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Sweep: Still No Clear Diagnosis For Limp


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Sweep just saw the orthopedic specialist for her limping upon rising, which has been going on since August. She responds to NSAIDs, but the limp always returns--this last round, within just a few days of stopping them. Unlike our regular vet, the specialist was able to actually see the limp briefly in the office, and he watched the videos we've taken. Though my DH and I have sometimes had trouble determining which leg was affected and our regular vet felt strongly that it was the right front, the specialist was 100% sure it's her left front. He did an exam from nose to tail and took x-rays of the leg from shoulder to foot, and thankfully everything was clear. So now we have clear x-rays for the right front and neck and spine from August and November, and clear x-rays for the left front from December. Unfortunately, Sweep was very nervous at this new place and whined at pretty much anything he did to her, so he wasn't able to isolate the exact source of the pain. There is no swelling or any other visible indication of a problem. Her pads look clear, and the fact that the limp resolves with walking and responds to NSAIDs seems to rule out a developing corn. She has two twisted inner toes on her left foot, which we have always thought were indicative of a racing injury, but apparently not--they're just wonky and he believes unrelated to her current issue. So, the mystery remains.

 

I am of course HUGELY relieved to have four months of clear x-rays behind us (I work myself up into a full-blown panic every time we have an appointment), but it's so frustrating to not have an answer. She is on another course of NSAIDs for three weeks (Meloxicam worked great but upset her stomach, Rimadyl had no GI side effects but didn't seem quite as effective, so now we're trying Previcox). We have a recheck with the specialist in four weeks. I have found a facility about 30 minutes away that offers acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, etc., so I'll be pursuing that in January if we're still in the same boat. She just turned 6 in October; I hate to think of having to keep her on an NSAID indefinitely. Anyone have any ideas? She is best in the morning and the limp upon rising worsens over the course of the day (we've curbed the running, but she is still leash walked 10-20 minutes three times a day). Could a soft tissue injury really take this long to heal?

Edited by ramonaghan

52596614938_aefa4e9757_o.jpg

Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig.
Missing gentlemen kitties MudHenry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly
 Sweep:heart

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Is she on anything for arthritis? A good joint supplement (I recommend a veterinary one to start so you know if there's no improvement that it's not due to quality of product), possibly switching to a joint diet, and maybe trying Cartrophen or Adequan injections from your vet.

 

My Summit doesn't have any obvious signs of arthritis on his x-rays, but he limped on his left front leg every winter since we got him (he was 5.5 years old when we got him), but these things make a huge difference for him. Though I have to say the biggest improvement was when we moved from Ontario to Alberta, which I think has something to do with the lower humidity here.

 

Hopefully, you can figure it out and get some answers. I know how frustrating it is to not know what's going on. Kili has had x-rays of her entire spine trying to figure out her on and off reluctance to jump in agility (immediately fixed by a trip to her chiro) and none of the orthopedic specialists can figure out why she does it. We've basically just been recommended to keep managing it the way we already are, but it still gnaws at the back of my mind that I don't have an answer. I'll likely keep pursuing different people and techniques to try to figure it out. I'm probably just throwing a lot of money at a minor problem that I can't figure out, but at least I feel better knowing I'm ruling everything out.

Edited by krissy

Kristie and the Apex Agility Greyhounds: Kili (ATChC AgMCh Lakilanni Where Eagles Fly RN IP MSCDC MTRDC ExS Bronze ExJ Bronze ) and Kenna (Lakilanni Kiss The Sky RN MADC MJDC AGDC AGEx AGExJ). Waiting at the Bridge: Retired racer Summit (Bbf Dropout) May 5, 2005-Jan 30, 2019

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Conner developed a limp in his left front leg/shoulder in May. This was a week or two after I had lost Sallie to osteo, so you want to talk full blown panic :rolleyes: X-rays were clear, and I'll skip all the interim steps, since you've done the same. My vet recommended a specialist who is sort of a canine equivalent of a sports medicine Doctor. She explained that in a four legged animal, if they have any irregularity in one leg or foot, the compensate in the opposite leg/foot which can eventually lead to a limp,or something else in that opposite limb. Conner has an old racing injury that did not heal well in his right rear foot, and now he has a limp in his left front shoulder. Bingo! She has been doing chiropractic sessions on him, and it has helped a lot. He is (or was, before he messed up a toe on his bad foot, sigh) down to one gabapentin twice a day, which is a lot less than he was on. Unfortunately, there is really no cure, but with continued chiropractic treatments and limited exercise, he will probably be able to get to an "as needed" state.

 

Something to consider, since you said she has a couple of funky toes. Acupuncture will probably help with the pain as well.

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were they digital x-rays?

