View Full Version : Bella has Lymes Disease
I almost didn't want to post this because in light of what K9Karen is going through right now with Cody as it seems trivial by comparison. I felt I just wanted to warn Pet Talkers, though, about the need for using tick blocking agents such as Frontline.
Yesterday morning around 7:00 a.m. I let Bella and Ripley outside and about 10 minutes later I looked out the window and noticed Bella limping. I assumed that she had twisted her leg in romping with Ripley and watched her carefully until I left for work about 2 hours later. By the time I was leaving the house she appeared OK. She had a grooming appointment at 9:00 and I was heading into work after I dropped her off. Since she appeared OK around 9:00 I kept the appointment and headed on to work.
In the evening she appeared fine, although during the night she jumped off my bed and would not come back on. I didn't realize it was because she couldn't come back on. This morning she was again limping as I was getting ready for work and was hesitant about using the stairs. When I came home I called the vet and got an appointment right away. He did a Lyme test because 200 animals in his practice in the course of a year have gotten Lymes. Well, it came back positive. He did admit that, since she got the Lyme vaccine about 2 weeks ago, there is a 2% chance that it is reading positive due to the vaccine. He did, however, give her a complete exam and feels that from her gait and the sudden onset of symptoms and the fact that it improved somewhat and then got worse all signs were pointing to Lymes.
She is now on antibiotics and we will check back in with him on Friday. If she is no better he will change her antibiotic and she will remain on antibiotics for a month. He said there is a small chance that there she may have injured her leg running yesterday morning but felt he had to err on the side of caution and treat her for Lymes.
For now he tells me there is a good chance we can totally nip this thing totally with the antibiotics. I am writing this note to let you all know of the very real threat of Lymes. I had seen the Frontline commercials numerous times but had never seen a small deer tick on my girl, although I had taken a couple of the larger ones off her last fall (our property backs up to the woods). I am having quite a bit of guilt over this but am hoping that she will be just fine. Please, if you live in a wooded area, get the vaccine or at least use Frontline. I wish I had. I'll keep you posted. She is my sweetie and I hate to see her suffering for something that I could have prevented. :(
jenluckenbach
03-26-2003, 05:44 PM
Poor, poor Bella. I am sorry you are sick. Please hurry and get better.
Not having dogs, I never really did much research about lyme disease. Is it curable? and what are the symptoms? (if you'd rather PM me than post it here, or if someone has info and would like to put it in another thread, that would be good. Thanks)
Best of luck with Bella (and never feel guilty that your problems are not as important as other people's problems. We care about ALL of the pets)
wolflady
03-26-2003, 05:50 PM
I sure hope that Bella nips this thing in the bud, and soon! I had never even thought about dogs getting Lyme disease, so please don't feel guilty over this. At least it was caught fast, and she is now being treated:) I really don't know a lot about lyme disease, but do know that you and Bella are in my prayers too, for a quick recovery!
**hugs**
Karen
Ah poor Bella,
Get better soon.
We are thinking of you and wish you
a speedy recovery.
Rocky, Sheba and Pepper
Desert Arabian
03-26-2003, 07:01 PM
Oh dear! Poor, poor Bella! :( I hope you feel better soon!! I'll keep you in my thoughts. Nasty little ticks!
Lyme Disease is a big problem here in Wisconsin. I hope I never, or any of my pets, get it.
Karen
03-26-2003, 07:07 PM
Lyme disease can effect people, too. Hope Bella's is over quickly, poor pretty girl!
Cinder & Smoke
03-26-2003, 07:13 PM
Hey Bella ~
Cinder & Smoke wish you a Full & Speedy recovery!
Hey Pam ~ ("Dad" talkin)...
From you comments, excerpted below >
Originally posted by Pam
"... He did a Lyme test because 200 animals in his practice in the course of a year have gotten Lymes.
... she got the Lyme vaccine about 2 weeks ago...
Is Lyme Disease Vaccine now *recommended* for dogs on the east coast??
I did some searching and found several articles that said Lyme was more of a problem along the east coast and New England states; and a few hints it was not a big problem in Ohio. Wonder if it's time to start worrying? I don't think the Dawgs got Lyme Vaccs in their multi-purpose shots last week - but I think I'll call Doc Mike and ask.
Did find an interesting web site - by a Texas Vet who argues *against* some vaccinations (Lyme being one of them). A lot of his web pages argue that we over-vaccinate our pets... See >
Critter Fixer web site (Lyme page) (http://critterfixer.com/pages/v5_vaccs_not_recomend_k9.htm)
Hope Bella makes a quick recovery!!
lizbud
03-26-2003, 07:17 PM
Pam,
Sorry to hear that Bella's not feeling well. Hope your quick
action and the antibiotics work to get her back to her old self
soon. Thanks for the FYI on this disease also. Do you know if
Lymes is more prevalent in certain parts of the country, or can
it be contracted most anywhere? Liz.
