You are right, tick diseases aren't likely. On the other hand, sudden severe lameness is the hallmark of all the tick diseases. You'd know in two days, if she made a miraculous recovery, it would be so great.
I saw a really lame Boston Terrier once (I usually always did farm animals). Off feed, super depressed.
I treated it for a few days, and it was not getting any better at all. The senior partner in my practice (who was an alcoholic and sort of out of it) insisted that I give the dog doxycycline and draw a Lyme titer. I was mad and thought that he was "churning" the client for money. I thought the dog had a back problem. The owner insisted the dog had never had a tick on it, ever.
After one day of doxycycline the dog appeared cured. The Lyme titer came back screaming high, off the chart.
So, that's why I always think of the tick things.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Debbie Martin

.... gets 1000 mg salmon oil and 400 IU of Vitamin E a day.

Or if you give us the dog's weight, we can suggest a more appropriate dosage.

JMO.

She is a slender 145 lbs. We went down to see her breeder 2 weeks ago and she was pleased with her weight.

I'd be giving a dog of that size at least 14,000 mg of fish oil (14 grams).

I use a gram of fish oil per ten pounds of dog (not a dog on any kind of anticoagulant).

Some derm and ortho specialists recommend a gram of fish oil per twenty pounds of dog, though.

And of course you can figure it out in terms of EPA and DHA content, etc., etc., but in general, I've gone with the 1000 mg per ten pounds of dog.

I use liquid fish oil. I know some folks use gelcaps, but really, when you're talking six a day (for one of my dogs) or FIFTEEN for yours (!), caps get silly.

On the E, that's close to what I'd give a very big dog, although you will see recommendations of 600 IU for a dog that size.

I would up the fish oil in steps. I've never seen it trigger diarrhea, but I suppose it could. It is fat.

The published research by vet med schools like U of Georgia Vet (and Purdue and others), as well as the directions on at least one product (Grizzly Salmon Oil) back up dosages like that. But you will be seeing a vet anyway, and s/he might well want to fine-tune the EPA and DHA amounts (with product recommendations).

Meanwhile, IMO and based on a ****load of research, it won't hurt a dog who is not on any kind of cancer treatment or anticoagulant therapy.

I'm not a health professional.

All JMO.


I know this is a tiny sidebar of this major health challenge, so we can certainly leave off discussion of this anti-inflammation support in favor of the major topic.

I would get her on a high quality joint supplement with Glucosmine and MSM - Dasequin (sp?), CetylM Advance, Joint Strong, just to name a few to start checking into.

These can really make a world of difference to a dog, but often take 2-4 weeks before you start to see results.

Phaedra; I've found two places in Toronto you can take dogs for therapy swims but both of them have stairs to get into the pool. Right now Sierra can't do stairs; she can barely walk and limps badly when she tries. I've bookmarked the VEC website and will check with them on Monday to see what they may be able to recommend.

I know my vet had mentioned a place on Yonge Street (probably VEC) and the name Dr. Boyd sounds familiar so he may have mentioned him too. Also, the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is another good place to see about doing a hip replacement but he didn't know if Sierra would qualify at either place because of her size and age.

Mara, I currently have her on Next Level Joint Formula.
1 oz includes the stuff below and she is on 3/4 oz a day.
Glucosamine Sulfate (shellfish) 5000 mg
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 1750 mg
Bromelain 37 mg
Ascorbic Acid (Ester C) 30 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate (shark cartilage) 14.5 mg
Mussel 3.5 mg

 Quote: Debbie Martin

Phaedra; I've found two places in Toronto you can take dogs for therapy swims but both of them have stairs to get into the pool. Right now Sierra can't do stairs; she can barely walk and limps badly when she tries. I've bookmarked the VEC website and will check with them on Monday to see what they may be able to recommend.

I know my vet had mentioned a place on Yonge Street (probably VEC) and the name Dr. Boyd sounds familiar so he may have mentioned him too. Also, the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is another good place to see about doing a hip replacement but he didn't know if Sierra would qualify at either place because of her size and age.

Yeah, the VEC is on Yonge st., north of Bloor. Technically the entrance is on Merton, the side street parallel to Yonge. They are open 24/7, not sure when the physio part is open, but you could call reception anytime to find out. Dr. Boyd is listed under the surgical staff on the website if you want to read about her...
Just FYI they are also the main 24 hour ER vet hospital in the city. I know there is a new one now too, I believe in Mississauga, a lot of my friends went to work there. But, if you live in the city, VEC is very central.
I can't believe that neither of the places you called had a ramp available to put over the stairs. Do you have one for the car or anything that you could bring with you to use over the steps?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

... found that the best histories at that time were Deramax and Metacam (meloxicam) ...

Connie (and everyone else), in the recent studies I've found and that the more up-to-date veterinarians and vet technicians I have talked to have found the same effects of Deramaxx AND meloxicam as carprofen.

It's a scary thing. A few of the vets around here don't give either of the three anymore, under any circumstances. As far as they (and I) are concerned, they kill dogs and cats.

I think the most important thing to remember when dealing with any NSAIDS is to make sure to give with food, 100% of the time. These drugs are very good at tearing the stomach lining right off and burning holes in it. This goes for humans as well. Sure, a few Advil won't do it, but the stronger NSAIDS will.

Debbie, I'm sorry to hear the news. I am sending healing thoughts your way. I would definitely see the ortho. Keep us updated!

eta.
http://www.metacamkills.com/

http://network.bestfriends.org/870/news.aspx

http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/nsaid/memoriallist.html

For what it's worth some dog have gotten relief with accupuncture. It might be worth a try.

Ok, I just came back from taking Sierra out for a potty break. She can hardly put any weight on her back left leg and the foot keeps turning under when she is trying to walk. When I went down to get her, the bed had blood on it. She has chewed 6 of the 8 nails on her back feet down so far that they are bleeding.

Obviously the pain meds are not working. I can hardly wait until tomorrow's vet appointment. Right now, I don't care what they want to give her, I'm tired of her being in so much pain! I'm sorry to vent at you people; you've been so wonderful to me. I'm just soooooo frustrated!!!!