Augie.
The dog who changed everything.
Augie wasn’t just my dog.
He was my heart outside my body.
He was my constant companion.
And ultimately, he became my greatest teacher.
This is his story.
Augie's Story
A Legacy of Love & Resilience
Augie's Story: Prologue
Augie, who was born on July 27, 2017, originated from Misty River Kennel in Missouri, and was nurtured by the wonderful breeders Larry and Kathy Knoll.
I picked up Augie from Fort Lauderdale Airport in late September 2017 when he was only 8 weeks old. It was an unforgettable moment for me; holding a puppy in my arms, my very first dog that was truly mine and not a family pet.
Tears and joy filled me completely; it was a moment I had dreamed of since childhood.
After Augie came home with me in the first week, I began to wonder if he might be deaf. Augie seemed lost in his own world, unaffected by attempts to get his attention through sweet, high-pitched sounds, clapping, or gestures.
The only time Augie reacted was when I played a YouTube video with frequencies audible only to dogs, causing him to tilt his head in curiosity.
Raising Augie in the first year was quite the rollercoaster for me; it felt like I was living in a scene from "Marley & Me." Having grown up with two schnauzers and a West Highland White Terrier, all with strong personalities, Augie was unlike any puppy I had encountered before. He proved to be the most challenging puppy I have ever raised.
. . . I never expected that his unwavering determination would ultimately show me the true meaning of unconditional love and the resilience that emerges when facing overwhelming challenges.
Over-Vaccination:
The Beginning of a Journey That Could Have Been Avoided
In the fall of 2019, I took Augie, who was 2 years old at the time, for his vital adult vaccinations and a rabies shot. Being a responsible pet owner, I understood the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and required boosters for my puppy's health. Augie accompanied me wherever I went, with his well-being and safety being my top priorities.
Upon returning home from Augie's vet appointment, within an hour, he began to strain while urinating repeatedly, almost as if he had suddenly developed a UTI. I promptly contacted the veterinary hospital to inquire if this could be a potential side effect of the morning's vaccinations. The response was that "vaccinations do not cause Urinary Tract Infections; it was merely a coincidence".
Before the visit, Augie had shown no signs of urinary issues, and it seemed unusual for male dogs to develop UTIs. The following day, we returned to the same veterinary hospital for a urine test. Instead of conducting a urinary culture, the veterinarian prescribed Clavamox to address the perceived "coincidental UTI."
The Clavamox addressed the problem but did not alleviate the difficulty with urination. Even after regular visits, the veterinary clinic was unable to pinpoint the cause of the sudden urinary issues.
Still In Search Of A Solution
From late 2019 to January 2021, Augie and I visited numerous veterinary practices, spent thousands of dollars on various tests, and doubted by each vet whether vaccinations could be causing persistent urinary symptoms.
For two and a half years, my main focus was on finding a solution to address Augie's recurring urinary tract infections.
Seeking multiple opinions and conducting various tests at different veterinary centers revealed the consistent diagnosis of a UTI with different strains of bacteria, yet no abnormalities in Augie's bloodwork, vital signs, or organs. Despite clear X-rays and ultrasounds, Augie's bodily functions were normal. Throughout this period, all veterinarians I consulted were adamant that "Vaccinations can't cause UTIs," adding complexity to the situation.
Even in our search for answers, Augie stayed committed to enjoying life, engaging with other dogs, and delighting in meeting new people. Augie's weekly activities involved socializing at the dog park and playing in plastic kiddie pools. Every Wednesday, we would visit Pet Supermarket in Coral Springs, where Augie would select his own toy, receive chews, or have a bath in the store's tubs.
Little did we know what the new year of 2022 would bring.
Healthy To SEPSIS Within Five Days
I won't name all the veterinary establishments in this article to show respect, even though Augie and I had a negative experience at one of them. I will use a pseudonym for the first three veterinary clinics and the veterinarians who helped Augie and me.
