Pythium

[QUACKADDIC]

I know there are some old post about it, but wanted to bring it back to light for everyone. I lost my 5 year old black lab this past week. Just found out today that it was pythium,vet said it was the 4th case she had seen in 14 years. He had lost some weight and had a terrible upset stomach. Had taken him to vet twice and they had done x-rays, bloodwork, etc. and had not seen anything out of the ordinary. They put him on antibiotics. Vet told me that it was from stagnant water in a pond. It is more common in Southeast La and is commonly called Swamp Cancer. Vet also stated that once it takes hold there is really nothing they can really do. I am still confused and worried about it because it had to have happened where I live. Always work dogs around house and have 2 separate small bodies of water near house.

Skeet was mainly my hunting buddy, but was planning on putting him back on the line and start back running test again. He was a high powered dog with plenty of get up and go. We will miss him dearly.

David

[GulfCoast]

Very sorry to hear about your loss.

[Tedl10]

hate to hear this. Very sorry for your loss.

[rboudet]

Get in touch with Tammy Bell she has done extensive research on this and has much information. I think she also tracks these cases and would like your information.

[blgros1]

So what do you do about this situation. I have a pond in my backyard, dog is always messing in it. And I live in SE LA, guess the dog got a lot against him. Cant really prevent dog from pond, so can you treat the water with something??????????????
thanks

[KarenKlotthor]

Yeah I would like the answer to that. I am guessing if we train in the Bonnett Carre' Spillway , we might have a problem with that. Unless the river floods and cleans everything out, there is not moving water.

[QUACKADDIC]

I am getting all information I can on disease. Also found out today that one of the pups I sold 8 months ago just passed away. No symptoms, owner just left for work and pup was fine, when he came home pup had thrown up and had passed away. Unfortunately he did not get him checked out. Owner said he had been training in a small pond at his home.
I asked vet all the same questions ya'll just asked, she had no answers. Vet said that 5 dogs could drink out of same water and none could get sick and then only one could get sick. Vets just don't see that many cases and are just now really learning more about it.
Vet said only way to insure dogs don't get this is to keep them out of water when we are in a dry period and have high temps.



David

[eSJay]

So sorry about Skeet buddy.
He was good dog.
RIP SKEET

[Greenhead329]

Sorry for your loss...not easy dealing with something like that, when you could/would do anything in the world. Just remember you did the best you could for your buddy and thats all he could have asked.

Saw a case of it from a poor lab while I was in Auburn. Every pathologist and every internal medicine specialist said the same thing. Once symptoms present is universally fatal..No set determining factor as why one dog gets sick and the other doesn't. I know this information doesn't make it easier, but your vet was telling you right.