OOOPS, Just saw Phred's post & links. Better start reading up
on this disease. Thanks.
sasvermont
03-26-2003, 07:21 PM
Oh Pam, such a nasty break for Bella. I think most animals recover from this problem if it is caught early. I wonder about the vaccine too and wonder if maybe it is a false reading .... I too would treat her for it, if I were you.
I know that Lyme disease is common here in Vermont - and deer are the usual carriers.
Please give Ms. Bella a special hug and kiss for me....and don't blame yourself, although I know you will.... I still blame myself for ...well, you know....the two losses I just had....
Anyway Pam and Bella, take care of yourselves ...and Bella, be quiet for Mama and be good...take all of your medicine too!
Love,
Auntie Sas
RockyRoad
03-26-2003, 07:21 PM
Poor Bella! I hope you will recover soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. {{{Hugs}}}
We live in a very wooded area, and have lots of woods in our backyard (fenced off though). Lady is vaccinated from it though. We are not allowed to go into the woods, although I would love to.
Feel better Bella!
Britt
Phred I couldn't get your page to come up but I will try again later. When we took Ripley in for his neutering the vet first spoke to us about the Lyme vaccine. He said he was sort of pushing it because of the marked increase in the number of his furry patients who had it. It is a two part vaccine, given three weeks apart. Ripley got his first shot after his neutering and then three weeks later we took him and Bella in. He got shot #2 and Bella got shot #1. The thing I forgot to ask the vet is should we bother giving her shot #2 since she already is positive for the disease. I'm afraid I wasn't thinking too clearly today but I will ask him on Friday when I check back in.
I would certainly ask your vet if Lyme is a problem in Ohio, and for other Pet Talkers please do check with your vets. Maybe if I had used Frontline last fall she wouldn't be having to deal with this. What a shame that the vaccine was administered a little too late. If you don't opt for the vaccine I would certainly use Frontline if you have spotted ticks on your pets before or if you live in or near woods. :(
Logan
03-26-2003, 08:05 PM
I remember you posting about your earlier discussion with your vet about Lyme disease. Isn't it strange that having just had the vaccine, now she has come down with it? It really does seem like maybe the vaccine might have affected her. Regardless, I am glad you know and can do something about it.
Hug her gently for me. I sure do love that girll! :)
*LabLoverKEB*
03-26-2003, 08:57 PM
Oh, no! Not my favorite Poodle, Bella! I really hope that she recovers real quick! Pam, please give that sweet, beautiful Poodle girl a big hug for me! And Ripley, too!
lovemyshiba
03-26-2003, 09:01 PM
Pam, thanks for posting this about lyme disease.
I certainly hope that Bella makes a quick recovery, I know that she will, she has such a wonderful mommy who took care of her right away:)
I don't believe my dogs are vaccinated for it, and my vet has never mentioned it to me. I use Revolution on them, but I'm not sure if that will help.
I'm going to call her tomorrow and double check.
Feel better soon sweet Bella!!!
Cincy'sMom
03-26-2003, 09:01 PM
Poor Bella! Hope you're feeling better soon!!!
I have just been looking into which flea/tick preventative I want to use this year. We have used Frontline inthe past and with what I have been reading, i think we will stick with it, even though it is alittle $$ then some others...it is one of the few that stays on through simming/baths and my girls love the water!!!
Sudilar
03-26-2003, 09:28 PM
Oh poor little Bella. Get well quickly, sweetie. Thanks for bringing this up, Pam.
micki76
03-26-2003, 10:06 PM
Hopefully this is simply a false positive due to the vaccination.
Take care sweet Bella and be a good girl for your Mommy and take your medicine! Keep us updated on how she's doing Pam.
I'm actually looking into the new medication K9 Advantix for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. We are now West Nile Territory here in North Texas, so we're taking all precautions this year!
I know you can't help but feel guilty about not using a tick preventative, but hindsight is 20/20, so don't beat yourself up over it.
jackiesdaisy1935
03-26-2003, 10:24 PM
Pam thank goodness you brought her in, it sounds like your Vet is on the side of caution and that's very good, can't have our beautiful white princess sick that's for sure. Please give her hugs from us and to Ripley too the little cutie pie.
