A CLEAN "BILL OF HEALTH" FOR MURPH (Almost)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

With any luck at all this is our final update on Murph's battle with RMSF (or some other equally disgusting tick borne illness).  We went to the Vet today for what seems to be his "final" follow-up.  His temp is back to normal, he's got a normal level of energy (or abnormal by some standards), and he's started eating again (although not as enthusiastically as he did with his "special meals").  The only remaining issue is that he still has the Uveitis on one eye, so he is still in a lot of discomfort with that.  We have to continue on the eye meds for another five days to try to clear that....otherwise, he's got a "clean bill of health".  My Vet said that she was VERY relieved about this exam today...she admitted she was quite "concerned" which I totally sensed all weekend.  There is no definitive answer about why the Frontline didn't protect him from this.  He had to have been bitten by the tick on the week prior to his monthly application, and apparently when it gets close to the end of the 30 day period, the Frontline is a little less effective.  Also, there is no guarantee it can protect them from all ticks.  Other than never letting him out of the house again, I have no way to be sure that this couldn't happen again...although she said it was EXTREMELY rare.  There is no reason to believe that he will not be "as good as new" in another week.  She wants me to keep him "low key" until the eye pressure is back to normal.  So, the "crisis" is over, thank heavens.  I was so proud of Murphy today at the Vet....he didn't get into his "crazy man state" when he saw the other dogs, he did not resort to his usual "drama king mode" when he had his temp taken and his eyes examined, and he JUMPED INTO THE SUV all on his own when we were leaving the Vet (I've been trying to get him to do this for months).  So, I think all the "bad stuff" is over for our Murphy.  He's going to keep getting better and stronger every day now.  Don't you just love "happy endings"?  Thanks to you all...and now we can go back to my "happy discussions".   Get ready Mr. Murphy..."tough love" is just around the corner.

[BG and Gavin]

Whew! Nothing like the relief of good news. See you in the training support group Murphy!!! ;)

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

It is always nice to hear good news. We usually prepare ourselves for the worst case scenario. One of my favorite sayings is "A pessimist never gets disappointed"

[Christine & Shelby]

I am so happy to hear this! I can't even imagine how worried you were and how stressful it must have been for all of you! I am so thrilled that Mr. Murphy is almost all clear! That is great news! What a brave boy and strong too! So happy for you all!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

So happy to hear the good news about Murphy. What a scare!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am so thrilled that you got great news today!! Paws crossed the nasty little ticks never find their way to Murphy ever again!
Enjoy all the tough loving you will be getting very soon!


I never saw frist hand the 'drama' that a doodle can do when taking their temperature and I pray that I never have to that myself. Charli had her annual check up today - I put my arm under her belly to keep her from sitting when the Vet Tech was taking her temperature. Charli decided to do a handstand to try and get away from the Tech. Not a 'Drama Queen' - more like 'Gymnast Queen'. Taking her temperature is at least a 2 person job.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yippppeeee!!! Whew, thank goodness for happy endings, especially this one! And way to go, Murph, for managing to get into the SUV all by yourself! One giant leap for doodle-kind!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

WaaHOO Murphaayy!! Wish you could come over and Romp. We have been cooped up all day! xoxo R&B

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Great news!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

What a week it has been for you Murphy. I am so glad you are back to your ol' self...well almost. Just the eye drops to put up with for another week. Be good and let your Mom put them in. She has taken such good care of you and she loves you very much. All of the DoodleKisses Moms love you!!! We here are becoming a very close knit group. Each time something happens to one of us the bond gets closer. Now we have to watch out for Fox Tails and Ticks!!!! What's next?? Keep on wearing that Frontline "Plus"! xxx GD

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

What a relief you must be feeling! Is there any way you can spray your immediate yard to discourage ticks? But if it's extremely rare I guess it wouldn't be worth it. So glad this is over for you.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yeah Murphy! So glad you are feeling better and ready to jump into the SUV to go home. It is so nice being home, especially when you have been spending so much time at the vets. I gotta get out that Frontline Plus for our dogs. The tick season here starts in November with the rain.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Hey Lynda...good to know when your tick season is. We are driving up for Thanksgiving with Gracie Doodle. Last Christmas we were there and we took the dogs to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Gracie got three ticks...ear lobe, top of ear where it bends and on the end of her snout! I didn't discover them for a week and it was our first experience ever with ticks! I was horrified and took her in a month later for a complete blood test. Don't ever want to have what Murphy had!