Sausalito Animal Hospital

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rickettsia rickettsii I've had headaches, undulating fever, mental confusion and vertigo for a few weeks now. Sorry to any of you if I've been "off" lately. Fortunately I saved a tick that attached itself to me.... I was tested for Lyme, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, common tick borne diseases, and was negative. I then had a PCR test that checks for DNA, and my tick was PCR positive for RMSF. Tick borne diseases are difficult to diagnose, and even with early treatment, doesn't secure success. I have two friends, one who responded to therapy, and one who is dying from tick borne diseases. A tick study shows tick borne diseases increase their presence the further north you go in Marin county. So I am on doxycycline therapy, the antibiotic of choice, and fortunately my symptoms seem to be ameliorating. Without me saving the tick in my freezer, I would still probably be trying to diagnose my disease. Word to the wise. See more

Most I agree with, but I feed my dog Scout, 80lbs, a plate of turkey(w/o skin fat), stuffing and potatoes(plain) for eight years now with no consequences. Makes him sleepy though! Human food is good for our canine friends in proper proportions and with non toxic foods.