Sick Dog-lethargic, sleeps a lot

[plevyalh]

I have a Golden/Irish Setter mix that is 4 and 1/2 years old. He started acting differently last Saturday afternoon (over a week ago). He has been eating, drinking, urinating and defecating all week but no energy. He won't play with our other Golden and sleeps a lot. He has had a temperature all week of about 104. I took him to the vet on Monday and had blood work and urine taken. Everything was normal except for a high white blood count (15, 800 with 16,000 as the upper reaches for normal) and very small amounts of blood in his feces. He hasn't been vomiting at all. The vet took an x-ray of his abdomen but no conclusive results. I also took him for an ultrasound to see if he had ingested something-that test was normal. He is currently on antibiotics (since this Thursday). He takes walks and will sniff, pee on trees, etc. But then goes home and promptly lays down. We moved to Bangalore, India about three months ago. The vets here are definitely not up to the same standards as the US. I'm not sure if this is a bacterial infection or something more. So far we have consulted with the two vets at one clinic and the vet who works at the Bangalore Vet College/Hospital. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[kathryn]

Having just moved to a foreign country he might not be used to it yet and could have possibly eaten something (maybe a fruit or animal) and it could have made him sick. With things like this it could honestly be anything. I believe elevated white count usually means something is fighting off an infection. It could also mean other things that are slightly scarier, but lets not get ahead of our self. He very likely could have a bacterial infection; that would fit.

Someone else will have better ideas then me, but I wish you luck with your doggy

[plevyalh]

I appreciate the feedback. I am trying to be patient and watch him closely as my real concern is the continual fever. He just went on a walk and did well (trots a bit, smells things and of course tries to pick up paper and other items of interest). Anyway, I will update his progress in the next couple of days. Thanks again!

[hazelrunpack]

What part of the US are you from? Any chance your dog could have a tick-borne disease? Sounds a lot like the onset of Lyme's or ehrlichiosis.

I'd also have a fecal analysis done--blood in the stool might indicate an infection in the intestine, which might also cause lethargy and fever, though usually I think it would be accompanied by diarrhea and/or excess mucous in the stool.

[plevyalh]

We lived in Ohio before moving to Bangalore. He is currently taking Doxycline which I believe helps with tick disease. Unfortunately Kodie wouldn't eat most of his food this morning. I think I need to move on to another vet clinic!

[hazelrunpack]

Yes, the doxycycline would likely be helping if it were something from ticks...

Do you have many vets to choose from there?

[rrg2008]

hi, ask ur vet to give your dog Injection Berenil shots at a gap of 72 hrs.i think that should help him.

[badger]

Berenil is for farm animals!! Until you have a diagnosis, I wouldn't give him anything.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by badger

Berenil is for farm animals!! Until you have a diagnosis, I wouldn't give him anything.

I have to agree. I have visited India (a long time ago) and my extended family is there. There are many hazards there such as the climate which breeds certain parasites and diseases. Also, the water can be questionable depending on where you live.

I would absolutely consult with another vet. I am certain that there are other vets around. I would consult with people that you are acquainted with that also cherish their animals and find out who they use.

What are you doing there anyways?? (just out of curiousity).