Case Highlights

Mambo Loses His Step with Lyme Disease

Mambo is a six year old male neutered pointer mix who was out hiking with his owner when he suddenly began limping a mile and half into the hike. Mambo did not appear to have stepped into any holes or come in contact with any wildlife, including snakes. He did not yelp or act like he was in
pain, but just suddenly refused to use his right rear leg. His owner had to carry him back to the car (not an easy feat since he weighs over
55 pounds!). Once back in the car, they headed straight for our clinic to have Mambo evaluated.

Mambo was no better when they reached the hospital, and his owner had to carry him into an exam room. He was very bright and alert with no
fever, but refused to put any weight on his injured leg. Previous health problems included an elevated liver value; otherwise Mambo had always
been a healthy, active dog. The physical examination did not readily reveal a diagnosis, however Mambo did show slight pain when his hock (the equivalent to our ankle) was flexed and extended. No puncture wounds or evidence of trauma were found. It was easy to believe that Mambo had
just lost his footing and caused a soft tissue injury which should resolve with rest.

However, to be complete in our evaluation, we decided to draw a small amount of blood to run an in-house test for Lyme disease. This test detects
not only Lyme disease, but also heartworm and two other tick borne illnesses – ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. To the owner’s surprise the test was positive for Lyme disease. We then sent the rest of the blood to an outside lab for a Lyme C6 test. While the in-house test told us that Mambo had
been exposed to Lyme disease, it did not tell us whether this was an active infection. The C6 test helps to differentiate between an active and an old infection. Since the test results would take 1-2 days, Mambo was placed on Doxycycline, which is an antibiotic effective against Lyme disease. Within
48 hours of the antibiotic Mambo was his old self again, and ready for another hiking excursion. His Lyme C6 count was extremely high, signifying an active infection.

Since Lyme disease can occasionally affect the kidneys, a baseline urine and kidney function test was obtained, which were within the normal range. Mambo stayed on antibiotics for a total of 30 days and requires a repeat C6, urine and kidney function test in 6 months. If the C6 count is either half
of the original value or below 30, no more treatment is needed. If that is not the case then Mambo will need another 30 days of antibiotics. Mambo tolerated his medication very well, and we hope nothing but the best for this sweet boy in the future.

Lyme disease is endemic in this area, both as a health risk to animals and to people. Please contact us for ways to help your pet stay disease free, such as using a tick preventative year round and vaccinating against Lyme disease.

*Mambo crossed the Rainbow Bridge in November 2010 due to another illness.  He is dearly missed by all.  RIP Mambo!!