Dog Diagnosed with Rickettsia AND Herniated Disc

[nortexp]

My 4 1/2 yo 10# neutered poodle was initially diagnosed with herniated/ruptured disc.   Had CT ran.  Diagnosis was "symptoms suggestive of a herniated/ruptured disc".   Placed on 1/2 of 57mg Previcox and Tramadol up to 3/4 50mg tablet 2-3 times per day three weeks ago.   No known injury, but presented with arched back and painful spine upon exam.  Had been anorexic, lethargic, vomited bile and suggestive of depression for 2-3 weeks prior.   Annual bloodwork done two weeks prior to presentation of disc symptoms were normal other than low AST, Phosphorus and CPK and high Totil Bilirubin and Eosinophils.   Ph in urine was also high.  

After approximately two weeks on meds he still did not seem quite right, but neither the surgical specialist or my normal vet seemed to think anything else was wrong.  As we have the littermate to this dog also I am able to quickly compare behaviour and knew something else was seriously wrong.  Took back to regular vet had additional BUN, UA and at my request a "Tick Panel" that was sent to North Carolina State Univ. for diagnostics was completed.   Many years ago we had a dog with Erlichia, so I was thinking about the similarities in symptoms.   Both vets thought I was wasting my time and money as my dog has only had one, maybe two ticks in his life.   The latest one I located in his ear the afternoon before the appointment with the surgeon/specialist.    Took the tick to our regular vet's office.  Surprise:  they lost it even though it was in a clearly marked ziplock bag..

Received the test results back and they were positive for Rickettsia.   Vet was surprised and started on Doxycycline 25mg 2X per day for 30 days.    Given the presentation of symptoms and neither vet being able to exactly locate the herniated/ruptured disc on the CT, is it possible the arched back and serology results, along with the vomiting bile, lethargy, depression and failure to eat were all symptoms of the Rickettsia, and not a ruptured disc?

I believe both vets think I am overreacting, but I seriously do not want to be treating my dog for a physical problem he may not have.    I have located a veterinary radiologist who will interpret the CT scan and the original digital films upon the referral of my veterinarian, who doesn't seem to think this is necessary.    I think this is my dog, I know his normal behavior best, he is closely monitored at all times (I work from home and have no children) and want to to know exactly where the injury is located to best monitor and treat if it does exist.   If it doesn't exist, I would like to slowly return him to normal activities from the 3+ weeks he has now had in his crate with me carrying him outside to relieve himself.  I realize he is still ill and will need to be carefully monitored during the next few week/months for the Rickettsia.

Also, is it possible that he will be immune to Rickettsia once he has had sufficient time for the meds to work their magic?  Will this flare up at some time in the future?   If it can, is there any way to prevent these recurring episodes now, rather than put my dog through this extreme medical scenario again?

[Jaybay]

You sure have a tough case here, and I wish I could answer your questions.  The one thing that stands out to me is that it isn't immediately obvious that your dog has a spine/ disc problem.  You are absolutely doing the right thing to have another vet interpret the films.  As you said, you know your dog better than anyone else.  Stick to your guns until you get satisfactory answers.  Great catch on the tick business too!