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy
oodlesofpoodles
03-26-2003, 10:51 PM
Oh Pam. I do hope Bella gets to feeling better, But also even if she had been on frontline doesnt mean she wouldn't get it. Frontline is a preventive. I keep frontline on my dogs all year long once a month. They still get ticks on them. I live in a heavy flea and tick area. Lots of deer in my yard all the time. I also use frontline spray on the horses. My boss and his son both have had lymes disease also. So dont be to hard on yourself.(which I know is easier said than do) With all the well wishes here and prayers she will be fine. Keep her all comfpy. all the gang here says get well soon.
Rachel
03-27-2003, 06:21 AM
We are totally taken aback with this news. I really want to believe it is the vacinnation and a pulled muscle! On the other hand, the vet, had he not had all this experience with Lyme disease could easily have overlooked the possibility and should it be that, things could have gotten so much worse. (I don't know if what I said was that clear. I hope it is not Lyme's but if it is I am so glad it was caught in time.)
Is the assumption that the ticks are out already even though winter is barely over? That this is a *this year's bite*? You would think that all that snow would somehow get rid of those bloody bastards!:mad:
Dear sweet Bella. Hannah knows princesses do not like to be sick or in any way incapacitated. She suggests your Mommy bring you servings of only the most delectable treats and give you gentle massages. Please get well and feel better fast.
Bella is not putting any weight on that leg at all this morning. It is so hard to see Ripley racing through the yard and Bella sitting on the sidelines. Their early morning romps are so routine and I know she is wishing to join in. She came back upstairs this morning after going potty outside. Going up anything (stairs, onto a bed) is harder than going down but she seemed determined to do it. I lifted her up onto the bed, where she seemed she was wanting to go, and I put her food bowl on the bed. She ate laying down. I somehow got the impression that she could get used to this lifestyle. ;) Oh my, I can't wait for these pills to kick in and make my sweetie return to her normal self.
sasvermont
03-27-2003, 07:00 AM
You know, it is so darn difficult to see an animal having discomfort. I suppose it is much like a young child, unable to let you know what is really going on in their little minds. It is not like they are able to say, "Hey, Mom I'm feeling a bit under the weather - can you call the Dr. to see if he can fit me in"..... but instead you find out when they can't walk or vomit up every speck of food you just gave them... etc. etc. I don't know that we can every really keep our eyes and ears open enough to predict the problems that sneak up on us/them. Bladder infections in animals are my favorite. They can be horrible for the pet and yet you don't really know it is happening until it is raging through their bodies!
Let's try to teach our pets to "sign"..... and let us know what is going on in their bodies.
It would be so much easier on Pam, if Bella would say "hey, Mom, I did injure myself while playing with the Ripples dog and I don't have Lyme disease like the doc thinks...." I wonder what sign we could translate that to be?
SAS
Hugs to Bella and Pam
wolf_Q
03-27-2003, 09:08 AM
Poor sweet Bella, I hope she recovers quickly! :(
I believe I knew they had a vaccine for Lymes Disease, but I have no idea if it's offered here. I know the Giardia one is. Maybe I should look into it. I've never used the flea/tick preventative as well, we don't have fleas here.....but maybe I should use it...but just for ticks? We do have ticks, and we do go camping very often.
ChrisH
03-27-2003, 10:42 AM
Poor Bella :( Pam, sending prayers and positive thoughts that the beautiful sweetie gets better real soon. Please give her a hug from me.
Chris
Sudilar
03-27-2003, 10:55 AM
Feel better soon, sweetie. Hmmmm, food bowl on the bed......don't tell Shiloh........
ramanth
03-27-2003, 11:24 AM
Praying that Bella gets better real quick!
*Hugs*
AdoreMyDogs
03-27-2003, 11:50 AM
Poor Miss Bella girl :( I do hope that it's a "false alarm", but so glad that you caught it when you did, as I have heard Lymes can be pretty icky.
Get better, you beautiful girl.
Pam, let us know how she's doing. Hopefully she's getting better by the day :(
K9karen
03-27-2003, 12:12 PM
Oh Dear Pam, I wish you have told me this morning on the phone! In light of what Cody is going through,sweet Bella's Lyme disease is no less important! I'm so glad you took her right to the vet. What a good mom for noticing! You know I love you all dearly, and I swear to you that I am also praying for Bella that she recovers in no time!
