[Fresia]

Despite things going well with the new adoptee recovering from the respiratory infection. The hiccup has come that the older dog, Sophi, is not feeling well, but not the same symptoms that the new one had. She is only 3; she is eating less and less (half her usual food now), gradually she is gaining weight and despite her activity, is getting more and more fatigued, not playing in the house anymore but still wanting to go for runs, (but rests down in the fields, which is unusual), nesting by me more and more, and not her usual independent self. In the beginning I thought it was the increased activity with the new pup and others kept saying it was her just adjusting, but something doesn't seem right as it is getting worse as indicated above.

Got her in for a check-up and labwork, despite expecting it to be her thyroid, it turned out that it wasn't. It turned out that her platelets are really low the vet said in his vm, which could be suspect for a lot of things I know but he did not say in his vm, none of it good. I missed his call yesterday as the labs came back sooner than expected; I really am hating the new job right now and not getting cell reception at work. So hopefully we will get this sorted out before the weekend and he will call back today; however, now I know it is a surgery day for him despite me being off, please, please, please let us connect today. I hate for this to get put off.

I knew something wasn't right; always good to go with your instincts. Hopefully she will be ok. My poor darling girl; she's so young. Hopefully this will be something that can be treated, and quickly, so she can get back to her lovely little spirited self soon.

[possum220]

I really do hope things work our for you and your fur baby.

[Fresia]

Thanks Possum!

So I know one of the likest causes of low platelets in a young dog is going to be tick borne disease, despite all the other possibilities running through my head, none of them good, praying it is none of these others. I asked them to recheck her blood smear for it. The lab they sent her specimen to does not save the samples, which was surprising in an of itself, suspicious even; so I asked them to redraw it this afternoon and instead of sending it out immediately, I asked if I could look at it first if they wouldn't mind as this is my field. I hated to have her redrawn but she needed to be checked.

It was nice to confirm the low platelets but also that I did see anaplasmosis, a bacteria that infects cells which is transmitted from deer ticks. Given what it could have been, I am actually relieved but am surprised they did not see this the first time and so very angry since a manual count was done. It is a common illness in dogs and they missed it; if there were a few random cells, maybe I would understand, as it can be hard to spot, but almost every one, really?! I suggested they bring this to their attention and concerns over a lab that does not keep samples for retesting or their own verification...suspect.

The good news is that it is a bacteria that should be treated with antibiotic. My concern is that she has not had a tick on her since I switched topical flea/tick meds, so it has been 4 or so months since her last tick bite that I am aware of since I check them every time we go out and throughout the day. I wonder how long it has been going on, bless her, to be so infected. I feel like such a terrible parent and schmuck.

Hopefully she will recover soon and the new topical stuff will continue to keep her safer than the last. It was especially hard today to see her lying around after being a pin cushion again, stress at the vet, and then in the field, every so many yards, wanting to run but having to lie down. Please let the first antibiotic work.

[possum220]

Antibiotics usually work pretty fast Fresia. I really hope things settle down quickly for you hunny bun. Just keep breathing. Maybe cuddle up to your fur babies?

[lizardlady]

Fresia, how is she doing?

[Fresia]

Thanks for asking LL but no good news as of yet, too soon I think. She was really very testy today and isolating herself upstairs on the guest room bed yesterday and today, which she never goes in otherwise. She growls when anyone, including the dogs, come near her except me; she does come down to curl up with me when I parked it some place yesterday and today, make a point to check on her and sit for a bit for lovins, and to sleep at night, but other than that, she is clearly not feeling well and not wanting to interact at all, chew, play, or go for runs even now otherwise, bless her. I so wish there was more could do for her meanwhile except to let her get her rest to recover. I think it is just going to take time for the antibiotic to work. This has been known to be resistant so praying this one won't be.

[Fresia]

This just gets better and better.

Sophi is still not doing well; they confirmed given how infected she is with the tick disease, it is going to take time for the antibiotic to work. Bless her, but she has started eating a bit more, which am glad to see her appetite is returning.

Meanwhile, I have a hard time catching the new adoptee, Brookes, pooping to get a fecal in, "closet" pooper that she is. Just got it in and lo' and behold, she has girardia. When it rains it pours. I need to wash and clean all the bedding, toys, vacuum, and bath her daily, and the others too. New medication to start her on along with her respiratory antibiotic. I already keep the fenced in part of the yard picked up, which will be continuing. Too bad I cannot laminate the house so I can hose it all down with bleach every day.

I was too stunned to asked about prophylaxis for the other ones. She has to go in tomorrow for booster shot so I will ask about getting the others started on meds too. This is going to be an interesting month to say the least. Perhaps I should just set up a cot at the vet for us all, it's sterile and since we've already paid them more than rent this month, that might work out better since we're there all the time anyway now.

[Travelinglady]

fresia, I am sorry things aren't going well and hope all will be okay.

[lizardlady]

Good grief Fresia! When it rains it really rains!

Too bad I cannot laminate the house so I can hose it all down with bleach every day.

I read that heat kills the cysts too. Maybe you could burn the house down to kill them off?
sorry, I've got a warped sense of humor. I thought maybe you could use a chuckle.

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

I read that heat kills the cysts too. Maybe you could burn the house down to kill them off?
sorry, I've got a warped sense of humor. I thought maybe you could use a chuckle.

Love that, SO tempting. I needed that, thank you. I am just telling myself this morning that this too shall pass, literally.

[Fresia]

Two sets of good news,

Sophi finished her antibiotic and I am starting to see signs of life in her. She is actually starting to engage with the other dogs, not quite as testy still at times, but playing again. She also wants to go on walks again too. She is not really running, but just that she wants to go is huge. say goodbye to tick disease. Sayonara!

Also that both the other two dogs are testing negative at this time for girardia. Hopefully can keep it that way. Happy jig! Going to keep a cleanin' meanwhile if I don't end up bleaching all my hair first with all this cleaning solution that is if I don't pull my hair out first! I may be a blonde before all this over. They have to be retested in 4 mos. I have to find out if I have need to keep up this same cleaning and bathing routine though that whole time or just a couple of them or what.

Meanwhile happier, healthier dog and cyst free for the others:

PS, speaking of animations, I hope they never take away the dancing chillis, they crack me up, so expressive, perfect for how I feel especially in this moment.

[lizardlady]

Fresia, that's great news!

I love them dancin' chilis too!

[possum220]

Good to hear that things have settled down Fresia. It's not a nice feeling when our fur babies are sick. Hope they stay well.