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.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

This is really great news. I am so glad he is on the mend.

[ej]

Awesome news! Great update! Thanks.

I hope Mr. Murphy is ready for some "tough love".

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

This is terrific news! The sound you hear is the entire DoodleKisses population (two-legged and four-legged) breathing a collective sigh of relief! :-)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is also a very Happy Tale! Congrats to all of you.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so very glad to hear your check up went so well. Kudos to you and the vet!

[Adina P]

Good for you Murphy! Can't let no silly little tick keep you down! Glad you're almost all better and soon to be ALL better!

[Kyoko]

I am glad he is much better now... It was some scary moments!!

[Susan and Sasha]

Hey Murph...You are about the most brave...steadfast..and yes...sometimes the "most getting in trouble"...Doodle that I know!! Lol...
You are my HERO!!
I am so very Thankful for all of the prayers...my Mom's and mine included...that have been going up for you my friend...
You are going to be "Zooming"...Faster...and Better...and more Powerful...than ever before!!
My Mom and I are so very thankful that you are over the worst...and are moving forward...
And...THE BEST IS YET TO COME MY FRIEND...
Just wanted you to know that we are still keeping you in our prayers...
Hugs and Lots and Lots of Love...going out to you...Guinness...and your family...
Sasha and Susan

[Ann Kendig]

I'm so glad to hear that Murphy is doing better! What a relief for you! Ticks are a worry for us here too. I found 2 on Sheba this year and 1 on Duke along with a few in our house! YUCK! Our vet says that Frontline isn't working as well anymore so he's suggesting people try other treatments. Oh no! Tough love!!! Run Murphy!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

If anyone hears of a a better product than Frontline Plus then please let us know. We don't have a tick problem where we live but when we take Gracie Doodle up to San Jose, CA into the mountains, that is where she got three. My vet told me that if your dog has been bit by a tick, wait a month and then go in for a blood test. They can tell if the various tick born diseases a dog can be exposed to would show up in the test. If they do, then they give them an antibiotic now to clear it out while it is still dormant in the dog. He said that your dog could show strange symptoms years later from a tick bite and unless you know your dog was bit by a tick, they won't necessarily be looking for that disease. If you know your dog has had a bite, remember to tell your Vet if your dog should act strange or sick. I would rather pay for the blood test and rest easy than have it in the back of my mind that some day my Doodle could get sick and I could have prevented it.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

So Happy for you and your family....Rock on Murphy and be nice to your brother.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Yeah Murphy! You are a survivor dood and we are glad to have you back. Sorry about the tough love coming your way - I've been feeling a little of that myself lately and it stinks. We'll have to discuss ways to get around this tough love stuff. Clifford