As many of you regulars know, we are rescuing a dog from a shelter in Brazil. He was due to fly out in 2 weeks, then on the 24th of December his pen mate was found dead. No signs or symptoms, she was perfectly healthy the day before, and then suddenly she was just gone.

In Brazil it's tick season, and ehrlichiosis is very common there. As a precaution they started our dog on antibiotics as soon as they found his pen mate dead. Sadly they couldn't easily get him tested, the labs for the vet they use, are closed until after New Years.

Well this morning our little pup (he's a terrier mix, 10 pounds), had a high fever, was lethargic and not eating. So they drove 2 hours to the animal hospital. He was tested for ehrlichiosis, and was found to be positive for that. They're also testing for febre Maculosa, and babeosis. Those tests have to be sent to a different lab, so the results won't be back until Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest.

They started an IV with antibiotics, and he's showing signs of improvement. He's now eating, and has energy.

I know absolutely nothing about tick disease. It's not an issue where I live. I've tried to do some research, but you know how it is online, you get many different opinions, and that's all they are, opinions. No way to know what's true or not. I called our vet, but he has no experience with this, has never had a case, because like I said, it's not something we deal with here.


I 'm looking for more info about this, someone that has actual knowledge about it. What are the long term effects if he survives? Is it contagious or is it only caught through a tick bite? I read online that it can stay in their system for years, and reinfect during times of stress (a flight from Brazil to Canada will surely be stressful, but then again, he's at risk staying in Brazil). If this is a chronic case, or if he tests positive for the other two things they're testing for, what are his chances of survival, and what is his future prognosis? Will he always have issues because of this? What will his quality of life be if he survives?

He's less than a year old. He's got a family (us) waiting to give him a forever home. We're so very worried, and we're stuck here, thousands of miles away, not able to be there, not able to ask the vet questions, and not really knowing what it is he's dealing with because we don't have this issue here.

Any info would be very much appreciated, along with prayers.

If you are a friend on Facebook and you're reading this, please do not mention it on fb. The wonderful people that run this shelter where we're getting our dog, have a vet nearby, but he's not equipped to handle something like this. He has threatened in the past, that if they take their dogs to another vet, he will drop them as clients. They need him. He's nearby. But for emergencies, this animal hospital is better equipped. He only has a small clinic. With 64 dogs in your care, and only two people to look after them, and all their needs, you cannot spare one person to drive 2 hours to that hospital, wait all day, and then drive back, and repeat for days. So they cannot lose the local vet. So please, do not mention anything on Facebook about this. I do not want to be responsible for them losing their vet. They have enough to deal with.

I found a few links that appear to be reputable and they all send the same message.

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=430)

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs (Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment) (http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/glossaryterms/a/CW-Ehrlichiosis.htm)

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals (http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs/751/)


The outcome is going to vary by the extent of the term of illness. For the most part it looks like the dog can survive this but it is going to take time to heal.

As far as the other tests they are running they are for Tick related infections. In the U.S. we call it Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

febre Maculosa

Epidemiological aspects of the Brazilian spotted fever: serological survey of dogs and horses in an endemic area in the State of São Paulo, Brazil (http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-46651996000600007)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) | CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/)

Parasite Infection (Babesiosis) in Dogs

Parasite Infection (Babesiosis) in Dogs | petMD (http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_babesiosis)

Thank you for the links cdad. One thing that worries me is that a few of the sites I found seem to suggest that once a dog has had this, it can come back in times of stress. I don't see how that would be possible though. It's an infection, so once it's cleared up with antibiotics, shouldn't it be gone for good, unless they're reinfected with another tick bite?

Sorry, I know you're not a vet. Just finding differing info on this, and would like to know what's fact, and what's just opinion. If it's true that it could come back when a dog is stressed, than I'm really concerned about his 30 hour flight from Brazil to Canada.