January 12th, 2022
Our tragedy unfolded on January 12th, 2022, when I brought Augie to a veterinary hospital (VetClinic) where I volunteered. Augie's primary veterinarian, Dr. A, diagnosed another UTI and recommended Clavamox and Carprofen to address the issue. Dr. A expressed some concern about Augie's high temperature of 104°F and advised me to monitor him closely for any additional symptoms.
* Active Concerns: Fever Of Unknown Origin, Acute Vomitting, Stranguria (Straining to pass urine).
* Dr. A performed:
* Exam
* AIS Radiology Interpretation “Abdominal Xray Study”
* Blood Panel “Chem(24) CBC”
* Urinalysis
* Prescribed Ondansetron for acute vomiting.
January 13th, 2022
* Active Concerns: Lethargic
* Medications Given: Carprofen, AmoxiClav “Clavamox”
* Urinalysis Returned:
“Culture is the preferred test for verifying viable bacteriuria.” Dr. A did not suggest to do a Urinary Culture.
* pH 8.5
* Protein 1+
* Blood 3+
* WBC 4-10
* RBC 0-1
* Bacteria Rods > 100
January 15th, 2022
Two days after, Augie began limping on his right front paw, which I first attributed to him leaping off the couch. On January 15th, 2022, we went to VetClinicTwo, where our family dogs have been treated before.
Dr. Steven observed that Augie was "Ambulatory all 4 feet" & was not displaying any pain or abnormalities - aside from a mildly elevated body temperature of 103.4F.
January 16th, 2022
Augie was taken to the local emergency veterinary hospital, VetClinicThree, for a second opinion about his limping front right paw. Dr. S DVM observed that although Augie was walking normally on the right forelimb, he was toe-touching on the right rear limb. Augie did not have a fever and had a body temperature of 102.7F.
While in the examination room, I gently petted Augie as he lay beside me. Suddenly, he leaped up in pain, bearing weight on the right front paw and starting to limp on his rear hind leg.
Augie remained at VetClinicThree for the day for thoracic, pelvis, and pelvic limb radiography, resulting in a total of 8 x-ray images. These were the findings we received:
* Thoracic limbs: Moderate fat stranding in the medial soft tissues, presuming very mild edema on the craniocaudal view of the right ante brachium.
* Shoulders: Are congruent, normal.
* Elbows: Are congruent, normal.
* Carpus/Manus: Normal.
* Pelvis/Pelvis Limbs: Right gastrocnemius muscle is mildly thicker than contralateral muscle, presuming the difference in extension/flexion.
* Stifles: Normal.
* Pelvis: Normal, hips are congruent.
* “A cause for reported shifting leg lameness is not determined during this evaluation and MAY BE associated with soft tissue INJURIES.”
* “X-Rays were performed and did not reveal any fractures, subluxations, osteoarthrosis, or aggressive bone lesions.”
* “Possible cellulitis of the right forelimb was noted on x-ray, but NOT CONFIRMED on physical exam.”
* Prescribed: Amantadine and Gabapentin.
* Condition: UNDIAGNOSED Lameness.
That morning, Augie was still not using his hind right leg to walk, though he could move around. He was panting excessively and appeared uncomfortable. While I was away at an appointment, my mother stayed with Augie to keep an eye on him. Shortly after my departure, she called me in a panic, crying uncontrollably. While she was in the shower, Augie, lying in his crate, suddenly shifted his body and emitted what she described as "the most horrifying scream" she had ever heard from an animal. Upon my quick return, I assisted Augie out of his crate. Together, my mother and I carefully moved him to her room, where Augie found it impossible to stand or walk.
January 17th, 2022 (Early Morning)
January 17th, 2022
(Late Morning)
Two of my clients who had previously collaborated with an animal rescue organization quickly came to our aid in transporting Augie to the emergency room at VetClinicThree. Working together, we safely returned Augie to his crate and lifted both Augie and the crate into their vehicle. Upon arriving at VetClinicThree, Augie and I were scheduled to consult with the physical therapy veterinarian.