tatsxxx11
03-27-2003, 02:12 PM
As I told you in my email, Pam, my Jingles was diagnosed with Lymes at age 11, even though she never missed one dose of Frontline and always received her yearly Lymes vaccine. Perhaps it was a strain, not Lymes. There is a possiblity of a false positive. If it is Lymes though, dogs respond so well to a course of antibiotics; that usually does the trick. We're sending beautiful Bella all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. She couldn't be in more loving, caring hands...that's for sure. Love, Sandra, Star and Cody
Star demands you get better dear Bellla!! And you know she will not be denied!;)
Sandra I didn't realize that Jingles had Lyme disease. :( Your note is helping me a little in regard to the guilt I have been feeling. It sounds like nothing is foolproof. I am still wondering if it isn't a combination of Lyme and a sprain/strain. I am supposed report in with the vet tomorrow, and he said I should be noticing a big improvement. Actually she is much worse. She has put no weight on that leg at all today and won't do steps pr furniture at all. She goes down steps but simply can't come up. My hubby and I have been carrying her. I just can't wait to talk to the vet again tomorrow and maybe have him look at her again. I had to go out for several hours today and before I left I took a picture of Bella and her new little brudder, Ripley, as they laid in the warm sun streaming into the kitchen. She laid there for ages and he was with her a good bit of the time.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid57/p223af8dd84e66edff3437ba2609d8166/fc6f6f27.jpg
I took this when I got home. She is still not walking on it. :(
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid57/pc03ce7d04079fee49094322dcba90ef1/fc6f6f1a.jpg
lovemyshiba
03-27-2003, 09:42 PM
What a beautiful picture of Bella and Ripley!!
I am so sorry to hear that she is not feeling better yet, we're still gonna pray for her here--get better sweet girl!!!
Let us know when you have any news.
wolf_Q
03-27-2003, 10:29 PM
What a GORGEOUS pic of Bella and Ripley!! I love it! :D
Poor girl, that other pic makes me so sad. :( I know you probably said this earlier...but how exactly would Lymes Disease cause her to limp like that? Sorry, I don't know much about it.
captain
03-27-2003, 11:17 PM
I only saw this post now ........... hope all is OK. :)
How is she doing today?
There is no improvement at all today. In fact she is worse. I am upset because he said I should see considerable improvement by Friday (today). Either this means she needs a new antibiotic or there is also a sprain involved. I am having to carry her upstairs and lift her off furniture. No toys are being played with and I think that's what's killing me most of all. She picks a spot and lays down and just looks at me with those big eyes. :( I will be on the phone with the vet as soon as they open! Thank you, everyone, for your concern.
jenluckenbach
03-28-2003, 05:46 AM
Best of luck with Bella. I am sorry to hear that she is not getting better yet. Keep us posted. Yoday will be hard to get through, not knowing until I get home from work.
Cookiebaker
03-28-2003, 07:14 AM
I just read this now...how sad!! :( I hope that sweet Bella is feeling better soon in no time, and the vet can give some answers. We'll be thinking & praying for you! Give Bella & Ripley an extra cookie from us!
~~Anna & Malone
p.s. I love the picture of the two of them in the sunshine...so sweet!!!
Logan
03-28-2003, 07:23 AM
Pam,
We'll be thinking of you and Bella this morning. I hope you get the answers you need. I'm sure he can give Bella something, even if it is just buffered aspirin to help with her pain and inflammation. Let us know!!
The picture is priceless!!! :D
Logan
anna_66
03-28-2003, 08:31 AM
:( After reading everyone's posts, I was hoping Bella would be doing much better this morning, I'm sorry to hear she's not.
I'll be waiting on pins & needles to hear what the vet has to say.
Feel better soon sweet Bella {{{Hugs}}} from all of us.
Sudilar
03-28-2003, 08:49 AM
Poor little Bella. I was hoping for improvement. Hope the vet can give her something to help. Good luck. Please update!!
sasvermont
03-28-2003, 10:18 AM
Hope she is being a good girl and enjoying being treated like a Queen!
Keep us posted Pam!
Sas
lizbud
03-28-2003, 11:46 AM
Pam,
Sure hope that Bella gets a good report from the Vet this morning. Please do let us know what the Dr. says. I did find
out a little about this disease from this vet info site.
http://www.vetinfo.com/dlyme.html
It did clear up a few questions for me.Hope it's helpful to
someone else.
sammi
03-28-2003, 11:54 AM
Pam, so sorry to hear Bella is sick. Prayers and positive thoughts are going your way. Keep us posted.
momoffuzzyfaces
03-28-2003, 12:10 PM
I just saw this today. Prayers are on the way for you and sweet Bella.
