urge to herd Posted February 27, 2015 Report Share Posted February 27, 2015 Gibbs was whelped in Connecticut, and tested positive for Lyme as a young dog. His previous owners saw no signs of it. And I see no overt signs. Appetite, elimination and over-all zest for life are normal. The zest for life may be a little over the top, if the yodeling is to be believed. But . . . We play fetch every morning for about 20- 30 minutes. He will start to lay down about 20 minutes in. Bounces back up very quickly and goes right back to it. But then he'll lay down again in a couple minutes. My memory could be faulty, but I don't remember my other dogs doing this until later in their lives, around 9 or 10 even. I'm going to get some blood work done, he hasn't even been to the vet for 14 months. Is there anything I should specifically ask for? Should I go right to an internist? Thanks, Ruth and SuperGibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aschlemm Posted March 1, 2015 Report Share Posted March 1, 2015 How old is Gibbs? Probably the best thing to start with is a CBC/Chem screen and the 4DX Snap test. The one around here tests for Lyme, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and heartworm. If he is positive for any of the tick borne diseases the vet would probably want to send blood off for a titer to see if it is active infection or old exposure. Is Gibbs ever stiff when he gets up? It could just be a new behavior but Border Collies do seem to do a good job at hiding health issues (at least mine have.) Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted March 1, 2015 Report Share Posted March 1, 2015 My vet does a urinalysis every 6 months for my 2 dogs, one who had active Lyme and was treated and the other who tested positive but showed no symptoms of Lyme Disease. I wonder if it might be worth having a urinalysis to check for kidney function. Dunno what symptoms it might cause, but maybe at least ask the vet? Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted March 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks for the info. Gibbs has already tested positive for Lyme. He turned 7 last October, so I expect a little stiffness in the morning or after a long nap, but nothing out of the ordinary. I'll check w/the vet today or tomorrow. Thanks again, hadn't thought of a urinalysis. Ruth and SuperGibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Billadeau Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 Loss of mental and physical stamina while working livestock are early signs I have see in our dogs when they have had lyme. After 3 days of the doxy treatment for lyme these symptoms are no longer present. You could treat with doxy and monitor for changes in how long he will go playing fetch before laying down. If laying down after 20min of fetch is due to lyme (or other tick born diseases) then treating with doxy should lead to increased endurance in about 3 days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxi Posted March 2, 2015 Report Share Posted March 2, 2015 you may find this link of some use (especially the 4th - 6th paragraph). Urinalysis would definitely be a good way to check if there was any significant renal involvement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amc Posted March 11, 2015 Report Share Posted March 11, 2015 What did you and the vet decide to check on for Gibbs, and how's he doing? Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted March 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2015 Gibbs has made a liar out of me! At the park this morning and the last couple mornings he's been the energizer bunny. Darn dog. I would like to do the blood work/urinalysis anyway. Need to confer with the Ex, as he pays, I'm sure it will be okay. Will post back when I get some results. Ruth and SuperGibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amc Posted March 11, 2015 Report Share Posted March 11, 2015 Glad he's feeling great! Keep us posted! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aschlemm Posted March 11, 2015 Report Share Posted March 11, 2015 Glad he's zooming around! If he isn't on a glucosamine product you might want to consider it. I give it to my current two Borders and I did with the previous two. They lived to be 13 and 12 years of age and didn't have an issue with arthritis. I competed in agility with the male when he was 12 years old and the female was competing in Rally at 12. A little longer warm up time and being extra careful of their footing was all I ever really changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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