I informed the veterinarian that Augie was unable to walk anymore and requested that they refrain from removing him from his crate. Disregarding my words, Dr. M asked her assistant to assist in lifting Augie from the crate. Despite my pleas not to move him due to his pain, she proceeded to lift Augie to a standing position. When she released him to see if he could stand, Augie fell against the crate's door frame, landing on both knees. Witnessing this, I was in tears, watching my dog in distress.
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Dr. M gave me a cold look and bluntly stated, "We are unable to assist you here; your dog will not walk again."
After the unpleasant encounter with Dr. M, the receptionist suggested that I bring Augie to see a neurology specialist for additional tests and possible solutions.
Southeast Veterinary of Neurology (Boynton Beach)
The Veterinary Team Who Went Above and Beyond.
January 17th, 2022
(Late Afternoon)
After Augie left VetClinicThree, he was promptly admitted to Southeast Veterinary of Neurology. Two veterinary technicians were waiting outside with a gurney to transfer Augie to their emergency area. Dr. J, the veterinarian who attended to us, showed great compassion and empathy. She discussed various possibilities regarding Augie's condition and outlined the next steps to assist him. While waiting outside the facility after hours, an MRI was conducted on Augie. Upon returning, Dr. J confirmed that Augie had been diagnosed with a bloodborne infection known as Discospondylitis
I had never come across “Discospondylitis” before, and I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Thoughts raced through my mind – “Should I feel relieved it's not something else?”, “Is it treatable?”, “Will Augie recover fully?”, “When can he return home?”, “Will he regain his ability to walk?” I felt lost, with nothing to do but pray and await further information.
Discospondylitis
Discospondylitis occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the intervertebral discs through various means, such as:
Hematogenous spread: Bacteria from remote sites like the mouth, skin, prostate, or urinary tract spread through the bloodstream
Direct inoculation: Trauma, migration of foreign bodies, or surgical procedures
Iatrogenic infection: Including epidural or intramuscular injections.
In most cases, canine discospondylitis is caused by a bacterial infection, although in rare instances, it can be fungal. Fungal infections pose a greater risk as they can quickly spread to various organs and are more difficult to treat.
Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, as the clinical signs are often vague and not specific. Diskospondylitis should be considered in cases of animals with an unknown fever. If the intervertebral disk in the lumbosacral region is affected, dogs may exhibit a stiff, short-strided gait in the pelvic limbs and shifting lameness in the pelvic limbs. Typically, clinical signs persist for weeks or even months before a diagnosis is established.
Discospondylitis primarily affects young to middle-aged, medium to large male dogs. However, it has also been observed in small-breed dogs and cats, though less frequently. Breeds that are predisposed to this condition include Great Danes, Boxers, Rottweilers, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Dogs that are not neutered and contract prostate infections are more likely to be predisposed to discospondylitis.
Moreover, discospondylitis is more prevalent in animals that have weakened immune systems.
The symptoms resemble those observed in dogs with IVDD, meningitis, broken bones, and tumors.
Numerous patients may require extended treatment (6-12 months or longer) as symptoms could return if antibiotics are discontinued prematurely. If there is an inadequate response to the initial antibiotic, it is advisable to conduct intervertebral disc culture and sensitivity if not previously done.
Dogs with multiple impacted discs may encounter neurological deficits and mobility challenges that could necessitate physical therapy.
Spending Three Weeks In The Neurology ICU At SeVN
January 17th, 2022 - february 4th, 2022
After Augie was admitted to Southeast Veterinary of Neurology in Boynton Beach, I received additional details about Augie's diagnosis of Discospondylitis. At that time, Augie was experiencing complete paralysis from his waist down, with a lack of deep pain sensation, and he had lost control over urination and bowel movements, rendering him fully incontinent. The urgent priority during the initial week was to administer the appropriate antibiotics to address the infection. We awaited the results of the urinary culture test, which took approximately six days to be processed. Throughout this period, the veterinary team worked tirelessly to manage Augie's high body temperature, ranging from 104F to 105F, despite administering two different broad-spectrum antibiotics that proved ineffective.
