Sick Corgi Mystery...

[MyPemCharlie]

I was just wondering if there is an actual test to confirm chronic IBD, or do vets come to the diagnosis based simply on observation of symptoms? When you mentioned Marvin's medicine and predisone, it made me wonder if the meds might cause IBD symptoms...that might go away when the meds go away?

[halpey1]

That's actually a great question, which I asked my vet! Marvin actually had an ultrasound and a scoping where they took a biopsy of his stomach and intestines - this is the DEFINITIVE way to diagnose IBD and the tissue is actually tested. I think many times it is diagnosed from chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea, which, Marvin had NEITHER of.

My vet (this is actually a specialist, not my regular vet) said that his tissue was inflamed and tested positive, and that while he didn't have the vomiting and diarrhea now, left unmanaged (by diet) he would eventually get it. By putting him on this restrictive diet now (which he LOVES, by the way), it will supposedly curb it from getting worse... we'll see!

[glencorgi]

Sounds like this vet is very thorough and on his/her game. From what other corgi owners have shared and in reading a bit on IBD, there seems to be a correlation/connection to food allergies. Not sure whether IBD comes because of food allergies or if food allergies result from the IBD - kind of a chicken and the egg scenario. Glad this was caught "early" and that the new diet/food is agreeing with him.

Debbie

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by halpey1

One other point, she said that he wasn't showing many of the typical signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever that she has seen in other dogs... not sure if this is breed specific or not, but just something to keep in mind as we enter tick season... he was lethargic and had lost his appetite.

Could it be another tick borne disease and not RMSF? I understand they can be very similar. I'm not sure if the tests are that specific or not.

Nevertheless, the treatment is the same, so I guess it really doesn't matter.

Peggy

[halpey1]

I'm lucky in that my partner works at IDEXX Laboratories, and any and all blood work, tests, biopsies, etc. are FREE! Let me tell you, while this whole ordeal cost close to $1,200 - the lab fees we saved were close to $500!

In any event, the lab work is extensive and specific and he indeed did have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and, in his case, no other tick born disease... the vet did say it was possible for a single tick to transmit multiple diseases to a dog...

She also said that the tick needs to be attached to the dog for a minimum of 5 to 6 hours to begin transmitting anything, which is why it's a good idea to a) Frontline (or some other tick prevention) and b) check for ticks after being in suspicious areas (which in Maine, is almost anywhere!)

[TeddysDaddy]

Glad to hear your little buddy is getting better!

[Michael Romanos]

That is worthwhile advice and information regarding the very real dangerous forms of ticks. Aghast that it costs so much in the USA for diagnosis,testing and treatment. Pays to have pet insurance indeed. Insurance would have covered all or almost all of what ailed Marvin.