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Greetings all -

 

I had a super long post that got deleted - trying to keep it together while I re-type this.

 

My 2-year-old boy Kiva was sick last weekend so I took him into Emergency Care - doc there said his vitals were fine, no obstructions - he probably just ate something.

 

I disagreed. His wasn't panting, but his breathing seemed off to me - slightly shallow and more rapid that usual. I emailed our vet who called us first thing the following morning. Did more tests- his white blood cell count was on the floor. We rushed him to ICU in Portland where he has been for 3 days now on an IV, and as of today a feeding tube (he's a picky eater anyway- he's not going to eat for them) had a blood transfusion last night at 2 am.

 

They think it is leptospirosis - which they said is common in the PNW from the amount of rain we get and puddles about. It was a particularly harsh attack on his kindneys - though docs said he had a 50/50 chance of making it they think he may have rounded the corner to the good side of that 50/50 today. It was something docs used to vaccinate for but stopped and I have never heard of it from a vet before this happened.

 

As you can imagine we are scared, heartbroken and taking lots of long drives into town to see him each day.

 

Anybody have stories one way or other with lepto? I know he is getting the best care possible. I think we got him in just in time. I'm glad I trusted my instincts here and didn't just sit back and wait.

 

Please keep our pack in your hearts over the next few days. We aren't out of the woods just yet. He HAS to start producing red/white blood cells soon.

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Yeesh! Just did a quick look up of leptospirosis....scary stuff! Definitely thinking of you all and especially Kiva. Did the vet suggest that the humans in your pack see a doctor? Not high risk, but lepto can be transmitted dog to human, and spirochetes are such awful little bacterial buggers. I'm not one for over vaccinating, but I wonder why they cut back on this one. Lakes, streams, rivers...humans can even pick it up directly from these sources. Your post had me checking Kaposia's vet records and I don't see that they test for lepto either. Maybe there's no point in that (?) Good, REALLY good call trusting your gut on this one and not waiting for things to get worse. Please keep us all updated.

Edited by LakeGirl
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Been doing more reading on this. Apparently lepto has been making a resurgence since the mid 1990's after a period of decline. There are quite a few different strains of lepto, and the vaccine doesn't cover them all. Chicago and Detroit metro areas are current hot spots for it, so I guess we'd better be a little more vigilant here too.

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I saw your post on instagram and have been praying often for your boy, it's good news to hear he's turned on the good side of 50/50. Will continue to pray for him… and you.

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((((((Kiva))))))))) :wub: Many hugs and loving energy to all of you!!! Hoping recovery goes well... so glad he turned the corner...

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I am so sorry for this unfortunate experience. From our house to yours: all our support and love. Post when you can.

 

I asked our vet about lepto today. She said they give it in Michigan but it is now a separate shot from distemper because there have been reactions and it's important to know which vaccine is the problem when it happens.

Edited by Sherab
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I got this update yesterday on Kiva -I don't think she will mind me sharing a little good news "Today I got Kiva to drink water out of a bowl twice for the first time in a week. We increased his tube feedings twofold and he seems to be keeping it down. I'm still very worried about his breathing - which seems to be okay then not - but I think his body is fighting so hard I have to expect these peaks and valleys. Even in sickness, Kiva is teaching me all the life lessons. "

 

I know they still need lots of praying!!

Edited by NorCal
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Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for what you must be going through.

 

My vet talked me into the vaccination for Lepto. She told me that we hadn't had much incidence of Rabies in the last few years, but that Lepto was on the rise. We also live in the PNW, Washington State.

 

You are the first person I have talked to that has a dog going through it.

 

Yes, please keep us informed.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Any updates on Kiva?

 

FYI, talking with my vet yesterday I asked about the frequency of Lepto. For Texas, the risk is high and A&M vet school recommends it as part of the core vaccines for Texas.

Edited by Samie
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