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Author
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Topic: Anyone know anything about viruses?
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Chris Joyce
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Member # 737
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posted March 05, 2004 12:09 PM
We have an 8 year old male cross breed named Bear. Far as we can tell he is a cross between a Collie and a German Sheperd. He has always been a relatively healthy dog. He is entering into the early stages of his senior years and is graying a bit around the muzzle and slowing down just a bit. But otherwise, until Wednesday morning, he was fine. When I went to let him out Wednesday morn he was a bit slow to come to the door when I called him. Usually he is right there nosing the door as soon as I step up to it. He spent most of the day sleeping but come Thursday morning I knew something was wrong. When we went to let him out he didn't get up off his bed. He had to be called a few times before he finally came. When he got outside all he did was sit on the back porch. He wouldn't go down the stairs to pee. A few hours later I went to let him out again and this time he couldn't even get up off his bed. He tried but fell back down. I called the vet and rushed him straight there. The vet checked his temp and it was 103. He said Bear has a virus. He gave him 2 shots and gave me two kinds of pills to give to him twice a day for the next 7 days. One is an anti inflammatory, the other is an antibiotic. So far it seems that his fever is down some cause he got up and went out several times today, but he is so lethargic. I am wondering what could have caused this virus, and if there is a chance he could contract it again. The vet didn't do any blood work. Anyone familiar with dogs and viruses? I know the standard puppy ones, like parvo and kennel cough, but in older dogs I am clueless. He has no nasal discharge, his bowel movements seem ok, and his urine is not discolored. He stopped eating and drinking Wednesday, but since he started his meds he is eating wet food twice a day (which i slip his meds into) and is drinking again. And it appears that he is picking at his dry food again. Anyone who can offer me a clue on this situation, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
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Animals are people too...
Posts: 1 | From: Berwyn, IL | Registered: Mar 2004
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Diane
Junior Member
Member # 701
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posted March 07, 2004 01:21 PM
I have GSD's. First and foremost I'd wonder how the vet came up with virus without doing any blood work.
I think I'd insist on a complete blood work up just to be on the safe side. He could have a number of things, Lyme being one of them. Antibiotics can knock out the Lyme, but it depends on the amount of time he's on them.
Dogs can always get re-occuring virus's, it depends on which one.
I'd think I'd want a more definite answer from my vet.
Hope he feels better soon
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Diane @ Jakoda Acres
Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OAJ OA OJC OAC NJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT CGC HIC
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Posts: 20 | From: Connecticut | Registered: Feb 2004
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