On a side note, he's doing better today. He's responding well to treatment. They still have him on an IV, and he has to remain in the animal hospital for at least one more night. He still has a fever but it's lower than it was yesterday. He was energetic, and happy to see the shelter owner when he went to visit. They sent me a video so I could see for myself that he's doing a bit better.

The prognosis is good. The vet seems to think he'll fully recover, but he isn't out of the woods yet. We're crossing all our fingers and toes that he'll be okay. We love him already. Just need to get him healthy and get him out of Brazil. No ticks in my part of Canada, so he'll be safe here.

The "it comes back in times of stress" part can come from a weakened immune system from having it in the first place. Humans can be the same way. As far as the problem goes it should be wiped out within a few weeks. The only thing being is if anything survives and goes dormant. That is always a possibility.

The main focus now is to get the little guy healthy. It sounds like they are following the standard for treatment. Have faith. Ive been told that my animal didnt have long to live and ended up spending the next 17 years together. You can only do your best.

Thank you for the links cdad. One thing that worries me is that a few of the sites I found seem to suggest that once a dog has had this, it can come back in times of stress. I don't see how that would be possible though. It's an infection, so once it's cleared up with antibiotics, shouldn't it be gone for good, unless they're reinfected with another tick bite? .

Look up Lyme Disease Alty. It's caused by a tick bite and has permanent ramifications. It's not the same disease, of course, but it has similar issues in that it is permanent and can rear its ugly head in times of stress.

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm left wondering how much more they are going to tac on to the price of this dog to get him from Brazil to Canada.

Look up Lyme Disease Alty. It's caused by a tick bite and has permanent ramifications. It's not the same disease, of course, but it has similar issues in that it is permanent and can rear its ugly head in times of stress.

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm left wondering how much more they are going to tac on to the price of this dog to get him from Brazil to Canada.

J, we're not paying for this. The price hasn't changed at all. They're paying for all the vet expenses. They had him neutered in December, and now this emergency treatment, and before he comes he has to have 4 baby teeth pulled that never dropped out. They're paying for all of that. We're still only paying for the flight.

The "it comes back in times of stress" part can come from a weakened immune system from having it in the first place. Humans can be the same way. As far as the problem goes it should be wiped out within a few weeks. The only thing being is if anything survives and goes dormant. That is always a possibility.

The main focus now is to get the little guy healthy. It sounds like they are following the standard for treatment. Have faith. Ive been told that my animal didnt have long to live and ended up spending the next 17 years together. You can only do your best.

Thanks cdad. I talked to Sneezy, asked him about all of this. He did some research, and of course as a doctor he does know about this disease in humans. He said that unless his immune system is extremely compromised, stress shouldn't make it come back. It's an infection, so once the antibiotics work, and wipe the infection out, he'll be fine. And based on what I was told, and what I told him, they caught it early.

He's responding well to treatment. He still has a bit of a temperature so he's staying a second night at the animal hospital, and he's still on IV. But he's energetic, and eating. The shelter owner went to see him, and Jake was very happy to see him, very excited. They sent me the video of the visit. Poor little Jake and his IV, but he looks very energetic. It was so good to see that.

If his fever goes down he'll be able to go back to the shelter tomorrow. He'll be on the antibiotics for a month, and then if he gets the all clear from the airlines vet, he'll be flying here.

Fingers crossed all goes well.

Just remember that it may take alittle longer then normal to aclimate to your climate. The dog has never seen tempratures like what you experience in your area. Coming in the dead of winter will be a shock to say the least.

Just remember that it may take alittle longer then normal to aclimate to your climate. The dog has never seen tempratures like what you experience in your area. Coming in the dead of winter will be a shock to say the least.

It will be a huge shock. We have a jacket for him, and were thinking about booties too, but when he was found his little legs were tied up, he had a cola bottle around his neck, and severe mange. I'm not sure that putting botties on him would be okay with him, might remind him of his legs being tied.

