Not responding

[elektrik2001]

My dog Cruiser is not responding to treatment.  He was fine 3 weeks ago and within a few days yelped alot, was bloated and lost his appetite.  When brought to the vet, he had an x-ray (with the above results), and the vet didn't see too much of note.  We then did a CBC and he tested positive for Anaplasmosis.  He was immediately started on 50 mg of Doxycycline and given Tramadol for pain (I've added around 150mg of aspirin occasionally for inflammation).  After initially improving (dramatically), his symptoms don't seem to be any better.  I convinced the vet to give me another two weeks of Doxycycline, as they only gave me a two week supply, but it's been 10 days already and I'm concerned that I'm chasing a wild goose.  Other than doing a CT and/or ultrasound, it doesn't sound like the vet has any answers.  I hate seeing him in pain, so I'm turning to others for possible suggestions.

Thanks!

[Justine Lee, D.V.M., DACVECC]

I agree! Beagles are so predisposed to back pain. Just keep in mind that he can't be on both aspirin + a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. I'd recommend getting another thorough physical exam done at your vet - if not, x-rays specific for his spine or even an abdominal ultrasound may be necessary!

Keep us posted and good luck!

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

Anaplasmosis is a tick borne disease which causes fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and musculoskeletal pain. It is usually quite successfully treated with doxycycline for 10 days, so if your dog's pain persists, I would be concerned about other causes for pain such as a bulging disc in the back or neck (common in beagles), or inflammation in the spinal cord or abdomen. If screening xrays and labwork are not informative, then more in depth diagnostics or referral to an veterinary internal medicine or neurologic specialist would be the next steps.
Good luck,
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD