"Toni" wrote in message
. ..
We never did get a firm diagnisis and hadn't the strength to have a
necropsy
done, but "vasculitis" and "meningitis" were both mentioned.
My "old time" veterinarian later looked through the records and guessed
lupus.

...........Weird. Didn't know lupus could do that. My impression of lupus
is more like a long term chronic disease, with fatality years away from
onset.

In an odd coincidence, a sister of his living in Italy died under almost
the
same circumstances at almost the same time. The sire of the litter was
very
popular in Europe and although he produced plenty of offspring these two
are
the only cases I have heard of and the Wolfhound community is pretty
close.

.......That's all very odd. Same age too. Are there further offspring of
the same mating? I don't see how it could be anything other than genetic.

I do have a record of everything that transpired in a word document- I
would be glad to send you a copy. It's a bit mournful towards the end, but
the events are covered fairly well.

........I don't know that it would do you any good for me to look at it. Not
being a vet. But it might be useful at some point. Heard about a weird
disease both humans and Tibetan Terriers get called Battens disease, so I
wonder if a human doctor might have some insight after looking at your
notes. Things can get lost in the shuffle when these two communities don't
talk to each other often, especially with oddball stuff.

........Been thinking about you lately. If you've never read a book called
Sight Hound by Pam Houston, run out and get it today. It will
simultaneously rip your heart out and repair it. 'Sides, she's one of the
best writers I've ever read. And yes, that sight hound is an Irish
Wolfhound.
http://www.pamhouston.net/photos.html

buglady
take out the dog before replying

"buglady" wrote in message news:l9zmg.10177
.......Been thinking about you lately. If you've never read a book called
Sight Hound by Pam Houston, run out and get it today. It will
simultaneously rip your heart out and repair it. 'Sides, she's one of the
best writers I've ever read. And yes, that sight hound is an Irish
Wolfhound.


I have the book- it was exhaustively discussed on the wolfhound lists. Most
of them felt like she kept the dog alive way longer than what their choice
would have been. Osteo is not very forgiving.
I haven't read it yet. Steve died two years ago yesterday, and I'm still not
up to reading something like that. It would put me on a crying jag of epic
proportions.

I'll go ahead and forward you what I have- I'd be interested to hear about
what you think.
If I had it to do over againI would certainly have had a necropsy done, as
the lack of knowing exactly what happened has probably contributed a great
deal to my being unable to get past it.


--
Toni Carroll
South Florida USA
http://www.irish-wolfhounds.com

"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

"Toni" wrote in message
.. .
I haven't read it yet. Steve died two years ago yesterday, and I'm still
not
up to reading something like that. It would put me on a crying jag of epic
proportions.

..........oh geez, nothing like anniversaries.

If I had it to do over againI would certainly have had a necropsy done, as
the lack of knowing exactly what happened has probably contributed a great
deal to my being unable to get past it.

..............Yeah, know the feeling. With one dog in particular it took me
a long time to throw out all those lab reports and papers. I don't know
that I was free exactly after I did, but I finally realized there was
nothing else I could have done, that it was totally out of my control and
*what* happened wasn't so important.

.......At some point you'll realize you can't be dogless any more. Enjoy
those kitties in the meantime!

Hugs to you
buglady
take out the dog before replying

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.

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

"buglady" wrote in message
k.net...
"kate" wrote in message
ups.com...
New vet at least acknowleges Lymes and is familiar with the disease,
although no real cases here in OZ.
............I think where there's a perception that the disease is not a
problem, people don't look for it. While the following paper addresses US
dogs, where Lyme is prevelant, the number of dogs with arthritis problems
who end up having antibodies to the organism causing Lyme disease is
impressive. My guess is, that if they started to run ELISA tests on dogs
with arthritic problems, they'd start finding it:

J Vet Intern Med. 2005 Sep-Oct;19(5):654-62.
Suppurative, nonseptic polyarthropathy in dogs.
Rondeau MP, Walton RM, Bissett S, Drobatz KJ, Washabau RJ.
Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