But really, he'll only be going outside to pee and poo. The rest of the time he'll be in the warm house. Walks will wait until Spring, when it's warmer, and he's more used to being with us and the weather.

Hopefully by next winter he'll be used to living here. They've sent many dogs to Canada, and the US, and they've all acclimated to the difference in temperature and environment. It's a much more suitable place for dogs than Brazil.

Update for anyone that cares. Jakes temperature is back to normal. They did some more blood work today, and the other results will be back on Tuesday. Vet said it's very unlikely that he has two types of tick disease at once.

He's doing well, very energetic, eating, drinking, peeing, pooing, and very playful. If he stays stable he'll get to go back to the shelter tomorrow. After that it's a month of antibiotics, 4 baby teeth pulled that never fell out, a test to make sure that the infection is completely gone, and then on a plane to Canada.

I can't wait to hold him in my arms.

I am so happy to hear some good news! He's going to love living with your family! Your fur babies are all loved and this little guy will finally experience happiness.

Good News. And we all care. It is just some are more silent or decide not to make feelings public.

Thanks TJ and cdad.

Update, he's back at the shelter, his home for now. He was so happy to go home. He was very hyper in the car, sitting on the dash, scrambling around. He's one very lucky pup.

They're keeping him indoors until he leaves to fly to us. They don't want to take any more chances with him. He's the smallest dog they've ever had at their shelter. The bigger dogs seem to do better with all the hazards. A small dog like Jake (he's 10 pounds soaking wet), is at a higher risk. So for now until the day he leaves, it's inside living for him, to reduce any risk of him getting something else.

It's strange to love a dog so much, that you haven't met. The videos and pictures and stories about him, made me fall in love. Then the rest of the family followed suit. Apparently he's a very cuddly dog. As soon as you pick him up, he melts in your arms. He loves to be held and snuggled. He also loves car rides (that will be new for us, our two don't travel very well). He's not yet potty trained, but we'll work on that. I'm used to golden puddles and warm brown piles. Stepped in my fair share of them. :)

I've been thinking a lot about Roxy, his pen mate, the one that died, and the reason they started Jake on antibiotics before he showed any signs of being sick. If she hadn't died, Jake would be dead now. Starting him on antibiotics right away, without lab work to confirm tick disease, saved his life. They've started all the dogs in the shelter on antibiotics, all because of Roxy. Her death has saved Jake, and so many more. A huge sacrifice. She was young, and such a sweet dog. If we could have adopted more than one, it would have been Jake and Roxy. She will always have a special place in my heart. Because of her sacrifice, Jake is alive, and will have a good home.

RIP Roxy. Thank you for giving your best friend a chance to live so he can have a better life, with us. I will never forget you. Run free on the rainbow bridge.

If you want to see pictures of Jake, check out Dogs in Brazil on Facebook. There are tons of pictures of him. Some from today, since coming back to his temporary home. He's such a sweetie. He's so loved. Can't wait to hold him in my arms and make sure he's always safe, for the rest of his long life.

48068

Hoping this works. This is Jake. :)

Oh my goodness!! He's adorable. What a precious little guy. Can't wait for pictures from your house.

Great news Alty. Now if the attatchment would work. lol


" You have attempted to view a Attachment that no longer is available. Please click one of the links in the menu to continue." GRRRRRR !


Maybe try picpaste and put the link here and other places for people to see.

It is free and easy to use.

I have no idea what picpaste is. And you know me cdad. Free is great, but don't be so sure that I'll find it easy. ;)

Thanks TJ. He's a cutie. A scruffy little mop. I can't wait to post pictures of him in our home. Soon. Only one month and he'll be here.

I saw the picture and the ones on Facebook. I don't have Facebook, but I went to the rescue site. He's precious!

I saw the picture and the ones on Facebook. I don't have Facebook, but I went to the rescue site. He's precious!

I'm glad you found it. He is a sweetie, isn't he? A scruffy little pup just waiting to be loved by his forever family. Can't wait for him to come home.

