kate wrote:
kate wrote:
buglady wrote:
"kate" wrote in message
oups.com...
.The dog is 8 yrs old . The initial
anitbiotics were Amoxi/Clauvulinc Acid 500mg.
He was only on the anti biotics for a week.

The vet says we don't have Lyme disease here, however upon
looking on the net there have been cases but not proven

The anti immflammatories were Rimadyl. No he hasn't yet been on
steroids, but that seems to be the next progression. The vet has
indicated Prednisone.
Results of the joint tap were that...."it was suppurative arthritis.
There was an "active immflammatory process." It was recommended that
we now have a bacterial culture taken???


......Bacterial culture of joint fluid? They're going to tap again?

........Any description of red or white blood cells in the joint fluid?
Were there any abnormalities in the blood tests at all - assume CBC was also
done? Other things to consider - any history of an animal bite, bowel
problems or recent vaccinations.

...........I Googled supperative arthritis and dog and it seems that Lyme
disease causes non-inflammatory artiritis, but Erhlichia can cause
inflammatory arthritis.
http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/clerk/hanson/index.htm
You know, I'd get on the Tick list today and run this by the U.S. vets who
deal with Lyme/tick disease all the time. Just because it's *rare* where
you are doesn't mean it's impossible. And because it's rare, it's more
likely a vet wouldn't know what he/she was looking at because of lack of
experience with the situation. You can find a link to the Tick list at the
first link listed. And I wonder if you couldn't just insist that they start
giving your dog the appropriate antibiotic for Lyme/Erhlichia and see what
happens. Doxycycline is used for both I think.

further tests should be serum ANA and rheumatoid factor
serol/Toogy. I feel time is of the essence and I will seek another
opinion tomorrow.

.........That's not a bad direction to go, but personally I'd still want to
rule out tick disease along the way. I know steroids are contraindicated in
the tick disease Ehrlichia, but don't remember if they are in Lyme disease
or not.

best of luck to you and your pup
buglady
take out the dog before replying

They are going to do a bacterial culture on the same joint fluid. The
vet thinks it will be negative but feels we have to complete the
process, as it was recommended by the lab, which is in Brisbane. He had
his vaccinations 8th march and first visit to the vet with joint
complaint 7th may!!!! 8 weeks later.!!
I have an appointment today with another vet who specialises in exotic
diseases, so hopefully will get some answers.
The dog just lies down all day. Heartbreaking to watch.

Friday######

New vet at least acknowleges Lymes and is familiar with the disease,
although no real cases here in OZ.
Has put him on high dosage doxycycline, and wants to know if any
improvement in 3 days. He says prednisone is probably the only other
alternative, but can be given with doxy. However, he wants to see
which one works, before mixing the two.
I was happy with this guy as he listened and didn't make his mind up
before hearing me out, which the first guy tends to do!!!!
Thanks for all your support and advice...I really appreciate it.
Will keep you posted.
Kate


Today is day 3 and we were hoping for some kind of a turnaround, but to
no avail!!
He is off his food big time today and has found a quiet place in the
garden to rest tonight, rather than his bed.
I will ring the vet in the morning as we had planned and advise no
change and I guess then we go onto the pred...Gee I hope we get a
positive there!!
Cheers,
Kate