Rachel
03-28-2003, 01:09 PM
Did the Vet examine her paw to make sure there was not a thorn or something sticking in it? I'm grasping for straws here, I know. Just can't stand the thought of the Pretty One in pain.
tatsxxx11
03-28-2003, 01:20 PM
Oh Pam, I'm so upset that Bella wasn't any better today...I hope the vet has some answers. Perhaps she did strain or sprain it?? I was thinking the same thing; maybe a combo. of Lymes and a strain??? I hope she/he prescribes some enteric coated aspirin or other anti-inflammatory for the pain. We'll all be waiting anxiously for your report. Please get well soon, beautiful Bellla. Star and Cody send you get well licks.:) And we loved your precious pictures; a little bittersweet, seeing Bella holding her leg up:(
Just got in from the vet's. He took x-rays and showed them to me. There is an area around her knee that he said usually shows up a little darker on the film. Since it was lighter, this indicates that there is fluid around the knee. Her temp was also elevated. I told him I even thought her foot on her "bad" leg was warmer than all of her other feet. He didn't think there was much difference and probably thinks I'm a kook. Anyway, his comment "this is classic Lyme." She is now on a medicine for pain (I think it is a enteric coated aspirin, as you said Sandra, although the bottle is downstairs) and a new antibiotic (Doxycycline). He said that in 90-95% of the cases the Amoxycillin does the trick but it didn't work at all on my girl. I have to call him again Monday morning to report in but he told me there should be a remarkable difference in how she is by then.
I asked about the effect of Lyme on the heart, and brain as I know that is something to be careful of with humans. He said that he knows of one dog that started having seizures as a result of having this disease. He knows of no heart problems so far in his practice. He did mention that it seems there is a tendency for it to strike the kidneys of labs for some reason and the outlook is poor once it does. (People with labbies, please do be careful as I hope all of you will).
Bottom line - if she is improved we will continue with the antibiotic for a month and re-check. The pain pills shouldn't be needed for long. He only gave me a 5 day supply - one per day. We are starting Ripley IMMEDIATELY on Frontline but he wants to wait with Bella until we get the Lyme under control. She will not get her Lyme booster vaccine.
While I was paying the bill he walked by the reception area and got down on the floor and petted my girl. He said I have a terrific dog and she was excellent for her x-rays. Made my heart burst with pride. :) One of the techs said this is a nasty, nasty disease and she hates seeing all of the little limping patients.
I'll keep you updated but that is the latest. :)
Logan
03-28-2003, 03:04 PM
Oh, sweet Bella, you simply must get better!!! I know you miss romping with your friend, Ripley, and he must be miserable without his playmate!!!
I hope this new regime of medication will do the trick, Pam.
We are certainly keeping Bella at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers!! What a good girl she is!!! :)
tatsxxx11
03-28-2003, 03:48 PM
I'm so glad to hear the Dr. is confident in what he's dealing with! And the Doxy should do the trick where the Amoxi didn't. The aspirin should offer her a lot of relief as well......it truly is one of the miracle drugs of all time with so few side effects. I hope you're feeling a little better Pam. Lymes is a scary disease, but thankfully her vigilent Mommy was on top of things. Rest and medic. and lots of love...that should do the trick. Please give beautiful Bella the biggest kiss for being such a brave, brave girl and making her Mom so proud! Paws crossed for a swift recovery!! And lots of prayers too:) We love you Bella!!:)
ChrisH
03-28-2003, 04:19 PM
Pam, thanks for the update. Here`s hoping the new medicine does the trick. Prayers and postive thought continuing. Please give brave sweetie Bella a hug and kiss from me.
Chris
lovemyshiba
03-28-2003, 04:23 PM
sounds like Bella has a great vet!! I'm glad she will be doing well soon--what a yucky disease!!
I did just find out that Kito has had his lyme's vaccine, but we're not too sure about Abbey--definitley have to check into it
Stenograsaurus
03-28-2003, 04:43 PM
I just saw this post today. I'll keep you and Bella in my thoughts and prayers.
jenluckenbach
03-28-2003, 06:35 PM
I sure hope that new medicine works for Bella. Such a sweet face should not have to be in any pain. Sending Hugs and prayers.
K9karen
03-28-2003, 06:57 PM
I sure wish my vet was my regular MD! Yep, the Ascripton, which is what I used when Cody had ACL surgery worked great. There is no such thing as a dog/cat/animal loving kook. If that's the case then I need to be committed immediately! :eek: I couldn't be happier that the Lymes was caught in time, Pam and that the vet sees no residual problems!! What fantastic news!!!! I know your heart must have skipped a few extra beats with worry! Yes, you do have a lovely, sweet girl (unlike one uncooperative scardy-dog I know and love) You SHOULD be proud..we ALL are! Bella's a sweet beautiful, smart, understanding girl, with a great mom and dad (not to mention siblings). Yipee for good news!! Love you lots..you know that....
oodlesofpoodles
03-28-2003, 07:34 PM
I hope that Bella is feeling much better today. Sounds like she is on the road to recovery. Keep us updated. :)
Sudilar
03-28-2003, 10:26 PM
Hope the new meds work!! Get well quick, Bella!!
jackiesdaisy1935
03-28-2003, 10:27 PM
Pam, it sounds like your Vet has had quite a bit of experience with this disease. Poor beautiful, sweet Bella, I'm so sorry to hear that she is hurting and I will be saying prayers for her complete recovery. I'm sure Ripley is missing his sister playing with him.
