[Fresia]

So the one dog starts to not feel like herself with a fever, so I take her in to get tested, nothing much shows on routine tests except her cell counts are off; pay for very expensive tick panel, and she tests positive for tick borne anaplasmosis (infects white cells) AND babesia (infects red cells). No wonder she feels so lousy, poor girl.

One of the others goes in for her routine annual physical, which is due this month, and tests positive for erlichica, another tick borne bacterial illness that infects white cells. Now I know both of them have only had 1 tick each on them since I switched to a new flea and tick topical this last year. It was about 2-3 mos ago they each had a tick on them because I go over them thoroughly every day despite the topical; the little buggers creep me out. The new stuff has worked so much better but it only takes one.

So then the other starts this gagging cough, spitting up white foam. Go in on an emergency basis not sure if she ate something she shouldn't have or what has happened, but but she has a respiratory infection, not sure if bacterial or viral, but bless her heart too. She had to stay overnight and I got her back last night. The others are not showing symptoms yet, hopefully won't, but called daycare and sure enough it has been going around; now they tell me. I wouldn't have taken them in had I known this.

Between the three of them, they have more medicines than I do now, which is hard to fathom. You should see our pharmacy. Thank goodness for pill pockets. My poor babies, who are sticking to me like to glue. I hate to leave them when I go to work; why aren't there: 'take care of your pets sick days' for work too? I set up more snuggle places around the house for them meanwhile. I just feel so badly for them.

Moral: even in the winter, be sure to go over the critters (dogs and cats) for the little buggers. They can come in off firewood or hibernate on plants or in soil if garden indoors in winter climate; if not cold climate, check consistently. With the warmer months coming, the vet recommends also not just relying on the topicals or pills to control the ticks, still do exams to take them off as soon as possible.

Hopefully if it is true that things come in 3's, then we are all set now, so done for their sakes.

[Crazy Hitch]

I am really sorry to hear that this has happened to your poor darlings.

It's really upsetting when they are ill and I can only imagine the impact that this has had with all 3 being unwell so soon.

Thanks so much for this reminder; it is really appreciated:

"Moral: even in the winter, be sure to go over the critters (dogs and cats) for the little buggers. They can come in off firewood or hibernate on plants or in soil if garden indoors in winter climate; if not cold climate, check consistently. With the warmer months coming, the vet recommends also not just relying on the topicals or pills to control the ticks, still do exams to take them off as soon as possible."

[Fresia]

I am happy to say the following:

The dog with the respiratory bug is not gagging and vomiting now, but just has a tickle of a cough. So far no one else is showing signs of it. (crosses fingers and toes)

The one with the anaplasmosis and babesia: she has a bit of the spring back in her step back and is not sleeping as much. Impressed how fast the meds have started to work.

The last one with erlichia, who actually was in the worst shape, is showing signs of improvement finally: her eyes are brighter, she too is not sleeping as much, she is not as testy, and actually tried to play with the other dogs yesterday for a few moments, first time in weeks.

Warms my heart that they are starting to mend. Doc said to keep them quiet for another week. Given that the weather did not get the message that yesterday was the first day of spring, perhaps by next week, the weather will be better, and they will feel better too to go out in it little by little.

[gayleggg]

I'm so glad that they are all feeling better.

[ArthurDent]

I'm glad they are feeling better. And thank you for the very topical reminder. Pun only partially intended

[sideblinded]

I am relieved that they are feeling better. I know you are as well.

i am so glad they're feeling better. yay

[Maven]

Glad they're all doing better. It's creepy dealing with ticks and other parasites.

[Fresia]

Thank you for the welll wishes. I guess we're not in the clear yet.

They all slept most of the day yesterday and grumpiness is still the mood of the day. Two fights broke out, which hasn't happened since I brought the one home, trying to figure each other out for dominance in the house, which was prepared for then; still hate that and it scares me when they do this. Especially when not there to control the situation and get there too late. They clearly are not up to par yet.

Had to go the vet for stitches and different med for the one, pain and antibiotic meds. The respiratory pup started vomiting yesterday but I suspect it was nerves over the fights as she is not gagging anymore like trying to get her breath instigating it; she was involved in both fights. *sigh*

Gave her a modified, stomach friendly diet the rest of the day, which so far has stayed down. They all spent the rest of the day in their respective curled-up snuggle places or crate part of the day, as I got the crate out again to keep them separated somewhat, to keep them safe meanwhile, and too until the one's stomach definitely settles. I saw what started the one fight, no idea between the other two. I think the crate might be best, especially when not home.

I feel so badly for them and have no idea what more can do. I know the vet said to keep them quiet but I think they might be going stir crazy, which is adding to the testiness. They still need more time to mend but I am going to start taking them for walks on a leash bit by bit to get them moving and some of this pent up energy out again. Bless their hearts. They are better in some respects, but not out of the woods yet, darn it.

[lizardlady]

Fresia, taking them for individual walks sounds like a good idea. It will give them some limited, controlled exercise and get them out of the house for a bit. Plus, they'll get a bit of individual time with you. I'm thinking of when we hand walk horses that are on the mend. They are not recovered enough to turn them out, but they are feeling just well enough to be bored. Boredom leads to trouble. Seems logical that the same would apply to dogs.

Getting the crate(s) out sounds like a good idea too. My Rottie will crate himself when he's had enough of the world and wants a break.

How are you doing? It's got to be stressful having all your fur babies sick at the same time.