The goals of this study were to determine the historical, physical
examination, and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with suppurative,
nonseptic polyarthropathy and to identify concurrent disorders associated
with this syndrome. Medical records of 52 dogs with cytologic evidence of
suppurative inflammation in two or more joints were examined
retrospectively. Age of dogs was 4.8 years (median, range: 0.5-12 years).
There was no clear breed or sex predilection, but most were large-breed dogs
(body weight or = 20 kg [44.4 lbs] in 40/52). Body temperature was 103.0
degrees F (39.4 degrees C) (median, range: 100.0-105.9 degrees F), with 29
of 52 dogs having a body temperature or = 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C).
Lameness was identified in 42 of 52 dogs. Erosive changes were found in only
1 of 37 dogs that had radiography performed. A clear underlying disease
process was not identified in 34 of 52 dogs. Seven dogs had evidence of
infectious or inflammatory processes at extra-articular sites; 4 dogs were
diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 2 dogs had
gastrointestinal disease; 2 dogs had been vaccinated within 1 month before
onset of polyarthritis; 1 dog had cancer; 1 dog had polyarthritis and
meningitis; and 1 dog had erosive polyarthritis. Of the 44 dogs tested, 25
had antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, detected by an ELISA assay, which
was significantly greater than the general hospital population (P = .007).
Antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsiae and Ehrlichia canis were not
definitively identified in the sera of any dog tested in this study (45 and
44 dogs, respectively). We conclude that an underlying disease process is
not identified in most cases of suppurative polyarthropathy in dogs and that
intestinal disease, neoplasia, and SLE are uncommon causes of polyarthritis.
While seropositivity against the causative agent of Lyme disease was common
and possibly a cause of polyarthritis in some dogs of our study, evidence of
other vector-borne infection was not identified.
PMID: 16231709 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A few more papers that might be of interest:

J Autoimmun. 2000 Feb;14(1):1-10.
Vaccination and autoimmunity-'vaccinosis': a dangerous liaison?
Shoenfeld Y, Aron-Maor A.
Department of Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer,
Israel.
The question of a connection between vaccination and autoimmune illness
(or phenomena) is surrounded by controversy. A heated debate is going on
regarding the causality between vaccines, such as measles and anti-hepatitis
B virus (HBV), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Brain antibodies as well as
clinical symptoms have been found in patients vaccinated against those
diseases. Other autoimmune illnesses have been associated with vaccinations.
Tetanus toxoid, influenza vaccines, polio vaccine, and others, have been
related to phenomena ranging from autoantibodies production to full-blown
illness (such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). Conflicting data exists regardi
ng also the connection between autism and vaccination with measles
vaccine.So far only one controlled study of an experimental animal model has
been published, in which the possible causal relation between vaccines and
autoimmune findings has been examined: in healthy puppies immunized with a
variety of commonly given vaccines, a variety of autoantibodies have been
documented but no frank autoimmune illness was recorded. The findings could
also represent a polyclonal activation (adjuvant reaction). The mechanism
(or mechanisms) of autoimmune reactions following immunization has not yet
been elucidated. One of the possibilities is molecular mimicry; when a
structural similarity exists between some viral antigen (or other component
of the vaccine) and a self-antigen. This similarity may be the trigger to
the autoimmune reaction. Other possible mechanisms are discussed.Even though
the data regarding the relation between vaccination and autoimmune disease
is conflicting, it seems that some autoimmune phenomena are clearly related
to immunization (e.g. Guillain-Barre syndrome).The issue of the risk of
vaccination remains a philosophical one, since to date the advantages of
this policy have not been refuted, while the risk for autoimmune disease has
not been irrevocably proved. We discuss the pros and cons of this issue
(although the temporal relationship (i.e. always 2-3 months following
immunization) is impressive). Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
PMID: 10648110 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Another possibility - lupus:
http://dspace.library.cornell.edu/bi...003+Kearns.pdf

Another possibility is canine rheumatoid arthritis, which I didn't explore
as my dogs are ready to kill me!

Has put him on high dosage doxycycline, and wants to know if any
improvement in 3 days.

.........One more thing - if tests were run and they were negative for these
two diseases, this doesn't mean that they don't have them, as they might not
yet be making antibodies. The definitive answer is usually to put the dog
on doxy and watch for response. How is your dog doing today?

buglady
take out the dog before replying

buglady wrote:
"buglady" wrote in message
k.net...
"kate" wrote in message
ups.com...
New vet at least acknowleges Lymes and is familiar with the disease,
although no real cases here in OZ.
...........I think where there's a perception that the disease is not a
problem, people don't look for it. While the following paper addresses US
dogs, where Lyme is prevelant, the number of dogs with arthritis problems
who end up having antibodies to the organism causing Lyme disease is
impressive. My guess is, that if they started to run ELISA tests on dogs
with arthritic problems, they'd start finding it:

J Vet Intern Med. 2005 Sep-Oct;19(5):654-62.
Suppurative, nonseptic polyarthropathy in dogs.
Rondeau MP, Walton RM, Bissett S, Drobatz KJ, Washabau RJ.
Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

