[cross-posted to a few discussion groups/forums - please forgive the repeat - thanks]
After a lovely day (Sunday, July 19) in South County, Rhode Island, attending an annual picnic and sale for the Little Rhody Bottle Club (of which we're members), I took Gus for another walk in the early evening. There seemed to be no problems until he had to get up and over the transom at that threshold of the back door. After getting his two front legs up, he stopped (with both back legs firmly on the ground) and, that's when I noticed that he was "favoring" his left, rear leg.
Not certain what was happening, I simply picked him up and brought him in, keeping an eye on how he was walking.
Longer story shorter, by 7 AM Monday (July 20) morning, Gus wasn't eating, was lethargic and putting no weight at all on the left, rear leg, with a paw that now was more swollen-looking than his other three (3).
Called the vet, brought Gus in and he had an elevated, low-grade temp and a specific tenderness just above and below his knee on that leg. X-rays showed no breaks, etc. of any kind (but, visible swelling in the areas of tenderness & a bit in that paw area, too). With a high percentage of presumption, based on all indications, the diagnosis was Lyme Disease. 1/4 tablet of Rimadyl, taken orally every 12 hrs for 7 days for pain and inflamation; and, 1, 100 mg tablet of Doxycycline, taken orally every 24 hours for 21 days.
Yes, we use Frontline, being in Rhode Island (high risk area). Sure, we always do double "tick checks" (Al & I thoroughly examine) after Gus has been in any area that might be home to ticks. We have, on occasion, found ticks; but, must have missed at least one of those _very_ tiny ticks carrying Lyme.
By yesterday evening, after receiving his first, full dose a few hours earlier, we could already see relief from his discomfort and his appetite was back, albeit somewhat less than usual. ...and, by later in the evening, he was much less lethargic, playful and "giving kisses" again, that we hadn't had all day. :-D
If anyone sees any contradictions with what's been done so far or has "down-the-road" recommendations (other than the anticipation of flare-ups, etc.), please share, as we want to continue to keep our (almost 6 month [Friday, July 24]), 18.6 lb, vital member of the Otis family in the best health we can - for a long time to come.
Thanks, in anticipation,
Jessan
After a lovely day (Sunday, July 19) in South County, Rhode Island, attending an annual picnic and sale for the Little Rhody Bottle Club (of which we're members), I took Gus for another walk in the early evening. There seemed to be no problems until he had to get up and over the transom at that threshold of the back door. After getting his two front legs up, he stopped (with both back legs firmly on the ground) and, that's when I noticed that he was "favoring" his left, rear leg.
Not certain what was happening, I simply picked him up and brought him in, keeping an eye on how he was walking.
Longer story shorter, by 7 AM Monday (July 20) morning, Gus wasn't eating, was lethargic and putting no weight at all on the left, rear leg, with a paw that now was more swollen-looking than his other three (3).
Called the vet, brought Gus in and he had an elevated, low-grade temp and a specific tenderness just above and below his knee on that leg. X-rays showed no breaks, etc. of any kind (but, visible swelling in the areas of tenderness & a bit in that paw area, too). With a high percentage of presumption, based on all indications, the diagnosis was Lyme Disease. 1/4 tablet of Rimadyl, taken orally every 12 hrs for 7 days for pain and inflamation; and, 1, 100 mg tablet of Doxycycline, taken orally every 24 hours for 21 days.
Yes, we use Frontline, being in Rhode Island (high risk area). Sure, we always do double "tick checks" (Al & I thoroughly examine) after Gus has been in any area that might be home to ticks. We have, on occasion, found ticks; but, must have missed at least one of those _very_ tiny ticks carrying Lyme.
By yesterday evening, after receiving his first, full dose a few hours earlier, we could already see relief from his discomfort and his appetite was back, albeit somewhat less than usual. ...and, by later in the evening, he was much less lethargic, playful and "giving kisses" again, that we hadn't had all day. :-D
If anyone sees any contradictions with what's been done so far or has "down-the-road" recommendations (other than the anticipation of flare-ups, etc.), please share, as we want to continue to keep our (almost 6 month [Friday, July 24]), 18.6 lb, vital member of the Otis family in the best health we can - for a long time to come.
Thanks, in anticipation,
Jessan
Ann I can't believe how much the meds for the horse cost. I always thought I wanted a horse , not so much anymore .