Ehrlichiosis - Any Experiences With Dogs Suffering Badly? Need Advice!

[cmsally]

Does anyone have experience with bad cases of this disease.

I have an 8 yr old Golden Retriever and she is in a bad way.

We think this is what she has but it doesn't show up on the tests. But then I have read and vet says test is not always conclusive.

She did have it once before about 2 yrs old but recovered quite quickly.

This time it seemed to happen quite quickly but is in a really bad way.

All her blood count seemed to be OK apart from slightly low red blood cell numbers.

Tick disease test came back negative but then apparently quite likely as she is so sick and this the second time.

Am at my absolute wits end and just don't know what to expect. Have been putting her on drip at the vet for 4 days now and taking home in the evening. She eats as long as you hand feed her and seems often quite hungry but breathing really laboured with no energy. She also has some retinal bleeding and her eyes must have hurt yesterday as she flinched when you put your hand near her head.

Today that seems to be better. She does seem to be a bit better today than yesterday but then the day before yesterday was better still. So its up and down and don't know what I should do and if to expect the worst or just a lengthy period to get better.

At the moment she is on Doxycycline (sp?)

Anybody have any experiences, hopefully that will make me feel better

[isanbirder]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/566493-tick-borne-parasites-in-dogs/

This whole thread is about it.

My four dogs all had it, with red blood cell count very low, parasites evident in the blood sample, and heavily overloaded livers. They were treated with a month's course of antibiotics (doxycycline, I think), plus blood supplement, which I suppose was iron.

The four dogs recovered, and are in great spirits now.... though I'm aware a recurrence is possible.

[cmsally]

Thanks I read that thread before. Just wanted to see if any other stories out there.

Great to hear that they recovered. It's just a bit confusing that the parasites/antibodies don't show in the test, but apparently this often happens. So I guess we'll just have to wait. Back on the drip at the vets again today and having another blood test, so we'll see what shows up.

She does seem a bit better though today and this is only the end of third day of doxycycline. So fingers crossed!

[mogandave]

If you are in Bangkok, take it to the Chulakorn Vet school behind Siam Square. Best vets in the the country, and pretty cheap, but be prepared to wait.

[Nienke]

Which vet are you going to?

Have they thought of Babesia?

When was her last vaccine booster?

[cmsally]

Thank you for the info.

Is Babesia common here? Is there a vaccination against it?

Her last vaccinations were in March this year.

She doesn't have drastically low platelet count, its just past the bottom end of the spectrum. Same for red blood cells.

Good news is that after 5 days on Doxycyclin she is starting to respond. She is now strong enough to get up by herself, although she prefers to lounge around ! She's the professional patient and likes a pillow and lots of fuss.

Eats big meals and drinks enough and can go outside to the toilet by herself. That's really good because hauling a golden retriever around the garden a couple of times a day for toilet duty is no fun!

The retinal haemorrhaging has almost gone in one eye and is getting better in the other.

So hopefully we're on the mend!

PS Going to Ban Ma Maew on Mahidol/CM Land - Dr. Piyapong

[isanbirder]

Good news, Sally! It's a long road, but, boy, is it worth it!