somehow we and the vet missed indentifying the infectious stage. The Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has progressed through the subclinical phase to the chronic stage - long term treatment with daily doses 500 mg daily doxycycline. she is holding up pretty well to the anitbiotic but she is off of her feet now for almost two weeks. I am doing joint compressions.
another dog like mine, a bernese mountain dog, needed doxy and prednisone for 6 months. we did not continue the prednisone - too much bloat and also may 'hide' bacteria. I am doing joint compressions 2 x daily. I have ordered a mechanic's creeper to use as a stretcher. then it might be possible to get her to an orthopedic specialist. I would also like to get her into a water therapy setting as soon as possible. My dog is 100 lbs and is 6 1/2 yrs old. She was robust and had none of the typical breed problems. but a tick got us down. Anybody else dealing with this. I found the section on dealing with urine and diapering helpful. She gets very distressed because she cannot go outside to the bathroom.
my large dog in treatment for chronic RMSF tick disease
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gardeniatn
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:39 pm
Re: my large dog in treatment for chronic RMSF tick disease
Is the creeper working OK, or would you prefer a stretcher? http://www.handicappedpets.com/stretcher/index.htm
more mobility help: http://www.handicappedpets.com/stretcher/index.htm
Do you need hydrotherapy ideas? A lifejacket?
She's a big girl!!!
more mobility help: http://www.handicappedpets.com/stretcher/index.htm
Do you need hydrotherapy ideas? A lifejacket?
She's a big girl!!!
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gardeniatn
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:39 pm
Re: my large dog in treatment for chronic RMSF tick disease
Thanks for mentioning the stretcher. The creeper is not in yet.
I saw a strethcher for $800 so thought that the creeper delivered for $20 from Amazon would be a good first try. Plus the creeper is the size that two of us could get through the door with and has rails that would serve for carrying. All this is experimental. Any source for the stretcher?
Once the transport is solved then getting to go outside, getting a patio bath, getting to graze on selected grasses etc, all becomes possible. Also transport to vet or specialist.
I talk to the vet weekly. Also pick up a chondra-protect shot that is for joint maintenance. It is a battle going on at the cell level, moving back and forth through her body like a band of pirates on a rocking ship. Where as last week, she had low use of rear legs, this week the hind quarters are driving and the front legs and paws might as well be flippers. Over all, there is some improvement, she is starting to give friendly licks again, but also be more frustrated with limitations. Her breeder shares with us that a dog she gave to her son was treated with doxy for 6 months before full remission and followed for another 6 month before recovered for a tick disease. it is a long and steady course that may lead to remission. Often vets expect to identify the disease in the initial infection, then give the 21 day cure and be done with it. fortunately, we went to a vet that checked with a national tick specialist and came up with this regime.
I saw a strethcher for $800 so thought that the creeper delivered for $20 from Amazon would be a good first try. Plus the creeper is the size that two of us could get through the door with and has rails that would serve for carrying. All this is experimental. Any source for the stretcher?
Once the transport is solved then getting to go outside, getting a patio bath, getting to graze on selected grasses etc, all becomes possible. Also transport to vet or specialist.
I talk to the vet weekly. Also pick up a chondra-protect shot that is for joint maintenance. It is a battle going on at the cell level, moving back and forth through her body like a band of pirates on a rocking ship. Where as last week, she had low use of rear legs, this week the hind quarters are driving and the front legs and paws might as well be flippers. Over all, there is some improvement, she is starting to give friendly licks again, but also be more frustrated with limitations. Her breeder shares with us that a dog she gave to her son was treated with doxy for 6 months before full remission and followed for another 6 month before recovered for a tick disease. it is a long and steady course that may lead to remission. Often vets expect to identify the disease in the initial infection, then give the 21 day cure and be done with it. fortunately, we went to a vet that checked with a national tick specialist and came up with this regime.
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gardeniatn
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:39 pm
Re: my large dog in treatment for chronic RMSF tick disease
you know the $70 stretcher looks really very good and may be more comfortable and more the appropriate size! Thanks for pointing that out! I did not see that reasonably priced item.
Also I did look at the life jackets. That would be a very good idea for water therapy. I am looking for a pool or a clear water pong that we can get to.
Also I did look at the life jackets. That would be a very good idea for water therapy. I am looking for a pool or a clear water pong that we can get to.
Re: my large dog in treatment for chronic RMSF tick disease
I'm glad you found the other stuff OK; the 2nd link was, obviously, not the one I intended to be there, but I was TIRED!! LOL 
I'm also VERY glad you're trying another vet. One interested in helping and patient enough TO help over the long haul is MOST important.
I'm also VERY glad you're trying another vet. One interested in helping and patient enough TO help over the long haul is MOST important.
