Yes, it is correct to say that my puppy did not have HOD visible on
x-ray at the early stages but was later confirmed on x-ray. I learned that
strangles and HOD can co-exist on a spectrum of immune mediated responses.
My puppy got very sick before he got better on high doses of steroids for 6 weeks. But he did not have a high fever at any point. And he never got all
the pustules characteristic of strangles. He did develop what appeared to be an ear and eye infection that did not respond to antibiotics but did respond to
steroids.
I'm sure you are OK if he is getting steroids. Be sure to continue the steroids an appropriate length of time. If you discontinue too soon, symptoms will recur. Sometimes you have to taper, restart, and taper again if the symptoms got well established and are hard to treat. Good luck with your baby. I know you must have been scared.
If antibiotic ointment doesn't clear up the eyes within 24 hours, I would jump immediately to suspect strangles. Hopefully there will be no long term damage!
