I would appreciate the advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Karen
Yikes, that's scary. Does he go for walks in areas with tall grass, or where do you think the ticks are coming from?
I could ask this question tomorrow on the "Ask the Vets" radio show I host if you want!
I would be more than happy to pose the question regarding the best approach to exterminating ticks. As mentioned Andy is eleven, though his spirit and undefinable friendship have remained constant. I'm not trying to dramatize the situation, although when the ticks became present so did his condition which puts his health in danger. Andy's Vet wasn't able positively identify the reason for his condition. I'm all ears. Jason Ring 541 390 1772 Thank you
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Thank you for the suggestion
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
pomtzu
His symptoms do not sound like tick paralysis to me - not just a cough and raspy breathing. Don't put blinders on and think that this is the answer. Have the heartworm test, and have him checked for a heart murmur and possible congestive heart failure. I'm not trying to scare you, but I lost one of my dogs last year to heart failure, and he had the cough and raspy breathing, so I do know what I'm talking about. Dogs can live for many years with this condition tho, with the help of medication, weight control, and a good diet.
After posting my concern of tick paralysis, I reviewed the tests which came up empty. Andy was tested for heartworm, tick fever, lyme disease, anaplasma, and desert disease. You nailed it, I jumped prematurely unless tick fever testing doesn't cover tick paralysis, which I'm assuming it does. I am concerned at this point. The last visit with Andy's vet wasn't assuring. He is eleven, with the exception of his breathing and coughing, and the presence of ticks, he is the same as he was when he was one. The rescue dog, Amos which probably had ticks has minor respiratory issues. I feel a little better after re reading your last sentence. Thank You.
x rays next step in diagnosing cough and respiratory issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jessika
Has your vet taken chest x-rays?
Andy's Vet suggested chest x rays twice. The first suggestion came after the tests came up negative. The second suggestion came two weeks later when I asked advice for the ten day car trip I had planned with Andy months prior, that was three weeks away. He could advise the trip with the stipulation that x rays be taken prior.
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Confident on next step in addressing my Yellow Lab's respiratory condition
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jessika
Coughing and exercise intolerance are poster child symptoms for heart conditions. X-rays are absolutely the next step you should take above other diagnostics.
I, personally, would not be taking my dog on a car trip without taking x-rays first to ensure the dog was safe for travel...
Thank you making your opinion clear. As mentioned that was the one thing I remember after Andy's tests came up empty. When I contacted Andy's Vet shortly after about a car trip of 2400 miles, he suggested the X-rays. With Karen the Mayor, Pomtzu, and your suggestion, I fell at ease with with what was originally mention by Andy's Vet. I didn't narrow it down to that only because after being told the obvious was ruled out and for the first time I was dealing with ticks. With that and desperate internet searches I came up with tick paralysis, which after I examined the topic closer, is primarily a condition in Australia. In that search for a solid answer I came across this forum, which is the first one I've participated in, and am grateful for. Thank you
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