Hope the results are good. Good luck. Beege

Just read this, I hope you get good news, you've been through so much lately, fingers and toes crossed!

Barney's Results
 

Barney's results are in.

First, the good news -- his urine culture was negative.
Now the mixed good and bad news on leptospirosis.

The test covers 6 serovars (strains) of leptospirosis.
Two of the 6 strains are not seen commonly in our area and he was negative for those strains.
Of the remaining 4 strains, Barney was negative for 3 (Grippotyphosa, Pomona, and Ictero-haemorrhagiae)

Barney was positive for one strain of leptospirosis called Canicola.

The interpretation: Barney's test result indicates prior exposure or early infection and not acute leptospirosis. It is more likely that at some point, Barney had an exposure, given the prevalence in our area. Another cause of a positive result can be the vaccine itself where elevations can show for a long time. This is ruled out in Barney, however, since he last had the vaccine about 5 years ago.

Conclusion: Barney has a past exposure to leptospirosis. It is not thought to be an active infection, but we cannot be sure. The PLAN: Treat Barney with two weeks of doxycycline (antibiotics).

The vaccine would have covered Barney for Canicola, but he did not have the vaccine, and has not had it in many years. I was able to ask more questions of the specialist about lepto. In our area, dogs primarily are showing up with Canicola and Grippotyphosa. The dogs being seen in acute renal failure found to have leptospirosis are primarily suburban dogs who have not had the vaccine. The doctor noted 2 cases of lepto he saw in dogs that spent most of their lives indoors and had a very very low risk of exposure.

The good news in all of this is that Barney will be treated and I think I have managed to avert a big problem or possible grave illness by pursuing an ultrasound and consult this early when I did not like that one enzyme elevation that was persisting.

Thank you for everyone's wishes and prayers, the waiting is torture and the news not as great as I had hoped but certainly not a death sentence.

Wow, I'm so glad that you found out what was going on. Kudos to you for pursuing the elevated liver enzyme result rather than taking a "wait and see" attitude. I'm very glad that Barney is going to be ok.

I'm sure you are glad the wait is over. I don't know much about the topic other than what you posted but hope the antibiotic treatment do what it is supposed to. KUDOS to you for being the great mommy that you are.

Toby said to give Daisy a big hug from him...................

I wish the news had been better, but at least you have your answer and you know how to move forward. And, Barney isn't acting ill, so that's something to be really thankful for.

Overall, that sounds like good news. Hopefully you'll be posting in two weeks that Barney is all better. :)

While I wish you had received perfect news, the prognosis does sound very good. After the antibiotic, does Barney need to be retested?

No, the two weeks of doxycycline will knock it out given his lab levels. We could test to be sure, but it is not necessary. He will need bloodwork after 1 month on his denosyl anyway so I suppose we can always add it on.

Cathy, I was waiting all day to hear the news and was so nervous because the thread hadn't been updated. It isn't a perfect diagnosis but it sure sounds like you are on top of it and that Barney can make a complete recovery. Hoping the treatment works as planned.

That is very good news. Great job pursuing this and making sure Barney got the treatment he needs. He is a very lucky boy to have you.

I'm so glad that you finally heard back from the vet and that Barney will be put on the proper antibiotics. I think everyone should take this as a lesson and speak to their vet regarding vaccinating. It's amazing that you are so attune to Barney that you would pick up on the slightest differences in his behaviors.

Good news! Does your vet still recommend testing Teddy and Daisy?

While few things in life are perfect, this is close. Sending my best wishes for Barney. I really hope his next lab results are very good.:) I know the wait had to be awful for you.