Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever...WTD!!!!
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.
-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.
Comment
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Comment by Kyoko on October 10, 2010 at 5:14am
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Yay!! I am so so glad that Murph is going to be OK!!!!
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Comment by Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim on October 10, 2010 at 4:56am
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This is a wonderful news to see this morning! We missed the updates yesterday and I am so glad to hear Murphy's on the road to recovery. Pawsitive thoughts from around the world must have helped. We're still thinking of everyone and hoping the recovery is speedy so Murphy can get back to normal doodle life.
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Comment by Jane, Rooney & Stuart on October 10, 2010 at 4:19am
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Such wonderful news! And thank YOU for sharing the experience with all of us. Even though I don't have my puppy yet - reading on DoodleKisses - I learn so much from all of you - the good, the bad and the scary. This was scary. Sounds like your vet is pretty special too.
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Comment by Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom on October 10, 2010 at 4:17am
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So happy to wake up and see your post this morning! I cannot even imagine how this must have been for you and your DH to see him so sick! Amazing how quickly he got sick and then how quickly he recovered once they gave the right meds! Sounds like you do have a wonderful Vet!
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Comment by Lisa, Daisy & Dexter on October 10, 2010 at 2:31am
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and AMEN!
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Comment by Linda and Murphy on October 9, 2010 at 9:19pm
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Wonderful news Jane! Murph has a great mom and a great vet.
One of the researchers I work with contracted RMSF after a trip to North Carolina. Because she was in her 70's, they were treating her like just a "sick old person". We finally convinced them to bring in an infectious disease person after 5 days of watching her go downhill. Once they started the proper treatment, she made an incredible turnaround. Glad you have such a good vet.
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Comment by Lynda Kamrath on October 9, 2010 at 8:52pm
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It's great to hear that he is going to be okay. And it is great to hear that you have learned so many important things from this whole experience.
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Comment by Suzann, Rosey & Bandit on October 9, 2010 at 8:46pm
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Murph!! So glad you are on your way to being all doodley again!! How happy Guinness must be about that!!
Jane - just so we are educated, would a typical flea and tick not prevent this? And I am curious about the whole temp taking thing, does it have to be anal or is there a dog product that is a bit less "intrusive"?
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Comment by Linda, Webber and Seda on October 9, 2010 at 8:41pm
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Wow. This is such good news. Yea Murphy and Jane!
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Comment by Adina P on October 9, 2010 at 8:41pm
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Oh Jane I'm so happy for you and Murphy. Glad it's 'only' a tick disease and nothing more serious. Yay for Murphy's return to his boisterous self!
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