After a few days of Augie being in the hospital, I finally got the chance to visit him during the designated visiting hours. Each day I spent with him, hugging him and kissing his forehead, brought me joy, but it also brought heartache as I witnessed him deteriorating physically while we awaited the results of the urine culture.
On the most heartbreaking day of that week, Saturday, January 22nd, 2022, I saw Augie in the exam room. I noticed him struggling with both front paws, unable to relax or unclench, and displaying a lack of coordination while chewing ice cubes, which caused me great anxiety as I feared he might choke. The veterinarian shared Augie's MRI results with me, revealing neuroanatomic lesions located from L4 to S3 vertebrae. The bacterial infection had spread throughout his entire spine, not limited to the lumbar and sacral regions. His prognosis now offered less than a 10% chance of survival. The dreaded words every pet owner dreads became a reality for me in that moment: "You may want to start preparing to say goodbye." It felt like a nightmare; Augie had been healthy just days before, and the fact that he was only four and a half years old made it all the more devastating.
Later that day, the vet informed me about the urine culture results, revealing that the bacteria responsible for the issue is a resistant strain of E. coli. With this information, they could now provide the appropriate antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
The following day, I headed to SeVN to see Augie once more. He was resting on a comfortable orthopedic bed in the adjacent exam room, looking bright-eyed and incredibly alert. The specialist veterinarian who joined us initiated the conversation by saying, "I have an update about Augie to share with you." All I could think was, "Oh no... Please, no more bad news." The vet knelt down beside Augie, holding a pinching tool, and said, "Let me show you something." He gently used the tool on Augie's hind left paw, causing two of his four toes to twitch. "Augie is now responsive to deep pain; he can feel again."
Tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks abundantly, but this time they were tears of joy.
Augie's First Year: Post ICU 2022
At Southeast Veterinary of Neurology, Augie began regaining sensation in some toes after spending time in the ICU. More positive news followed as he regained feeling in both hind limbs, with small movements starting to occur. Despite veterinarians expressing doubts about Augie's ability to walk again, they mentioned that he will have urinary and fecal incontinence but could still have a good quality of life.
February 4th, 2022 - Welcome Home Augie
On February 4th, 2022, Augie was discharged from the ICU at Southeast Veterinary of Neurology in Boynton Beach. Augie was overjoyed to return home, sleeping in his own bed, playing with his toys, and eating from his bowls. My parents, and I were grateful to have our family member back, but we were unsure how to care for our recently handicapped dog.
It was very difficult for all of us to adjust the lifestyle we were routine in, even for Augie; he didn’t understand why he couldn’t get on the couch anymore and why he was restricted from many areas he once was allow to go to in the house. We were instructed to keep him as sedentary as possible for a minimum of 6 weeks and restricted from doing any activities due to a high risk of breaking his spine.
Trial & Error: Managing A Routine To Accommodate Augie’s Physical Aliments
During the initial two to three months, there was a significant amount of trial and error in determining practical, realistic, and time-efficient ways to care for Augie.
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When dealing with a newly handicapped and incontinent dog at a veterinary clinic, guidance on care is often lacking, not due to any fault of the veterinary team who have already gone above and beyond to assist with the dog's health. Therefore, it falls upon pet parents to navigate this situation independently. Initially, it can be overwhelming and frightening, with concerns about inadvertently causing harm to your dog, but things do improve over time.
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Daily Low Impact Physical Therapy
Due to Augie's large size of 130lbs, it was challenging to take him to physical therapy sessions several times a week. My parents helped me in maneuvering Augie onto the balance ball and in and out of his wheelchair since he couldn't bear weight on his hind legs. With patience, dedication, and immense love among us, we successfully aided Augie in his progress.
Eight months after ICU, Augie started bearing weight and pulling himself into a standing position while having meals and being assisted into a sling. By the tenth month post-ICU, Augie was already trying to take steps independently.
