2981. A 15-year-old Jack Russell vomits and has bloody diarrhoea

July 21, 2016

Two 15-year-old Jack Russells as patients.

CASE 1
Actie outdoors. Goes for walks. Had ticks. 2 days ago
vomitted many times and passed bloody diarrhoea. Lethargic. Cyanotic mucous membranes. . Rectal temperature 37.6 is below noraml.  Had ticks - a big engorged one and smaller one.

Blood test showed high levels of urea, creatinine and ALT. Slightly higher total white cell count and neutrophils with decrease in platelets.

Recently, there are reports of leptospirosis (bacterial infection) in a pet care place's swimming pool and some cases in people.  Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease.

1/18 cases was confirmed leptospira according to a Straits Times report on July 21, 2016. Dogs were either not vaccinated or had no updated vaccination.

This dog had no exposure to rats but had walked in parks. IV drips and antibiotics were given but the dog had fits due to kidney failure. The beloved dog was euthanased as the prognosis for full recovery was very poor.  

 
 
X-rays showed enlarged liver and kidneys.
Negative for parvovirus.

"Does he catch rats?" I asked as there were some cases of leptosporosis in dogs and people reported. 
I treated with antibiotics, anti-spasmodic and IVdrips for 2 days. The dog showed fits which was controlled by diazepam IV 24 hourly for last 2 days. But he was unable to stand up. The owner decided on euthanasia.

Vomiting and diarrhoea are very common conditions in dogs. This dog was not boarded but had been to parks. He would have picked up some bacterial infections causing septicaemia. Many owners would not vaccinate older dogs and some do suffer from diseases causing serious illness.

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CASE 2
Went to other vets but no success in getting rid of the sourish smell from the right ear of this 15-year-old Jack Russell. Ear smear showed cocci bacteria.  I had the ear irrigated and prescribed antibiotics and ear ointment 3 x per week.