Ehrlichiosis, treatment suggestions

[fabigarcia]

Hello

My dog was diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis Canis two years ago in Costa Rica. He was treated with Imizol. Now I am living in Vancouver and my dog is having nose bleeding, his liver and spleen are larger. I brought him to the vet. I knew it was Ehrlichiosis. Unfortunately, in this area, this disease is not very well known. Even some doctors had to search on their books. Finally my dog got some tests done (IFA and Elyssa). He was prescribed with Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 13 days. I told the vet that Ehrlichiosis needs to be hit hard for at least 6 weeks. He got upset and didn't believe anythying i said. He wanted me to have more tests done after the 13 day treatment was completed. The point is that those tests are pretty expensive. He didn't want to extend the treament even though my dog was still bleeding. I was able to get more doxycycline from Costa Rica and i restarted the treatment by myself. Do you think it is a bad idea to restart a treatment after it has stopped for two weeks?

Please help me.

Thanks

 

[Jynx]

absolutely not.. I'm kinda surprised the vets in canada are 'poo poo ing' your suggestions..

I live in Lyme CT,,tick central.. I just had a SNAP 4 done on all my dogs, and they are all HIGH positive for Equii Erhlichia...

The SNAP 4 is,,a test for Heartworm, Lyme, Canine Erhlichia & Equii Erhlichia .

My 42# aussie is on 150mgs of doxy TWICE a day, for 2 months. and I may go 3.

If your dog has been suffering from erhlichia for two years, it's most likely the other medical problems he is having is DUE to the erhlichia not being treated properly.

I would find a new vet. and you might want to show them THIS
http://home.earthlink.net/~hawkeye87/ehrlichia2.html

The vets around here are doing a 'minimum' of 6 weeks. I choose to go 8weeks which my vets are fine with since my dogs respond well to the doxy.

my 85# GSD is on 300mgs TWICE a day. just so you get an idea weight/dosage wise.

At this point, I personally, would ask that they run a CBC including liver/kidney function. For that test I pay around 62$, it's worth it, shows you blood levels and how they stand..

Good luck and I hope you find a better vet
Diane

 

[bubbatd]

Maybe a check with the nearest Vet School is your answer . Let us know !!

 

[Millie]

My dog just tested positive for this also. The nose bleeding is from low platelets. Low platelets are dangerous because the dogs blood is not clotting properly. The dogs need to be on the doxy for at least 45-60 days. I would switch vets. Since the dog is having such trouble you might need to do more that just the doxy. He needs meds to help with the clotting. Please bring him to a different vet. Jynx has it right with her advice. Good luck. I am sorry to hear your dog isn't doing so well. I wish you the best.

 

[cata.m]

nop...i think you´re doing the right thing....if you´ve been through this before, and you know what will work, then do what you have to do.....and just have to continue with the treatment..... in this case, you know better....