It may not be the only one.
Nutrition Matters When So Much Tissue Is Trying to Heal
Pip's body needs adequate nutrition to support recovery.
His weight and muscle condition should be monitored.
So should appetite.
Does he approach food?
Can he eat comfortably?
Is he losing weight?
Does discomfort interrupt meals?
A dog fighting significant disease while also becoming undernourished has fewer resources available for healing.
The First Major Improvement May Have Nothing to Do With Hair
Everyone will notice when Pip's coat begins changing.
Tiny hairs appearing over bare areas would be encouraging.
But an earlier milestone may be more important.
Pip lies down.
And stays down.
That would mean something about his comfort has changed.
One Evening, He Almost Makes It
Pip has been sitting for several minutes.
His legs are trembling.
His head has dropped so low that his nose nearly touches the pad.
Eventually, he wakes himself.
He stands.
Turns.
Then slowly lowers his body.
His chest reaches the bedding.
His belly follows.
Pip flinches.
But he does not immediately stand.
Ten seconds pass.
His head lowers.
Twenty seconds.
His eyes close.
For the first time that evening, Pip is fully supported by the bed instead of his own shaking legs.
Then he shifts.
A crusted area rubs against the fabric.
His head rises instantly.
Pip pushes himself back into a sitting position.
The nap lasted less than a minute.
Still, it happened.
Healing Skin Can Change From Day to Day
One area may improve while another remains inflamed.
Itching may fluctuate.
Treatment may reduce infection before the skin barrier fully recovers.
Crusted tissue may gradually loosen.
New irritation must be watched for.
That means Pip's comfort may not improve in a perfectly straight line.
A better night can be followed by a difficult morning.
The overall trend matters more.
Staff Can Measure Progress Through His Sleep
How many times does Pip attempt to lie down?
How quickly does he rise?
Which side does he avoid?
How long can he remain flat?
Does he wake to scratch?
Does he still fall asleep sitting?
Those behaviors turn an ordinary kennel camera observation into useful information.