Brazil is having epic summer storms right now. The husband of the husband and wife team from DIB, went to get supplies. A storm hit, and a tree fell right in front of his car. Seconds too late and he'd be dead now. He and a bunch of locals decided to get the tree out of it's path. Well, of course the tree had a bee's nest. So Carlos (from DIB) ended up with almost a dozen bee stings. In the meantime Jan, back at the home, was dealing with 64 dogs, the storm, a lot of dogs that are fearful of storms, and worried about her husband.

Whoever says they want to run a rescue in a place like Brazil, where they're really needed, is nuts! But thank God they do it. So many lives saved, while putting their own at risk. I could never ever do this. All I can do is rescue one, little Jake, and give my support in any way possible.

God bless them.

After 6 days of DIB being offline (summer storms cut their power), they're back, and I can finally sleep well again knowing that all is well.

They've rescued two new dogs, so they're now at 66 dogs. One was dumped and rescued 15 minutes after, found chasing the car of his owners. The other is not as happy a story. I have no idea what happened to him, but he was tied to a tree, no clean water, not enough food (if any), for at least a year, according to the people that claim he isn't their dog, came with the property they bought a year ago, and also claim that they did all they could for him! Ya right!

His back (near his bum) is so swollen he looks like a hunchback, and there's a fist size hole, very deep, in that swollen area. He's missing toes on one foot, it's swollen, infected, and bone is showing. He's bones held together by skin. Every open sore, and there are many, are filled with maggots. He's dehydrated, anemic, starved, and more.

He's at the vet clinic now, and will be there until next week, then to the loving arms of DIB, where they will do their best to work the miracles they work so often. If anyone can save him, and make him whole (mind, body and soul), they can!

Can you imagine caring for 66 dogs? They cook all the dogs meals (dog food is not something easily found in Brazil), clean all kennels daily, then meds, and love and attention, and trips to the vet, and more and more and more.

They're also building more kennels, and trying to add more room so they can rescue more dogs. They really don't have the room for the two new dogs rescued, but they never turn a dog in need, away.

These people are truly Angels on Earth.

An update, a very giddy, very happy Alty update.

Jake is done with his medication, and will be flying from Brazil to us, on the 28th of January. He arrives on the 29th. That's 6 days from now! 6 DAYS!

I'm so excited I can barely sit still. Don't want to be too excited, just in case something else goes wrong. But I can't help it. Once he's here I'll be able to breathe again. A sigh of relief, and pure joy.

Jake is coming home! :)

I'm so happy for you!! I can't wait to see pictures!!

I can't wait to post them TJ. He's coming home! So excited!

DIB, the rescue, is going through a lot right now. Carlos, the husband from the husband and wife team that runs DIB, was in hospital the other day, prostate problems. He has a urine bag right now, will need surgery and a biopsy to rule out (hopefully rule out) cancer. I have no idea how Jan would cope without Carlos. And with all that going on, they still booked Jakes flight and he'll be coming home to us in 6 days. Only 6 more days. :)

They need help right now, money to keep things going, they're at 67 dogs right now, most that need meds or vet care, and then their own issues to boot. I can't imagine doing what they do every day. Carlos is over 60 years old, not a young man anymore, and he does the majority of the work there, building kennels to take in more rescues, cleaning kennels every day, spending time with each dog in their care, feeding (they cook the food for the dogs, it's not dog food in a bag), medication for those that are on meds, and so much more, the day to day stuff you need to do to survive, like grocery shopping. It's a lot. I don't know how they do it.

If anyone here can donate to them, please do. Even if it's only $5, every bit helps. If everyone on fb or on AMHD donated just $5, they could make it.

It's Dogs In Brazil, they have a fb page and a website, so please, if you can, donate.

Thanks.

Jake is on the flight. He's on his way here, finally! He'll arrive tomorrow at 10pm my time. We can't wait to hold him.

