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Frequently Asked Questions Archive
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Q: My 1 1/2 year old brittany was just diagnosed with anaplasmosis. He is on an antibiotic. We started the meds after a night visit to our vet. I don't know if this is normal or not...but my hyperactive brit is now a lame, lethargic dog. When he stands he sways as if he is drunk. It is actually scaring me because even though he is feeling crummy he tries to move and practically falls over. Is this normal for this disease? He ate this morning, threw it up and hasn't eaten since. I have been giving him ice cubes to keep him hydrated. He drank a ton of water this afternoon and threw that all up. Honestly I am very scared when I see how he is...because this is NOT him at all!! I think the inactivity and the swaying/tripping scares me the most.I just would like to know if these symptoms are part of this awful disease and when will I have my crazy Gunnar back!!
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A: Canine anaplasmosis is a very serious infection, and could be responsible for the signs you describe.
Regardless of the diagnosis and treatment plan, sometimes
the animal's health condition may worsen for a period of
time, rather than improve. This may mean that the diagnosis
or treatment plan was incorrect, but more commonly it means
that the progression of the disease deserves closer
monitoring during treatment - perhaps the medical care
required is more than what was warranted based on the
initial examination. For example, ongoing vomiting may mean
that the dog should be hospitalized so that intravenous
fluids can be provided.
Whenever you are concerned about the progression of a
medical condition, it is best to discuss this with the
attending veterinarian.
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Dr. David Smith, Professor
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
January 8th, 2007
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