Please give them both hugs and kisses from all of us.
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy
This morning I let Bella out and, as she has been doing, she waited at the bottom of the deck steps (5 or 6 steps) for me to bring her up. As is her custom, she asked to go out again about 15 minutes later (after she had eaten). This time I was getting ready to go down and get her and she appeared at the back door! She came up herself! Yippee!! I think we have turned a corner! I just want to thank everyone for positive thoughts and prayers. I even saw her pick up a toy a little while ago! I think I am getting my "old Bella" back! :) :) :)
On a side note - last night I was cuddling both of the pupsters as well as Andy (all three were trying for some lap room :rolleyes: ). As I tickled and scratched everyone I noticed a TICK on Ripley!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: I almost totally freaked out. I hate these things!! I am now starting to have an almost irrational fear of them. Hubby and I got it out and applied alcohol afterward as we have done before. My fingers are crossed that his vaccine has kicked in. He had finished his two-shot regimen and it has been over 2 weeks. He starts his Frontline today. I think it's going to be a long summer around here. :mad: Everyone please keep a watchful eye on your furkids. At least here in the Mid-Atlantic states I think it's going to be a bad year tickwise.
Logan
03-29-2003, 07:08 AM
First of all, Pam, I am so happy to hear that Bella is having a better morning! Good job!!! :)
As for the tick, doesn't it seem that after such a cold winter that there wouldn't be as many? If you're seeing them up there, I know we'll be getting them down here, for sure. I really ought to use the Frontline year round, I suppose.
Hope you all have a good day today! Keep getting better, sweet Bella!!! :)
Rachel
03-29-2003, 08:01 AM
Originally posted by Pam
I think we have turned a corner! I just want to thank everyone for positive thoughts and prayers. I even saw her pick up a toy a little while ago! I think I am getting my "old Bella" back! :) :) :)
That is the best news. Now it is onward and upward (as in the stairs to the bedroom). We have been so worried about precious Bella, especially knowing that it takes a lot to keep a good girl down and out. Still what a blessing that this was diagnosed with the speed it was, thanks to your vigilance and your vet's competance. And with your finding a tick on Riley, there seems to be no doubt that the culprits are out there already.
As far as *kooks* go, it is the ones who don't know the joy of sharing a close bond with an animal who are kooky. It amazes me that so many people pass on one of life's true treasures. To me living my life without an animal would be as if I chose to view the world in black and white instead of color.
anna_66
03-29-2003, 08:12 AM
I'm so glad to hear Bella is feeling better today:D
lovemyshiba
03-29-2003, 10:30 AM
wonderful news!!! I am so happy to hear that Bella is coming back to being her old beautiful self!! What a great doctor you have, Pam, many may not be so experienced with the disease.
I suppose we'll be on the lookout for ticks here too--who knew?? Like Logan said, with such a long winter, I wouldn't have thought they would be here already!!!!!!
Keep your chin up sweet Bella--I can't wait to see the pics of you and Ripley running around in the yard again!!!!!!!
tatsxxx11
03-29-2003, 10:56 AM
Yay, Bella! What GREAT news, Pam!!:) I hope she feels better and better by the hour! Hugs to you sweet Bella!
*LabLoverKEB*
03-29-2003, 11:07 AM
Wonderful news, Pam! I'm really glad that she is feeling better! Pam, we also need some more pictures of your babies! You know I love your Bella and Ripley!:) ;)
ChrisH
03-29-2003, 02:04 PM
Wonderful news!:) :)
jenluckenbach
03-29-2003, 02:41 PM
Great news for Bella. Glad the meds are kicking in!!
as for ticks, I am also in the mid atlantic states (who's winter was extremely cold) and I've seen ticks on at least 5 dogs that came into the shop last week.
oodlesofpoodles
03-29-2003, 02:58 PM
Way to go Bella, Pam I know what you mean about those little critters, I am having to walk Noel on a leash due to her surgery and well she didn't have any critters on her, I put frontline all year long on my dogs, and I am the one that had the little critters I think I will spray my self with the frontline spray. Uh just thinking about them critters makes my skin crawl. Bella Keep improving girl:)
Great news! Bella is almost 100% back to her old self. She has been playing with Ripley just like before this disease struck, and I even saw her running in the yard today on all FOUR legs! Yippee!! Thank you everyone for your prayers. :)
sasvermont
03-30-2003, 07:37 AM
Pam, I am so happy to hear that dear Bella is feeling much better! I hope that it is smooth sailing from here on out.
