of stinky crust. At this stage it looks as though she won't lose all of her quills. She has lost and continues to lose the fur on her face, tummy, legs and skirt and the quills around her rear end where the crust was the worst. 

Time will tell.