LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A Southern California family is speaking out about how their beloved pet was diagnosed with a mysterious disease affecting dogs across the country, and the “last resort antibiotics” that “saved” him.
The Oliver family says their golden retriever, Ike, was out competing in a dog show in September when he quickly contracted a strange illness.
At first, veterinarians didn’t know what it was and were losing hope.
RELATED: Los Angeles County reports 10 mysterious diseases that sicken dogs
Los Angeles County health officials are investigating multiple reports of a mysterious respiratory disease affecting dogs across the United States.
“They were giving up, and (Ike) was starting to give up,” Becky Oliver said.
They were able to transport Ike to a hospital near his home in Fallbrook.
“When we took Murrieta to the vet, they isolated him in a glass isolation room,” John Oliver said of Ike. “He couldn’t be in the room with him, and he didn’t have other dogs with him, which is why he’s so contagious.”
Multiple tests revealed that Ike was infected with a mysterious canine respiratory disease known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex.
Infected dogs exhibit symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and lethargy.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says it is already aware of 10 cases in less than a week, but these are only reported cases.
Veterinarian Dr Ross Bernstein said: ‘One clinic I visited last week had a young dog with a severe condition that gradually worsened and unfortunately had to be euthanized. There have been three cases,” he said.
But in Ike’s case, they found a solution.
After I posted online what happened, a stranger told me to try chloramphenicol.
Within hours, Ike’s breathing improved, and just a few days later, the 5-year-old golden retriever was able to go home.
“It’s a very strong last-resort antibiotic, but it’s what saved him,” Becky said. “Otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”
As diseases spread this holiday season, veterinarians have the following advice to keep your pets safe.
“Avoid places where there are a lot of dogs that you don’t know whether they’re vaccinated or healthy,” Bernstein says. “Dog parks, boarding facilities, groomers, and other places where your dog doesn’t know about the other dogs he interacts with.”
