posted
He's only 4 months old now.....found tick in his ear four weeks ago. Took him to vet, was told lyme titre likely wouldn't show up so soon and especially in a puppy.
His leg went limp and I insisted they put him on abx for minimum of 6 weeks. Vet told me she did test, and only one band was slightly elevated so she was hesitant to treat one so young on abx.
I've seen what this has done to my life......and I know dogs are different but not THAT different.
My previous love furry, who died 2 months ago, also contracted lyme in our backyard. She was treated but died unexpectedly and vet didn't know why........
So we have history, we have opportunity, we have one initial positive band but husband says chances are slim and that abx for a puppy, who should be developing an immune system, will be affected by too much abx.
I am shocked, stunned and confused. My poor little baby. I guess they want to wait until he's really sick to take it seriously?
Yes, I AM NEUROTIC about lyme........so kill me! Oh wait, my late stage will do that for you.
I just want to smack my dh upside his head and say "LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE GONE THROUGH! LOOK WHAT I'VE GONE THROUGH........AND YOU THINK I'M JUST OVER-REACTING?
Am I? With the one band that showed up even though vet said it was a surprise as puppies, especially immediately after a bite, don't usually exhibit any bands.
I HATE THIS LIFE....I HATE TICKS.......I AM SO MAD AT THE WORLD TODAY I COULD JUST SCREAM.
BUT LIKE MOST OF US, OUR SCREAMS ARE SILENT OR JUST THAT NOBODY GIVES A FLYING DUCK?
[ 08-15-2013, 09:15 PM: Message edited by: healthywealthywise ]
Posts: 867 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2006
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I would find a different vet. You need to consult a veterinarian more familiar with Lyme etc who can properly advise on the risks of disseminated TBI vs the risks of antibiotics for puppies vs--and suggest dosages.
I would do a web search for (say ) "veterinarian Lyme Disease PA" in order to find someone more familiar with Lyme and its consequences in dogs. An integrative vet may be more likely to "get it."
posted
And no, you're not overreacting! His legs went limp! The only question is what dosage and for how long, given that he's a puppy.
Posts: 431 | From New England | Registered: Dec 2011
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
You're not overeacting.
My dog died from complications from lyme and co in May.
I still feel extreme sadness when I think of her last few days
Find a new vet, please.
Any band at all...should warrant treatment ASAP.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Anthro, to be honest, xrays showed inflammation at his front elbow at the growth plate.
Not sure if lyme would have caused it to show up on xray? And if so, that quickly?
Story of my life...puppy get bit by tick and somehow his knee got hurt at same time. So it's back and forth......two separate incidents or one causal?
It's why dh isn't 100% behind me. If not for the single band, I guess I'd be skeptical too.
But we know.........and I don't want to risk it for him. As usual, I do not know what to do and thus, MY NEED FOR SCREAM! Posts: 867 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2006
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
If you cant afford the abx maybe samento would work. I'd have traded husband and bis friends to save my baby. I bet she died of lyme also. Heart condition.
Find a new vet and tell hubbie my puppy or you!!!!
Husband did grieve almost as much as I did. Our vet was devastated. Find a new one if they wont treat. In fact our vet diagnosed me!!!
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
You do know what to do. You know exactly what to do. You're just not getting any support, which is so typical for us.
Get that dog on abx!! You have known exposure, typical signs and symptoms and a positive lab test. In the RATIONAL world of medicine, that is a home run for a diagnosis. In Lyme, everyone just throws up their hands while watching people and animals suffer.
Give this little one a chance at a healthy life. You MUST be his/her advocate!! Trust your own brain!! You are the ONLY ONE thinking clearly!!
And for Pete's sake, pregnant women and nursing moms take abx! Dr. J loads up kids with abx!!!
Immunity recovers. Lyme lingers. Get your furry baby some help.
posted
Trust your instincts. I am sorry you don't have the support there with you, but you have us.
I would call around and ask the vet office if they treat tick bites and hopefully they can ask their vet or vet technician how they would treat if given the test and your puppy's leg.
Maybe that could save you a trip to another vet who won't help.
What kind of puppy do you have? And how much does he or she weigh?
One of our friends is a vet but I think he may be out of town on a vacation. But I would be happy to call him and see what he says.
He knows what I am going through, lost his brother last year to cancer, and he is open to many different kinds of treatment like Vit C IV's, etc. I hope he is in town.
You can pm me if you want so I know the information sooner. I'll stay signed in.
Hugs to you! You're a great mommy.
Posts: 168 | From Southeast Tennessee/Chattanooga/Atlanta | Registered: Oct 2012
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posted
I understand your dilemma, Healthy, since he hurt his legs. But this is something a vet should be able to take into consideration when giving his/her evaluation. Your baby tested positive on one band. That would be enough for one of us, right?
It sounds as if your husband cares about the puppy, but is listening to the vet's note of caution about abx and the puppy immune system. That's why you need a 2nd opinion.
Hugs to you and your ^..^
Posts: 431 | From New England | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
I called vet and she agreed to continue his abx for at last another few weeks. Hubbie thinks I talked her into it as a "problem patient" so she just gave in. WHAT???
If that were true, I'd definitely find a new vet! But she agreed with me that given history, it was best to be safe than sorry later.
So my little guy is getting the right dosage for his current weight and he doesn't seem to be having any reactions to the meds, thank God!
He's a happy, bouncy baby berner again.
Hey, anyone know of a good, safe preventative flea/tick collar or spray that is proven to work? I'd like it to be non-toxic as most of the stuff they sell is harmful to pets and even to us.
My new rule.....never use any product that is not safe for children or pregnant/nursing women. That's a big tip off to me that it's basically not safe for anyone but they sell it anyway.
Again, thanks so much for your support....means a lot. Told dh, in this instance, I don't care if you agree or not, I'm insisting on this. Therefore big guy --YOU ARE OUT OF ORDER AND ARE OVERRULED!! Posts: 867 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
Good for you, Healthy! SO glad your baby is getting his abx and that your vet turned out to be reasonable.
Posts: 431 | From New England | Registered: Dec 2011
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Hey, anyone know of a good, safe preventative flea/tick collar or spray that is proven to work? I'd like it to be non-toxic as most of the stuff they sell is harmful to pets and even to us. ![[tsk]](graemlins/tsk.gif)
My new rule.....never use any product that is not safe for children or pregnant/nursing women. That's a big tip off to me that it's basically not safe for anyone but they sell it anyway. ![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
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