Isn't it just awful to have to see a pet having such discomfort!
I hope all the prayers and positive thoughts helped.
Love,
Sas and her brats:rolleyes:
:D :D :) :D :D
anna_66
03-30-2003, 07:53 AM
Give her a big hug and smooch from me:D
Cookiebaker
03-30-2003, 08:05 AM
Yay!! What good news!!!! Sending lots of virtual kisses & cookies to dear Bella!!! I'm so happy for you that your baby is well again! :)
YA!!! That's great news.
Lots of hugs to Bella. :)
tatsxxx11
03-30-2003, 08:51 AM
It's a HAPPY SUNDAY!!!!!!!!:D:D:D Great news Pam!! Go Bella!!:) (I know this is one rainy day your Mom wouldn't mind you playing outside and getting all muddy!!;))
Cincy'sMom
03-30-2003, 08:56 AM
Yeah Bella!!! Get that brother of yours!
jenluckenbach
03-30-2003, 11:55 AM
I am so glad that Bella is up and moving again. She is way to sweet to be off her feet!
Aspen and Misty
03-30-2003, 01:01 PM
I just saw this thread! I am so happy Bella is ok! Glad she is getting back to her old self again! I was so worried when I read your first post. Thank you for the warning!
Ash
lovemyshiba
03-30-2003, 02:35 PM
I am so glad to hear sweet Bella is making a swift recovery!!! She has such a wonderful mommy, how could she not??
Good girl Bella:D
captain
03-30-2003, 03:52 PM
What fantastic news!!!!
Hope Bella gets better in "leaps and bounds" :D
Rachel
03-30-2003, 05:02 PM
and everyplace else as well. Nothing like having a good antibiotic kick in .
Tucker wanted me to send a special *woof* to that leggy blond he keep dreaming about and Hannah says, *Milk this for all it's worth....remember, you gets fed in bed!*
shais_mom
03-30-2003, 09:49 PM
I came in the late but am glad that sweet Bella is doing better!
jackiesdaisy1935
03-30-2003, 09:52 PM
Pam, I am so happy to hear Bella is doing so well, I know it takes a lot off of your mind to see her back to her ole self. She is quite the strong young lady. I hope Ripley is doing well too. Please give both kids lots of hugs from us.
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy
sammi
03-30-2003, 10:29 PM
So good to hear Pam!:)
Cinder & Smoke
03-30-2003, 11:05 PM
Hey Bella ~
SmokeMutt here...
So GLAD yer fellin Better!!!!! :D
Now lissin up!
Ya missed da big PT BarkPark Gatherin tuday -
but we'z gonna do it agin (soon as it warms up - allua Hoomins wuz *whimperin* bout how chillie it wuz - :rolleyes: )
You anna Rippur start savin yer lowence munnie so'z ya can buy an AmTrak Tikit - hop onna Tooter-Tolley an we'll meet you anna RippBoy atta stashun - you guyz will Have a BLAST!
Dear Smoke Mutt ~
Oh boy I would reely like that! I gots my runnin' legs back and I could goes like the wind wiff you all. Only thing is I don't thinks my mom wants to take me and the Ripster on the choo-choo. Couldn't ya all come a liddel closer to the oshun for your next meetin'?
Slurpily yours, Bella
Logan
03-31-2003, 07:11 AM
Yeah!!! I had no opportunity to check in yesterday, but it didn't mean I wasn't thinking about you, Bella!!! So glad you are better!!! :D :D :D
DoggiesAreTheBest
03-31-2003, 12:50 PM
Oh Pam! I am so sorry to hear that Bella is sick. I am so terrified of ticks! Drake gets the shot annually and is on the Advantage KillTix topical preventative.
Glad to hear she is feeling better already.
I just took this picture minutes ago. I was outside pooper scooping and these two goofy pupsters were racing all over the yard. (They are now resting!) Obviously the antibiotics are working beautifully for Bella. Thank you, whoever invented Doxycycline! I hope we have seen the last of this disease! :) (Sorry for the blur!)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid58/pb6abb9b48ac1894022ea4776cf7a7222/fc670ab2.jpg
RockyRoad
04-02-2003, 03:30 PM
I'm so happy Bella is doing great, and that the antibiotics are working well with her! :)
ChrisH
04-02-2003, 03:54 PM
Great picture!:) How wonderful to see Bella running around like that!!:) gladdens my heart and puts a smile on my face! Thanks for sharing Pam.:)
wolflady
04-02-2003, 05:39 PM
Yay! I'm so glad that Bella is doing so much better and that the antibiotics are helping! :D What a good girl! I'm sure she's happy that she can join the Ripster in backyard romps! :D
**hugs**
anna_66
04-02-2003, 07:46 PM
Running around like two pups:)
I'm really glad to hear that she's up & feeling like her old self again!