 

and yes, a soft issue injury can take very long to heal. annie was on metacam/tramadol/gabapentin for 3 months and crate rest for 8 weeks. we very very slowly introduced walks to her at the end of 8 weeks. 1/4 mile a day and then after a week upping it. she has calcification on her shoulder where the large muscle/tendon group from her spine bundles(old injury resulting in the calcification). it was a slow healing and during the summer when she was frisky she went back on the trio of drugs until the flare up resolved itself w/ rest.

Edited by cleptogrey
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Definitely agree with Krissy about the joint supplement. Cosequin, or even something like Fresh Factors joint formula might give her a noticeable improvement. Whenever Henry lost his leg, another GT'er (tripawd Maggie Mae's dad) told me, "The one thing we wish we'd done was start her early on a joint supplement." Even though she beat the cancer, she struggled all her life with arthritis. Even a small, seemingly insignificant injury can be aggravated by arthritis, especially during certain times of the year.

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Thanks for all the replies!

 

Is she on anything for arthritis? A good joint supplement (I recommend a veterinary one to start so you know if there's no improvement that it's not due to quality of product), possibly switching to a joint diet, and maybe trying Cartrophen or Adequan injections from your vet.

 

Definitely agree with Krissy about the joint supplement. Cosequin, or even something like Fresh Factors joint formula might give her a noticeable improvement. Whenever Henry lost his leg, another GT'er (tripawd Maggie Mae's dad) told me, "The one thing we wish we'd done was start her early on a joint supplement." Even though she beat the cancer, she struggled all her life with arthritis. Even a small, seemingly insignificant injury can be aggravated by arthritis, especially during certain times of the year.

 

Sweep has been on fish oil since we got her three years ago, and was on Missing Link for probably two years, until I switched her to Fresh Factors/Advanced Joint Health in September shortly after this started. I can't say I've seen a major improvement (unless softer fur counts), and she really hates the FF/JH pills; I crush them into a powder for her and she still manages to find and spit out tiny pieces :lol. I'll ask my vet what he recommends, but I'll keep giving the other stuff in the meantime. The baffling thing about possible arthritis is that she is best in the morning--there's barely, if any, limp when she first gets up.

 

I don't know if this video will be of any help. If you go to the bottom of this page and click on number 2 the trainer exam.

 

http://www.agcouncil.com/greyhound-education/

 

Dennis McKeon told me this was one of best videos for benching a greyhound.

 

Thanks, Dick. I have a Mac and unfortunately can't see the video--when I click the link for the "free" components to make it play, it leads to a page to purchase software. :dunno

 

Conner developed a limp in his left front leg/shoulder in May. This was a week or two after I had lost Sallie to osteo, so you want to talk full blown panic :rolleyes: X-rays were clear, and I'll skip all the interim steps, since you've done the same. My vet recommended a specialist who is sort of a canine equivalent of a sports medicine Doctor. She explained that in a four legged animal, if they have any irregularity in one leg or foot, the compensate in the opposite leg/foot which can eventually lead to a limp,or something else in that opposite limb. Conner has an old racing injury that did not heal well in his right rear foot, and now he has a limp in his left front shoulder. Bingo! She has been doing chiropractic sessions on him, and it has helped a lot. He is (or was, before he messed up a toe on his bad foot, sigh) down to one gabapentin twice a day, which is a lot less than he was on. Unfortunately, there is really no cure, but with continued chiropractic treatments and limited exercise, he will probably be able to get to an "as needed" state.

Something to consider, since you said she has a couple of funky toes. Acupuncture will probably help with the pain as well.

 

A fellow panicker! (At least you had good reason. I am just a chronic worrier. I literally break into hives at the vet's office; it's so embarrassing.) Anyway, I'm hopeful that a chiro or acupuncturist can pinpoint exactly where it hurts. My vet has also mentioned possibly adding gabapentin to the NSAID, so that's something to consider as a next step or on an "as needed" basis.

 

were they digital x-rays?

 

and yes, a soft issue injury can take very long to heal. annie was on metacam/tramadol/gabapentin for 3 months and crate rest for 8 weeks. we very very slowly introduced walks to her at the end of 8 weeks. 1/4 mile a day and then after a week upping it. she has calcification on her shoulder where the large muscle/tendon group from her spine bundles(old injury resulting in the calcification). it was a slow healing and during the summer when she was frisky she went back on the trio of drugs until the flare up resolved itself w/ rest.

 

Yes, they've all been digital x-rays. I have the ones from 8/31 but not 11/10 (the vet said there was no change at all from the 8/31 ones). I'm waiting for larger versions of the ones they just took of her left leg because the ones they emailed me were tiny. Are you thinking a consult with Dr. C?

 

Thanks for the info on soft tissue injury--wish I could pinpoint exactly what she did, but with our sloped, rocky backyard, it could have been any number of zoomie sessions. Patience has never been my strong suit!

