Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever...WTD!!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

So here I am, posting a really "happy blog" about my big goofball, Murph. Apparently he has Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (or some very similar tick borne illness). The alternative was really a very bad thing, so I'm thrilled to death. The Vet said that if he started to show some signs of improvement by tonight, that was "the story". He is definitely showing some signs of 'turning the corner". He's barking at his brother and trying to take his toys, so I guess those are great signs. It has been an an amazing couple of days, and I've learned so much from them. I thought I'd share what I've learned...
-I learned that Murphy has a "fever threshold" that will likely trigger a seizure. Apparently that's what happened. I now know that I need to be vigilant about taking his temp whenever he's acting differently, and that if it gets to 103 (his norm is 101.5) I should start to get concerned and call the Vet. It appears he had his seizure yesterday when his temp got to 104 (that's what it was when I got him to the Vet right after it happened).
-I learned the depths of my love for this amazing guy, Murph.
-I learned that my "drama king" (Murph) can be strong and resilient when he has to. He went through all his tests the past two days like a trooper. He never tried to "fight" anything, although he was in a lot of pain (especially his eyes), and he never growled or "fought" any of it.
-I learned that these "tick borne" illnesses are to be feared. The tick that carries Rocky Mountain Spotted fever can probably not even be seen by the human eye, and it can be lurking anywhere. That may not be his exact illness, but it's likely that if it isn't that one, it's one very similar.
-I learned how amazingly AWESOME it is to have my rowdy, boisterous boy back. I watched him do nothing but sleep for two days...he could barely move. I just wanted my "crazy man".
-I've learned the sensitivity and intuitiveness of Doodles is to be greatly admired. Yesterday morning when the whole episode started Guinness sensed that there was something really wrong...before I did actually. He stayed completely away from Murphy...to the point where he would walk quite a distance around him so that he wouldn't come in contact with his sick "brother". This went on all day yesterday and all morning today (after we returned from the Vet). When Murph started to come out of his "trance" late this afternoon, and got up and began to walk around, Guinness went right back to his old self. It was like he now knew that Murphy was going to be okay and would be able to play. It was totally amazing.
-I learned the value of having a Vet who you can count on when you need her the most. When mine gave me her home phone number this morning and told me to call her any time of day or night all weekend, I knew that I was incredibly fortunate. When I called her at 8:00 AM this morning to tell her that Murphy's eyes were "rollled back in his head" and she said come in immediately knew that I was lucky. When I got there and she had a fully booked schedule and told the other patients that she was going to be dealing with an "emergency" and they could wait or reschedule, I knew how special she was...and then she spent the next two straight hours working on Murph. Amazing.
-I've learned how to take a rectal temp on Murph (I have to do it four times a day for the next week), and to put three different types of meds into his eyes. I have to get him to take his antibiotic twice a day and have ear meds twice a day. This is the guy who won't even let me brush him without going wild. I've been intimidated by all of his antics in the past. Now I know there is absolutely no choice. These things have to be done. I think he gets that this is not up for "negotiation" (and it's not). This is somewhat of a breakthrough for us.
-Most of all, I learned that I have some amazing friends here on DK, and Murph, Guinness and I are really blessed.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hope today keeps starting the week out right. Hugs:)

[shelly]

Oh, JANE! YES! I am all teared up! This is the BEST news! I am so glad he is perking up.... Can't wait to hear that he is up to his old antics. Guinness is such a good big brother! These doodles just never cease to amaze me! They are so intuitive! And as always, we have learned a great deal from you (and Murphy).

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

We are looking forward to a good report tomorrow! Give both your boys a big hug for us. It sounds like poor little Guiness is having a tough time too!!

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

I am glad this was cuaght in time. About 50 years ago, when I was a child, my 5 yr old cousin was bitten by a tick carring the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They had no idea what was wrong with her at the time, or that she was bitten by a tick, UNTIL they did an autopsy on her. My aunt was heartbroken when she found out what it was. Thank God you were lucky.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Here's to breathing a sigh of relief tomorrow for the Irish brothers and family.

[Susan and Sasha]

Hi Jane...
I'm so happy to hear that Murphy has a diagnosis and is starting to improve...
We will keep up the prayers...until he is up and about...and feeling better!
You and your family have been through so much during this time...and we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers too!!
Hugs from Sasha and me...

[F, Calla & Luca]

There is a Lyme vaccine for dogs not people. I'm not aware of any others but that's not gospel.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Other than Frontline or any tick preventive, is there an immunization for any of the tick-born diseases?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am glad that you have a diagnosis and grateful that there is a treatment. I am sad that Murph is still so ill. I am hoping each hour brings improvement.

[Ginny Nightingale]

what an ordeal! The ticks in our area are all picking up new bacteria from other ticks and we are getting a whole variety of tick-borne diseases now--but i didn't know that RMSF had come this far east. Another thing to worry about! Hope Murph is back to his old self soon!