Augie's Year Of Triumph
Augie was advised to take two antibiotics, Enrofloxacin and Clavamox, for a period of 12 months. This marked a bittersweet moment in Augie's journey, balancing the remarkable progress made and the 50/50 chance of a potential discospondylitis relapse upon discontinuing all medications.
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Upon entering, Augie & I received a warm welcome from everyone at SeVN, especially those who have been part of Augie’s recovery journey over the past year. Augie was escorted to the physical therapy room by two veterinary nurses, while I stayed in the exam room, awaiting the arrival of both Augie and Augie’s primary doctor, Dr. Reese.
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When Dr. Reese entered the room with Augie, a broad and heartfelt smile illuminated his face. This sight brought immense joy to the veterinarians and team members as they witnessed a miraculous transformation from a dog once on the brink of death to defying all odds and overcoming what was deemed impossible.
We were instructed to keep a close eye on Augie for four weeks to observe any possible signs of a relapse with discospondylitis. Fortunately, Augie was found to be free from this serious illness and no longer at risk for setbacks.
The battle may have been won temporarily, but the war was far from over. The ongoing uterine issues persisted without respite.
The Ongoing War Of Urinary Tract Issues: Proteus Mirabilis
Twelve days after Augie’s celebration of clearance, Augie started to urinate large amounts of blood; Not only was there blood but also debris of blood clots, mucus and pieces of tissue that resembled pieces of uncooked chicken.
Augie’s Experience With Proteus Mirabilis
Twelve days later, after a year of being on Enrofloxacin and Clavamox for Discospondylitis, Augie started showing bright red blood in his urine when I expressed his bladder. This was alarming as it raised concerns of a Discospondylitis relapse, but fortunately, there was no connection. Augie's regular vet diagnosed him with a urinary tract infection, but we were both puzzled and worried about the presence of blood clots and tissue fragments. A subsequent urine culture identified a different UTI bacteria: Proteus Mirabilis. Due to its high resistance, our treatment options were limited. Initially, the lab proposed two antibiotics with a high risk of kidney damage, which we declined. Augie's vet pressed the lab for a more suitable alternative and we settled on Meropenem, a human-grade injectable antibiotic.
Unfortunately, Meropenem only masked the symptoms without completely eradicating the Proteus Mirabilis bacteria. After undergoing three rounds of this treatment, it was disheartening not to find a medical solution. The veterinarian recommended exploring holistic options, leading me to conduct extensive research and experiment with various urinary supplements. Eventually, I successfully kept Augie symptom-free for four months using natural alternatives.
In October 2023, Augie began to show signs of blood in his urine again. Several months ago, I had performed an ultrasound, comprehensive blood tests, and biopsies on Augie, all of which indicated no irregularities. His organs and vital signs were confirmed to be in good condition. Nevertheless, with the reappearance of Proteus Mirabilis symptoms in October 2023, I observed a gradual decline in his health over the following months.
What is Proteus Mirabilis?
Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. It's a common cause of upper and lower UTIs, and has been identified in 5.4% of canine UTI cases. P. mirabilis can also cause otitis externa and pyoderma, and is often associated with recurrent UTIs.
What are the symptoms?
Frequency of urination. Pyuria (presence of white blob cells in the urine) Cystitis (bladder infection) Back pain. Urgency. Hematuria (presence of red blood cells in the urine)
P. mirabilis is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics
west delray animal hospital - augie’s Customized Orthotic
In April 2023, Augie was recommended to consult with Dr. Block at West Delray Animal Hospital regarding the use of leg braces. These braces were intended to provide Augie with increased stability, particularly for his weaker hind right leg during his recovery from discospondylitis.
The initial step in this process involved conducting bloodwork and x-rays on Augie to address the ongoing issue with his weakened hind right leg. This marked Augie's first set of x-rays since his pre-discospondylitis phase, and I was eager to see the current condition of his spinal cavity. The outcome was astonishing – apart from two fused vertebrae, the entire spine appeared normal.
