Ticks and dogs

Anyone treated their dog? Gf just pulled a monster of an engorged tick off our dog yesterday and we're scrambling to figure out whether we wait and watch or treat prophylactically since our dog can't really speak up and say "hey I'm feeling sick". Can't have this conversation with our vet because she's already told us "Lyme doesn't exist in Georgia and a positive test might not mean anything". Like christ I thought I was done with these fools for good when I found my LLND/LAc. The past few months my dog has acted a bit stiff but I can't tell if it's arthritis from past infections or the fact that we've been doubling down on her exercise and play time. I'm just much more nervous to attempt self-diagnosing and treating my dog than myself. Experiences? I know not all bites result in illness but I naturally get worried after my own experiences and the stage our our house having had mold in the vents.

Jesus I'm in debilitating pain and I'm not lame. How bad does it need to get before they're going to think you anything but a loony... I was shocked honestly. A lot of times vets are half the dunces of doctors due to interest in livestock health. My gf actually works for this vet, so we can change but of course that's a pain. She's going to ask the other vet that works there. They've agreed to run a coinfection panel now and a month out so that's something at least. And we've got her on joint supps. I just feel like I'm reliving the nightmare lol

Psilociraptor said...
Jesus I'm in debilitating pain and I'm not lame. How bad does it need to get before they're going to think you anything but a loony... I was shocked honestly. A lot of times vets are half the dunces of doctors due to interest in livestock health. My gf actually works for this vet, so we can change but of course that's a pain. She's going to ask the other vet that works there. They've agreed to run a coinfection panel now and a month out so that's something at least. And we've got her on joint supps. I just feel like I'm reliving the nightmare lol

I feel for you, really. Up here in NJ, dogs seem to get better care for Lyme than people. I sometimes look at my dog when he's a little off or not quite himself and wonder if he's got some chronic lyme symptoms flaring; it breaks my heart. But then the next minute, he's stealing my socks or slippers and all is right with the world. lol

I have those fears constantly. Sometimes she looks like me. Fluctuating between looking totally healthy and engaged and sudden introversion and disconnect. I appreciate the links. I wonder if I should give her some herbal topical for the bite.

PeteZa said...
I had a dog that all of a sudden was paralyzed from the waist down. I rushed her to the vet and he said it was "tick paralysis." They kept her for 3 days on IV antibiotics and then she got to come home. I felt so badly that I had missed seeing that tick on her, but she was so dang furry.

From what I have read a lyme test from a vet on an animal is done in the office with a blood draw and - boom! they have the diagnosis instantly.

www.vetstreet.com/care/lyme-disease-in-dogs

gosh and this article says there is a vaccination for the doggies.

I know! That guilt is awful! My guy is so furry too.
My first LLMD said she was working with vets for that very reason and doing research for better testing for humans! I'm not sure why there isn't more research involving pets and possums (they eat ticks but are immune to Lyme).

We had one of our dogs get Lyme... not sure if he came that way or not. We rescued him and he was HW+ which also causes lameness. Happy to say 5 years later, he is happy and healthy.

We take precautions with our dogs, doing Snap 4dx tests in spring and fall. This tests for tick born diseases and HW. If it comes back +, then we follow-up with QC6 (I think) to see if infected or just exposed. So far, 4dx have always been -

We have a whole ritual for the whole family after being outside... but it's worth it.

bluelyme said...
I didnt treat my dog ..a mysterious wasting disease made her death long and painful...probably erlichia ...maybe vet would test for that ? Get a new one that will ..most vets know worms and id better than docs ..maybe andrographis and houttynia ...sorry psilo

That almost sounds like the CWD disease deer are passing around to each other -Chronic Wasting Disease.

I haven't read anything about a possible species cross. There are many viruses out there with similar symptoms though, and as you mention erlichia, other nasty microbes and bacteria to confuse the situation.