Kidney Failure from Lyme disease

[Ginny Nightingale]

I just got some devastating news--a perfectly healthy young labradoodle has had to be put down tonight--after complete kidney failure---it was determined that the damage was the result of Lyme disease and another related tick borne illness. The dog showed no symptoms until a few days ago and by then it was too late.

I did some research and found that the kidney damage from this type of infection is more common in Labs and Goldens as well as a few other breeds--this is so scary. Those of us who live in the Northeast where ticks are common and seem to be increasing in number as we speak have go to be so careful! And of course, Lyme is spreading across the US. 

I can't believe the poor dog is gone so soon--she did not deserve this ending and as you can imagine, her owners are just devastated. 

Please be careful when taking your dog into an area where there might be ticks--even with tick preventative it is a good idea to check the dog over after a walk!

This is a picture I took of the dog just a year ago--poor girl. So sad. 

UPDATE:

My daughter the vet tells me that there is a new vaccine coming out that is more effective against Lyme--I will see if I can get the name of it.

[Terri and Harley]

Oh,I am soo sorry to hear about this. Please let the owners know that many of us are thinking of them.

I live in the North East and we are surrounded by woods. I can't plant so much as a dandelion because the deer are voracious.

I will be more careful but I cannot imagine trying to find something the size of a deer tick on Harley with all his hair. Not to  mention that would mean standing still long enough for me to do it.

Hugs to those owners.

Terri & Harley

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

This is heartbreaking news. I'm so sorry for this pup and her family.  It's frightening to think there could be no symptoms until the end. Last year was the worst year I can remember (in 20 years) for ticks here. Living in a partially wooded area with so many deer we can't avoid them, but last year was especially bad.  Finn gets a vaccine and I wish there was one for humans too. We both get tested each year, but I don't know how reliable those tests are... I hope science finds an answer so we can coexist. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Yes, I am also hoping for a vaccine--otherwise we will be trapped in our homes winter AND summer! I went into the woods for ten minutes the other day with boots and socks tucked into pants--and found a tick on my back that evening--it must have gone down the neck of my jacket--UGH!!