Thought we would give you all an update on Billy.

It is a week now since Billy has been on any medication and he has continued to improve without it.

His breathing is still slightly laboured at times especially on these warm days, or when he lies on his right side. Billy's right lung was the one that had more infection in it caused by the Pneumonia.

If he lies on his side with his neck and throat stretched out with his head pointing upwards he has a obvious wheeze when he breathes.

Billy is enjoying his short walks again and the days when he is in the mood he will jump about with anticipation.
The other days he needs some encouragement as he thinks what's the point of moving when I am comfortable in my bed.
That's not a new thing though Billy is a hound that does not like to burn up energy unless he wants to. (A Typical 40mph Couch Potato) and why he did not make it as a racer.

Over the last week we have been feeding Billy lots of extra carbohydrates in his food and it is paying dividends.
Billy was weighed this morning and he has put on 2KG (4.4 lbs) which is around half of what he lost in total since the start of his Pneumonia.

We are really pleased to say he is progressing each day and people we meet are starting to comment he is starting to look like Billy again.

It is so rewarding to see Billy doing so well and that we feel so lucky that we still have him.

Thanks must also go to our vets Boyce and Houston who looked after him so well.

George, Morag, Billy & Lassie

Great to hear that Billy is still improving & well on the mend.
You had a lot of us very worried Billy

Hi Billy,
Keep it going big boy - we're rootin' for you.
Auntie Celia and Uncle Jimmy.

Great news for Billy and all of you! The fact that he's putting on weight so quickly is really encouraging, and I'm guessing it's now just a case of keeping his exercise levels in check until his airways are fully recovered.
Of course, if he's full of carbs, he'll be full of beans too, so good luck!
Fantastic team effort,
Marion

Billy has been back at the vets for his check up and Mr. Houston was very pleased with how well Billy has recovered.

Mr. H, commented as we entered the consulting room that Billy is looking in great condition which we thought ourselves but were pleased to hear from the vet anyway.

Billy's breathing has recovered to about 90% to 95%, Most of the time he is fine but if the weather is hot, damp, humid or cold in any combination he can become slightly breathless or wheeze when exercising. Again if Billy lies on his right side it can cause wheezing but it is not bothering him.

Mr. H thinks that when he sounded Billy's chest there was still a dull sound towards the back of his right lung ( probably permanent scaring ) which is causing his symptoms.

Billy has managed to put on all the weight he lost and is looking solid again. Its amazing how a little extra carbohydrates in his meals can make all the difference.

With the cold damp weather arriving we have to be extra careful that we dry Billy down if he gets wet and put his heavier coat on to protect his chest from the cold.
Billy now gets a kennel coat on at night time to keep the chill off him and Lassie expects her kennel coat put on as well ( Matching pair ) have to keep them the same after all!

So with fingers and paws crossed that Billy manages throughout the winter months.

Thanks once again for all your kind thoughts and good wishes for our Billy.

Billy, Lassie

George & Morag

I LOVE happy endings! - well done to you all for getting through this ordeal, especially Billy. He and Lassie must be very proud of their new wardrobe of coats. I'm sure he'll sail through winter with your wonderful TLC.
Marion

That's great news.
Big cuddles to Billy ( and Lassie )
Well done their R.H.'s.
Celia and Jimmy.