The goals of this study were to determine the historical, physical
examination, and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with suppurative,
nonseptic polyarthropathy and to identify concurrent disorders associated
with this syndrome. Medical records of 52 dogs with cytologic evidence of
suppurative inflammation in two or more joints were examined
retrospectively. Age of dogs was 4.8 years (median, range: 0.5-12 years).
There was no clear breed or sex predilection, but most were large-breed dogs
(body weight or = 20 kg [44.4 lbs] in 40/52). Body temperature was 103.0
degrees F (39.4 degrees C) (median, range: 100.0-105.9 degrees F), with 29
of 52 dogs having a body temperature or = 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C).
Lameness was identified in 42 of 52 dogs. Erosive changes were found in only
1 of 37 dogs that had radiography performed. A clear underlying disease
process was not identified in 34 of 52 dogs. Seven dogs had evidence of
infectious or inflammatory processes at extra-articular sites; 4 dogs were
diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 2 dogs had
gastrointestinal disease; 2 dogs had been vaccinated within 1 month before
onset of polyarthritis; 1 dog had cancer; 1 dog had polyarthritis and
meningitis; and 1 dog had erosive polyarthritis. Of the 44 dogs tested, 25
had antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, detected by an ELISA assay, which
was significantly greater than the general hospital population (P = .007).
Antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsiae and Ehrlichia canis were not
definitively identified in the sera of any dog tested in this study (45 and
44 dogs, respectively). We conclude that an underlying disease process is
not identified in most cases of suppurative polyarthropathy in dogs and that
intestinal disease, neoplasia, and SLE are uncommon causes of polyarthritis.
While seropositivity against the causative agent of Lyme disease was common
and possibly a cause of polyarthritis in some dogs of our study, evidence of
other vector-borne infection was not identified.
PMID: 16231709 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A few more papers that might be of interest:

J Autoimmun. 2000 Feb;14(1):1-10.
Vaccination and autoimmunity-'vaccinosis': a dangerous liaison?
Shoenfeld Y, Aron-Maor A.
Department of Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer,
Israel.
The question of a connection between vaccination and autoimmune illness
(or phenomena) is surrounded by controversy. A heated debate is going on
regarding the causality between vaccines, such as measles and anti-hepatitis
B virus (HBV), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Brain antibodies as well as
clinical symptoms have been found in patients vaccinated against those
diseases. Other autoimmune illnesses have been associated with vaccinations.
Tetanus toxoid, influenza vaccines, polio vaccine, and others, have been
related to phenomena ranging from autoantibodies production to full-blown
illness (such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). Conflicting data exists regardi
ng also the connection between autism and vaccination with measles
vaccine.So far only one controlled study of an experimental animal model has
been published, in which the possible causal relation between vaccines and
autoimmune findings has been examined: in healthy puppies immunized with a
variety of commonly given vaccines, a variety of autoantibodies have been
documented but no frank autoimmune illness was recorded. The findings could
also represent a polyclonal activation (adjuvant reaction). The mechanism
(or mechanisms) of autoimmune reactions following immunization has not yet
been elucidated. One of the possibilities is molecular mimicry; when a
structural similarity exists between some viral antigen (or other component
of the vaccine) and a self-antigen. This similarity may be the trigger to
the autoimmune reaction. Other possible mechanisms are discussed.Even though
the data regarding the relation between vaccination and autoimmune disease
is conflicting, it seems that some autoimmune phenomena are clearly related
to immunization (e.g. Guillain-Barre syndrome).The issue of the risk of
vaccination remains a philosophical one, since to date the advantages of
this policy have not been refuted, while the risk for autoimmune disease has
not been irrevocably proved. We discuss the pros and cons of this issue
(although the temporal relationship (i.e. always 2-3 months following
immunization) is impressive). Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
PMID: 10648110 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Another possibility - lupus:
http://dspace.library.cornell.edu/bi...003+Kearns.pdf

Another possibility is canine rheumatoid arthritis, which I didn't explore
as my dogs are ready to kill me!

Has put him on high dosage doxycycline, and wants to know if any
improvement in 3 days.

........One more thing - if tests were run and they were negative for these
two diseases, this doesn't mean that they don't have them, as they might not
yet be making antibodies. The definitive answer is usually to put the dog
on doxy and watch for response. How is your dog doing today?

Thank you so much for all that info.
I will check it out.
Today he is a tiny better in himself - now been on huigh dosage doxy
for 36 hrs.
Joints still very swollen and hot to touch.
Still lies down all day uinless we lift him up for slow walk across the
road to park. We have hopes for better response tomorrw when the 3 days
are up. The vet seemed to think this would be a turning point if the
respose was going to be good, otherwise seems pred only way to go.
Thanks for your continued info and support.
Cheers,
Kate

buglady
take out the dog before replying

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

"kate" wrote in message
s.com...
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!!

.....................Well, rats, but it's just as well you did it as most
likely the two tick diseases have now been ruled out. I hope you do get a
response with the pred. Did the vet consider Addison's disease? That can
cause intermittent lameness and lack of appetite among other symptoms. Many
times there are no blood changes until the dog is very ill.

buglady
take out the dog before replying