Bella has Lymes Disease

[Pam]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I just saw this post today. I'll keep you and Bella in my thoughts and prayers.

[jenluckenbach]

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]

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! 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]

I hope that Bella is feeling much better today. Sounds like she is on the road to recovery. Keep us updated.

[Sudilar]

Hope the new meds work!! Get well quick, Bella!!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

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

[Pam]

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 ). As I tickled and scratched everyone I noticed a TICK on Ripley!!!! 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. 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]

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]

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]

I'm so glad to hear Bella is feeling better today