ticks

Question
I have a lab/beagle mix who weighs about 100 pounds.  We havenoticed rapid breathing and heartbeat, swollen paws, gobs of green gook coming out of his eyes, unable to lift leg to urinate.  He is eating and drinking and is close to nothing but skin and bones.  After doing a good check on him we have noticed a nest of ticks in his ears and ear canal.  He looks like he is dying.  Can anything be done for him?  We have sprayed him.  Please hurry, my husband wants to put him to sleep. I don't want to if something can be done.  He also has a foul odor and stares off like he is elsewhere.

Answer
Hello Kim -

I am sorry to hear fo the condition of your pet.

It sounds like a case of Lyme's Disease. Take your pet the vet immediately, if they believe it is Lyme's Disease they will begin treatment of Tetracycline.

Most of the time, at least 95%, pets who begin treatment with Tetracycline begin to show signs of improvement quickly. They still may be left with muscular or nervous system disorders, but for the most part they recooperate.

The symptoms you have mentioned, especially unable to lift a leg to urinate are common for Lyme's victims. Breathing is also effected depending on how long your pet has been suffering with this. If the tick have been there for a while then these are advanced stages of the disease and will need heavier treatment.

You should also know that at times, Lyme's Disease, know as "The Great Intimidator" can mimic other viruses such as an autoimmune disease, lymph tissue cancer, Blastomycosis, or septicemia. Just as vexing is the fact that at times other similar-appearing diseases are diagnosed when the culprit is actually Lyme Disease.  There are published reports of Lyme Disease being misdiagnosed and over diagnosed in human medicine.

I recommend you take your pet the vet immediately, have them run blood work and if it is Lyme's begin treatment. There still may be hope, don't give up. Beginning a treatment will cost less then euthanasia and will give your pet a chance to survive. Please consider this.

I am sorry I cannot give you a natural remedy for this condition at this point. Lyme's is very dangerous and given the stage and your pets condition, I will not recommend something that will take time to work into his system. Tetracycline is the best treatment and option for your pet at this point. Feel free to contact me again should Lyme's leave him with physical "scars", I will be able to help with joint pain, nervous system disorders and such at a later time. I will be happy to help you heal and aid your pet naturally. For now, get him to a vet!

I hope this information hs helped you and your pet. Please keep me posted on his condition.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of specially formulated herbal remedies which I can send to you as well.

Thank you, best wishes and peaceful blessings to you and you pet. You are both in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist