‘Last Resort’ Antibiotic Saves Family Dog From Mysterious Disease

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as if Deirdre Bardolph

A Southern California family says a “last resort” antibiotic saved their dog after he contracted a mysterious and treatment-resistant respiratory disease in children around the country.

The Oliver family’s golden retriever, Ike, became ill in September while competing in dog shows on the road. ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Ike was taken to a veterinary hospital where he was isolated.

After several tests, the 5-year-old puppy was diagnosed with a strange disease known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex.

There is no specific treatment or medicine for the disease yet.

A stranger online prescribed chloramphenicol for severe bacterial infections, and within hours Ike was breathing better, his family said.

A few days later he was able to return home.

“It’s a very, very strong antibiotic of last resort, but it’s what saved him,” Becky Oliver told ABC7. “Otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”

The disease has been reported in Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and throughout the Northeast, in some cases fatal.

Since August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has received more than 200 reports of the condition.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. There, 10 cases were reported. In less than a week.

But labs in other states have been studying it since 2022.

The Animal League of America of Long Island’s North Shore says it hasn’t seen any increase in disease among its rescue population.

“In our case, dogs, like people, are at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases, especially if they spend time with pets,” Mark Verdino, head of the organization’s veterinary department, told the Post.

They are especially vulnerable in kennels, kennels, daycare centers and dog parks.

“The importance of being up-to-date on vaccinations and getting your pet to the vet quickly if they develop respiratory symptoms cannot be overstated,” Verdino added.

Dogs may show symptoms of common upper respiratory tract infections – sneezing, runny nose, coughing and lack of energy – but vets do not test positive for common diseases.

The enigmatic disease, resistant to standard treatments, has baffled veterinarians and is still under research. Some believe that another antibiotic, doxycycline, may be effective.