Now I just have to get through today, tonight, and all day tomorrow, worrying about him and his safety. I'm sure he'll be fine, but until I see him and hold him, I won't be able to breathe or rest.

I can't believe he's finally on his way. His new life is about to begin. :)

Jake has been here for a little over a month now. He's such a little love bug.

He had a very long flight and the first moments we saw him, he was scared to death. He sat in the corner of his crate, back turned to us, and just shook. We decided to not remove him from his crate at the airport, but just take him in the car in his crate.

Syd sat in the back with him, opened the crate up, and within 10 minutes he was in her lap giving her kisses and love, and snooping around.

He had some issues with my husband at first, very fearful of him, but it's been getting better every day. Today Rod went shopping for groceries and when he came back all three dogs came running to great him. Jake even jumped in his lap for rubs and kisses, so that's major progress.

Syd is loving her puppy, and the feeling is mutual. He follows her everywhere she goes. It's hard when she goes to school, he misses her, but he loves me too, and thankfully I'm home all day so we get to spend a lot of time together. But he's always more excited when it's time to pick Syd up from school. He just loves her so much.

It took so long to get him here and now the time is flying by. We're so happy to have our new little fur baby.

Alty... it's absolutely heartwarming ☺. So happy to hear Jake is settling in well. Your family is truly a blessing for him... and no doubt it's mutual for your family, especially Syd.

Im glad it is all working out. Sounds like a good dog.

Thanks guys. He is a major blessing. We saved him, but as is typical with rescues, he's saved us too. He's taught us so much even in the short time he's been here.

He's such a smart little guy, learns so quickly. He also has so much energy. He bounces, like a bunny, when he's excited. It's too cute to watch. He's learned to sit very easily, and has lay down almost down pat. He comes when he's called and definitely knows his name, which we didn't change because it suits him. He loves the cat, sadly the feeling isn't really mutual. We've had a few tiffs in that area, but they're the same size so at least it's a fair fight, and never really goes to a full on fight, more like the cat saying, "okay, I've had enough, leave me alone".

We had to work hard on harness training. We chose a harness instead of a collar because of how he was found, legs tied together and a cola bottle around his neck. He freaks out when we even try to put a collar on him. The harness is less traumatic. We went slow, lots of treats, lots of praise, and now when he sees the harness he gets excited because he knows it's time for a walk.

Walks are both fun and scary for him. Every time he sees another person he tucks tail and tries to hide. Every car that goes by, scares him. But we're working on it. The other day Syd took him to the park. It's a playground with a very huge field behind it, and forest area behind that. There was a lady with her two young kids and their 3 month old German Shepherd. Syd got to talking with the lady. By the end of the conversation Jake allowed the lady to pet him and hold him. He does a lot better with women than he does men. The kids were a bit too hyper for him, and he backed off from them. Thankfully he's not like Rascal our border collie. Rascal is fearful but can be aggressive fearful if pushed. Jake is not at all aggressive when he's afraid, he just slinks away.

He's such a great pup, and we're making new strides with him every day. He's so young, and that's great, because I'm sure that within a few months, his past and his fears will be completely behind him. :)

Im sure the litle guy is still trying to figure out what is "normal" right now. It just takes time. And the love is there already.

Alty, that's great news! So nice to hear about the adjustment. Have you posted any pictures? Work has been so busy that I'm not checking in often enough.

There are a few pictures on the DIB (Dogs in Brazil) fb page. When I post them here only a small handful of people can actually see them. Also, I'm mainly been taking pictures with my phone and I can't figure out how to get on to AMHD from my phone. FB yes, but for some reason it doesn't give me access to AMHD.

There's also a Dogs In Brazil alumni page on Facebook, there are few pictures of him there. I have pictures and video on my page, and his page. Yes, he has a page. It's "Jake is home".

He's such a little sweetheart, and so cute. Too cute for words. He's melted our hearts. :)