It took about three weeks for Augie's custom orthotic for his hind right leg to be delivered. These orthotic braces were crafted for bone-related orthopedic issues rather than severe nerve damage. The brace fit Augie perfectly, aligning his hock and rectifying the outward droop of his leg, resembling that of a duck. Dr. Block, assisted by Deanna and the supportive staff, were amazed by Augie's dedication and eagerness to conquer obstacles.
Augie’s Orthotic Brace crafted by Orthopets
augie’s fight song
July 27th, 2017 - May 31st, 2024
By late October 2023, the symptoms of Proteus Mirabilis reappeared, with Augie experiencing blood in his urine once more. I temporarily addressed this by administering a supplement called UroMax.
Augie continued to live happily with my Mom, Dad, and me. He enjoyed playing in his kiddie pool every Saturday morning, going on short walks in the neighborhood, and roughhousing with his little brother, Dante. However, by January 2024, Augie began to struggle with using his wheelchair, his walks became shorter, and he would quickly get out of breath. Despite always keeping a smile for his loved ones, his good days started to outweigh his bad days. The feeling of heartache and a pit in my stomach grew as I watched my cherished pet deteriorate before my eyes. In May 2024, Augie began losing mobility in his hind right leg, followed by a gradual loss of nerve sensation in his toes.
On May 31st, Augie and I spent the day celebrating his wonderful life; I feel fortunate to have had two and a half more years with my beloved Augustine. To mark his special day, a dear friend assisted me in removing the passenger seat in my sedan. This created space for Augie's bed and blankets, ensuring his comfort on our final adventure. Augie, Dante, and I visited the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru, where Augie's joy was evident through the affectionate gestures from the employees and his excitement for the delicious food ahead. His favorite seemed to be the chocolate and strawberry milkshake, as he eagerly started licking the whipped cream before I could even place the milkshake in the cupholder. Following the milkshakes, Augie enjoyed chicken tenders and waffle fries, while Dante savored grilled chicken nuggets! Later, we dropped Dante off at my client’s house, and Augie and I proceeded to his veterinary appointment. While waiting at a red light in the left turning lane, Augie rested his head heavily on my arm, looking up at me with a calm, reassuring gaze. It was as if he knew our destination; I had never seen him look at me this way in our six and a half years together. He was visibly exhausted and ready to be free from his suffering. In moments of grief, love prevails abundantly. I sat with him on the floor, his head and paws on my lap, and held my dearest Augustine as he peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge. Augie, you were the angel that entered my life when I needed unconditional love the most. You gave me that and much more. I love you deeply, Augie.
Preventing the Risks of Over-Vaccinating Your Pets
Increasing awareness and providing education can prevent pet owners from experiencing this preventable heartache.
diseases over-vaccinated pets can develop:
Uterine infections Death of tissues Degeneration (atrophy) of lymphoid tissue Autoimmune hemolytic anemia Lameness or stilted gait due to inflammation, muscle disorders, and bone loss in the limbs Increased allergies in the ears and eyes Hormonal issues
Titer testing
A titer test, also known as an antibody titer test, is a blood test that measures the amount and presence of antibodies in the blood to determine immunity to a disease.
A titer test will determine whether or not your pet needs that specific vaccine.
The effectiveness of puppy vaccinations exceeds the frequently mentioned duration.
Dogs, once immune to viral diseases according to leading researchers and the American Veterinary Medical Association, can maintain immunity for several years or even for life. In cases where a dog experiences a negative response to a vaccine, veterinarians are not obligated to report it to the manufacturer or government, although many choose to do so. Scientific evidence does not support the necessity of yearly core vaccinations for dogs. Instead, there is significant empirical evidence, scientific findings, and research indicating that a dog's immunity can last a lifetime, and unnecessary vaccinations may pose risks to our pets. Research indicates that most dog vaccinations offer immunity ranging from seven years to a lifetime when administered during a dog's mature immune system stage.