[Marissa]

So we FINALLY get a diagnoses on Kendra today. For all of you that read my previous post on my foster/now permanent puppy she has had all sorts of problems. We couldn't figure out why she walked so odd to say the least. Well we got one of her tests back today and it was Positive for Neospora...Im still learning about this because Im really not familiar with it. From what I have researched its a protozoal parasite. It causes the walking condition (ataxia), neurological symptoms and much more. We started her on a different antibiotic and if we are aggressive enough she should go back to being a completely normal dog (besides the heart issues of course)!! There is finally light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Has anyone else ever had experience with this before or know anything about it??

 

[LisaT]

It was discussed on the tick list not long ago - a protozoa that is found in beef (raw), but they don't consider it a concern since it apparently is not a risk for humans? At least I think that's how it went. I'm glad that you discovered it - what a long shot to discover!

 

[Marissa]

From what I have read it is zoonotic but not from the dog atleast. Yeah today she has weird swelling in her paws but I think it her heart condition..we are going back in She had a little bit of a fever when I noticed the swelling but she had been playing with the other dogs too...

 

[Spiritsmam]

Glad to hear that you found the cause of Kendra's problem. Unfortunately I know more than I want about Neospora. I rescue and adopt GSD's with "straight" hindlegs that don't bend at all. The primary differential for this is Neospora, which starts off as ataxia and neurological problems, then gradually progresses until they develop straight hind legs and then forelimb and problems eating.

All the GSD's I rescue with hindlimb problems are tested for Neospora and Toxoplasmosis and are prophylactically treated with Clindamycin, but all have tested negative except one. She was treated but already had straight legs which don't go back to normal.

Hopefully the antibiotics will be all Kendra needs!
Joanne

 

[Marissa]

So the xrays we did today because of the swelling showed hypertrophic osteodystrophy..apparently its a disease kind of like pano and she should grow out of it..Im so frustrated she's finally on the meds she's supposed to be and she seems much worse today than she has since Ive had her..Im worried that Im not doing the right thing here..She doesn't seem to be in pain or suffering so I hope that Im not being unfair to her, I hope this is the right thing to do by trying!! UGHHH I just want this to get better and things to be ok for her

 

[LisaT]

What meds is she on?

For the paw swelling and fever, is that part of neospora? Any chance of a tick disease?

Spirismam, it sounds like a terrible disease if allowed to progress

 

[LJsMom]

Lisa, Here's the original thread: http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/health-issues/143477-thoughts-prayers-kendra.html#post1917190

 

[Marissa]

Shes on Doxycycline. We did tick titers and they were all negative but we may repeat them. Doxy is just a preventative. Clindamycin for the Neospora and now tramadol as needed for the Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). The swelling is probably from the HOD. Its really bad today too. We posted her case on a several veterinarian exclusive websites to try and get more thoughts and help...its just so frustrating. I cant believe a dog as young as her can have so many things wrong with her..poor girl She is the sweetest dog ever!!!

 

[LisaT]

Do make sure you give the doxy with food. Probiotics separated from the antibiotics by at least two hours, and a good liver support can only help:
Country Life Biochem Liver Support Factors -- 100 Tablets - Vitacost

Anything you can do to give her superior nutritional support will help. Quality fish oil, high in EPA, can help with inflammation.

 

[Marissa]

Yes I definetly give it with food..it causes a lot of GI upset as well as Clindamycin. I also have to give the 2 drugs seperately because Doxy binds to other drugs. I used Nordic Natural Fish oils (they are my fav) ! I will look into the liver supplements as well though. I know you can use Vitamin C for Pano not sure about HOD..but a lot of those supplements are high in Calcium and I would be concerned about this because of her heart..