52596614938_aefa4e9757_o.jpg

Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig.
Missing gentlemen kitties MudHenry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly
 Sweep:heart

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Sweep is so pretty. Have you considered just sending the films to Dr. Couto? I just went through this with Aiden and have to say, the consult fee ($120) was worth every bit, not to mention the incredibly timely response. We have an answer (not the evil C) and a plan. So worth it.

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Because I'm a gotta know person (and because I have pet insurance) I would request a ct scan at this point. If for no other reason it will provide info for a proper PT protocol.

 

Yeah, I'm kicking myself for not having pet insurance at this point. I think we're $1000 in and not much closer to an answer. We do have funds set aside for this, thankfully. Our regular vet had mentioned the possibility of an MRI ($1500) down the road but not a CT scan--any benefit of one over the other?

 

Sweep is so pretty. Have you considered just sending the films to Dr. Couto? I just went through this with Aiden and have to say, the consult fee ($120) was worth every bit, not to mention the incredibly timely response. We have an answer (not the evil C) and a plan. So worth it.

 

Thank you. :) To be honest I hadn't really thought about it, because they haven't seen so much as a suspicious spot on any of her films. But maybe I should, since he was able to get you an answer with Aiden. So glad it's not that evil disease with your sweet boy!

 

Meanwhile Sweep's had two doses of Previcox and has already shown drastic improvement. Hopefully no GI symptoms will emerge (it was dose #3 with the Meloxicam both times) and we'll have our "Goldilocks" NSAID.

Edited by ramonaghan

52596614938_aefa4e9757_o.jpg

Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig.
Missing gentlemen kitties MudHenry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly
 Sweep:heart

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Assuming she's been tested for TBDs? Seems unlikely but would be good to rule out anyway.

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Assuming she's been tested for TBDs? Seems unlikely but would be good to rule out anyway.

 

She's just had a routine blood panel as far as I know (paperwork says Superchem/CBC/T4), and neither vet has mentioned TBDs. I'll be sure to ask them--thank you!

52596614938_aefa4e9757_o.jpg

Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig.
Missing gentlemen kitties MudHenry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly
 Sweep:heart

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To be truthful, Ryder has had an undiagnosed limp as well since I've had him (since he was 3 and he's now 8). He responds well to chiro, and he's on plenty of supplements for joints, etc.

 

Has Sweep seen a chiro?

 

She's got an all clear on x-rays so I think you should give that a try if you can. Ry isn't on pain meds as the supplements thus far have been doing well for him, although I think he might be getting to that point, but first I'd like to try a muscle relaxant first because his muscles are SO tense.

Edited by XTRAWLD

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10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 2010
12.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015

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I am guessing she is an east coast dog, so this is a long shot, but if she's ever been to AZ it could be valley fever. If she never raced out west, then don't bother with a test!

 

She's a Florida girl. Raced near Orlando.

 

I know this is waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy out there, but has she been checked to see if she has corns?

 

I don't think it's way out there at all! But she has been checked. My regular vet is Grassmere, which has the page on corn hulling that's often posted here, so they see a lot of corn dogs. And since her limp resolves with walking instead of getting worse, it doesn't quite seem to fit.

 

To be truthful, Ryder has had an undiagnosed limp as well since I've had him (since he was 3 and he's now 8). He responds well to chiro, and he's on plenty of supplements for joints, etc.

 

Has Sweep seen a chiro?

 

She's got an all clear on x-rays so I think you should give that a try if you can. Ry isn't on pain meds as the supplements thus far have been doing well for him, although I think he might be getting to that point, but first I'd like to try a muscle relaxant first because his muscles are SO tense.

 

She has not seen one yet but that's my plan after the holidays now that I've found a place that offers it and other alternative therapies. I'm only delaying it for now because I remember reading (maybe from you, actually!) that with chiro and acupuncture you might have to commit to frequent sessions initially, and with upcoming holiday travel plans we can't do that right now.

52596614938_aefa4e9757_o.jpg

Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig.
Missing gentlemen kitties MudHenry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly
 Sweep:heart

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She has not seen one yet but that's my plan after the holidays now that I've found a place that offers it and other alternative therapies. I'm only delaying it for now because I remember reading (maybe from you, actually!) that with chiro and acupuncture you might have to commit to frequent sessions initially, and with upcoming holiday travel plans we can't do that right now.

Yup, that was me. Indeed you need commitment for sessions. You may find that it is your resolution for Sweep so I hope that all works out for you! Try massaging her shoulders and back for now - she'll love it!

Proudly owned by:
10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 2010
12.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015

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Sending good thoughts for the beautiful Sweep.

Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgo
Always in my heart: Frostman
Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming

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