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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I've been looking online the get more info on RMSF (sorry, Karen I couldn't stop myself), and apparently is is prevalent all over the East Coast...but I've never heard of anyone (human or dog) having it. I did read that flea and tick preventatives do help prevent the disease, especially if they contain permethrin (which I don't see on the Frontline listed ingredients). The initial bite does transmit the disease. The clinical signs appear 2 - 14 days after the bite. Murph always gets his Frontline on the 1st of the month, so if the tick bit him right at the end of his monthly dose, I'm wondering if that's why it didn't work...maybe it wasn't strong enough at that point. All the symptoms listed online match what Murphy has, including the neurological (dizziness and seizures) and the eye condition. I HATE TICKS!!!!!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

This is great news!

[Linda and Murphy]

Is RMSF very prevalent in your area? Great question about the Frontline. Maybe the initial bite transmits the disease (scary). My friend with RMSF said she was never aware of a tick bite. (she is a PhD in the department of Tropical Medicine, who loves nothing better than looking for "zebras" lol)
So very glad that Murphy is ok.

[LG & Sadie]

WOW! OH GOSH what you have been through! Thank God he will be okay!! You learned quite a lot-I am so appreciative you shared it with us as I have learned too. What trooper's both Guinness and Murphy have been, so brave through the ordeal. Very relieved the ending is a happy one! You sound empowered and grateful, and that is always a nice place to be. Doodle hugs to your entire clan~Sadie & Leane

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Suzann, that's a great question about why his Frontline didn't protect him from this. I though about this myself last night.....I'll definitely ask the Vet this question at his follow-up visit. As for the temperature, my Vet said the rectal temp is the only way (unfortunately). He really hates it....but there is no choice, and I'm getting much more comfortable doing it now. I admit though, it's a two person job. My DH has to be here to hold him.

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

So glad to hear Murph is on the mend! What a wonderful vet you have, and what a wonderful mom you are! hugs to both your sweet boys from savannah and raleigh

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh, such wonderful news. I am so glad to hear Murphy is doing better. Guinness is a good big brother too.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Jane, it sounds like from your tone here, that you have also learned when it is appropriate to "feel sorry" for him and when it's not. As in putting and giving all the medication "that this is not up for "negotiation" (and it's not)."
Isn't it amazing how God teaches us the lessons we need most to learn in life to make us stronger? Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. I think we have all learned from it.

[Laura & Chewie]

Such wonderful, wonderful news!!! I'm so happy Murphy is doing so much better and your relief is evident in your words...such a great blog post - heartwarming and informative and filled with love. Hooray for your vet as well. I know how comforting that had to be when you knew she was available whenever you might need her. Can't wait to hear how Murphy is this morning.

[Deborah & Emmett Vaughan]

Great news about Murph and very interesting information about RMSF so we can all be on the look out. Our thoughts and prayers and "Doodlekisses" to all of you.