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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't believe I just now saw this blog. Hoping for a good night for you & Murph (and everyone else in your house) and a better day tomorrow. Hugs from me and JD.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Thanks for the link "F". We are humbled to read that North Carolina has one of the highest rates of RMSF! I know this wasn't Murphy's intentions Jane but his getting sick will certainly help so many simply by being made aware. What a wonderful vet you have......so heartwarming to know there are those out there that care so deeply. We are keeping Murphy close in our thoughts and prayers and hope tomorrow brings your "guy" that much stronger. ((Hugs))) to Guiness too....poor little buddy.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Murphy,
So glad u are taking a turn to rejoin us in the doodle world. I'm not as sick as you, but I am on the couch with a temp today :( I just am writing to tell you, Thank The DOODLE GODS I'm not in your house with that rectal temp thing. Whoa.

[Rose]

I hope he's feeling better tomorrow. Hugs to all three of you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

A quick update....I took another trip to the Vet today. Murph had not moved all day, and was not eating. The Vet called me, and when I described what was going on, she met me at the office and prescribed two more meds (now he's on seven different medications). Today she gave him an anti-nausea med and a anti-inflamitory/pain med. He did eat a little tonight (very little, but something). He moved around slowly a few times tonight, but now he's again back to sleep. He has slept 20 of the last 24 hours. Thanks everyone for your concern. I really think he'll turn the corner tonight, and tomorrow I'll have my "guy" back. Poor Guinness is so upset and confused he just had a "pee" accident in the house...poor guy just doesn't understand.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That map is pretty interesting, "F". I'm so naive that I actually thought FMSF only happened in the Rocky Mountains....Hello....where have I been.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Check out this map.Gee, as I was just saying re: Lyme maybe it is time to move! Tese are human cases.
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/rocky_mountain_spotted_fever/stat...

[F, Calla & Luca]

How did I miss this post--I was following the other one. And painting some new wood on my porch--no fun at all. A diagnosis is soo good to have, makes all treatment much more directed. I hate those @#$@# ticks too. They cause all manner of troubles and the're so pervasive around here and small. I get a Lyme titer, I know not RMSF, every fall just to check. And I do use Frontline religiously year round But nothing is perfect. Maybe we should all plant chrysanthemums, that's where natural permethrin comes from. So glad you know what you're dealing with and I do think all will be well.

[Anna and Achilles]

You guys have been through so much, lots of hugs and kisses from both Achilles and me, for you for Murph and big brother Guiness

[cheryl & oliver]

Oh Jane I am so happy that Murph is doing better, Damn those awful ticks, I have learned that I have to really check them for ticks, even with the tick collar on them. We are also blessed having you in the group here too...Hugs to all of you, and hopefully a good nights rest to all of you too....I also think that they understand that you are helping them, and will allow the treatment or whatever u have to do. I know Oliver learned from that nightmare we had with his paw, now when I say Mom has to do meds, he jumps right on the bed and waits for me to do the ear meds or whatever I have to do.