Cookiebaker
04-02-2003, 09:41 PM
What an awesomly cute picture!!! So very glad Bella's back to her playful self!! What a refreshing sight. :)
Sara luvs her Tinky
04-02-2003, 11:21 PM
AWWWW
Sweet Bella ... so good to see you up and running full force again!
... Looks like Ripley doesn't want to give you a minute to rest! ;)
marysmerrycats
04-03-2003, 07:22 PM
Im glad she's doing better! I just read this thread, how awful that had to be!
iceyshiver21
04-04-2003, 09:13 PM
Oh, Bella.....Its good to see that you are getting better :D
Tom&Pam
04-10-2003, 10:11 AM
I just read about Bella, as we just found this site yesterday. I hope Bella is doing fine. Thank God that vaccines are available now for this disease.
Tom & I took our 2 dals everywhere and enjoyed many trips together ( the whole family of 4). In the fall of 1986 we camped a total of 2 weeks in Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Dandy was a large stocky, rather shy, but totally sweet dalmatian and at 11 years old had some arthritis problems, but still loved to play with his older "brother" Smokey. They both just needed to rest a lot.
His symptoms seemed to get worse in the next couple months, normal one day and hurting the next. One January Sunday, he was miserable. I was planning to take him to the vet the next day. That night I cuddled around him and slept on the floor. Morning came and Dandy seemed as good as new. One week later, he was struck down again. We took him to the vet. Ex-rays revealed a possible spinal cord injury near his tail, and he was given steroids. He now had collitis symptoms. The vets kept him for several days, but he was not improving. We brought him home with medication. We hoped the surroundings would help him recover. His hind quarters would not support him. We held him up sith a towel to go outside. His appetite was not there, although he tried to eat, I think, to please us. The next night, we felt he was in too much pain. We called the vet, who met us at the hospital. By the time Tom carried him into the office, Dandy seemed to be comatose. The vet gently injected the serum that put Dandy at peace, at age 11. This was on 1/20/87.
The 5/22/89, issue of "Newsweek" had a cover story about Lyme Disease. After 2 years of wondering what happened to Dandy, I finally knew.
Dandy had all the classic symptoms of Lyme Disease. I had never before heard of it, and doubt that the vets in Illinois thought about it either. I'm sure he got it on our Wisconsin trip. I remember brushing off small black bugs. I thought they were tiny spiders. I also know that one of his "elbow" joints swelled up, at some time during his illness. But, it went away.
Smokey lived another 2 years and died peacefully at age 14, with no signs of Lyme Disease.
We definately use Frontline for Buddy, our 7 year old dalmatian. From,
One Pam to another.
oodlesofpoodles
04-10-2003, 05:28 PM
Pam, Glad to see Bella's feeling much better. Hoping all the way better.:)
Tom&Pam, thank you for your note and welcome to Pet Talk!! You know it's funny because my brother's name is Tom!! :) I am so, so sorry to hear about what happened to Dandy. You described his symptoms as being hurting one day and normal the next and then back to hurting. That was what gave my vet his first clue. He said that is the way Lyme acts and he had seen 200 little furry patients with it so I figured he knew what he was talking about. If it had been a sprain it wouldn't have been an on again/off again thing and there was also the blood test too. :( Back in the 80's when your Dandy went through this I don't think very much was known. It was just coming to the forefront and the reports were scattered. I now have both Bella and Ripley on Frontline and Bella will be getting her second dose of the vaccine after she finishes her antibiotics. There are so many humans here in South Jersey with Lyme as well. There are quite a bit of pine forrests and the disease naturally is worse in wooded areas. I am so grateful that we were able to help Bella quickly by getting her on the antibiotics and I am so sorry that you did not have the benefit of the knowledge that we have today. I hope others may benefit from this thread and can nip this thing in the bud if, God forbid, it should strike.
P.S. Another similarity - my daughter's cat's name is Dandy! :) :)
K9karen
04-10-2003, 06:50 PM
Thank God that our beloved pets are now considered more than that.....and that medical/vet science has improved so much in all these years it can add years of life to our "furkids" . Ithat have benefited from chemo and survived Lymes and other diseases. I wish my vet was my family doctor..such compassion and not monetarily motivated. I found the Pam and Tom and Dandy references realllllly spooky....WOW! I'm so so happy that both our lovely Bella and and new friend, Buddy are doing great! :)
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