In the last week my friends NEH has become very ill. He is 12 but a very healthy, punchy dog. The symptoms came on like this:

Began with favoring of the hind legs, followed by stumbling, loss of apetite, excessive drinking, loss of bowels and urinary functions, 104 fever and loss of awareness.

The latest findings are as follows:

Blood work from yesterday is pointing to anemia. His red blood cell count is low. This could be caused by one of 2 things.

Tick borne disease. New blood tests were ordered today. Treat with antibiotics. She already gave him a shot of doxycycliine. If this is test is positive he should respond.

The other is his own body is attacking the cells for some reason - unknown why. This can also be treated with steroids. She already gave him a dose of this too.

She continues to test and be sure he is NOT bleeding internally. The first 2 tests performed by both drs. Indicate NO.

His chest looks good, spine too. Legs seem to work with no discomfort so she is not inclined to think it is hip dysplasia or degenerative myelophy. Also the symptoms came on way too fast to be these.

Blood also showed liver function questions. Again this could be because of the anemia. I am to call again after school. If no change, I can take him home tonight and we wait for the blood tests to come in tomorrow. More waiting.


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Please if anyone has any ideas please respond, Thor is a beloved pet and guidance to the vet may be very useful. Thanks

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's illness. I hope and pray every thing turns well for both of you.