greyhoundlady
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Posts posted by greyhoundlady
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Sorry you are going through this - it causes all sorts of worry indeed. It could be a lot of things and hopefully nothing that can't be fixed. My grey went through what it sounds like yours is, she is a great runner at top speed in the yard. Then one time she came in, laid down, and when she got up to walk would not put her front leg down. After a while, she worked it out and used all four legs but this would happen each time she first got up.
I did take her in for xrays, etc and it turned out to be a badly bruised toe that was causing her the pain. She was on leash walk only and no zoomies in the yard. She got better, then months later did the exact same thing from zooming in the yard. Of course I panicked again and took her in for xrays etc. same result - badly bruised toe.
She is fine now. We have recently moved and have no fenced yard so she has to leash walk all the time. No toe problems anymore.
I am just offering what I experienced, but continue to have everything checked out (which I know you will) just to be sure. Good luck!
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Most likely your grey was sending the signal for that golden to behave (you said your grey was standing stationary and behaving) and the golden wasn't recognizing dog language, so your grey took it to the next level of correction. I have found greys to be really good at dog signals. I had one grey who knew them all - I didn't teach him, he came that way. When a dog didn't pay attention to his quiet warning, he would growl, snap and warn the other dog it was out of control.
As others said, I think you have a great grey! I would also tell your friend that your grey doesn't like rough and tumble activity and not to allow their dog to jump all over yours.
Congratulations on being a first time dog owner and beginning with a greyhound! Do you have local walks or meet and greets for greyhounds where you live? I think you and your grey will really enjoy that.
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Of the four greys I have had, two would have been highly insulted if any human didn't beeline for them and moosh them up. One grey had to greet everyone even if they showed no interest in her. On the other hand, one of my males greatly disliked strangers, and sometimes those he knew, touching any part of him. I used to sing the song 'Can't Touch This' to him
My current girl only allows touching on her terms. She has always been shy and if someone comes toward her without her permission she backs away quickly. I think you should just keep alert for a sneak attack by an unsuspecting person and warn them your grey doesn't take kindly to an invasion of his space. I, myself, never greet any dog as you describe, unless the dog has come to me showing they wanted to be pet. I would guess what you have experienced are greyhound owners that have been used to greys who really enjoy the human touch - there are many of those greys
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Thank you for your input. We are in the middle of the state (I have been told it is the geographic center of MA
) and it looks like Holliston is a little more than an hour away. I am hoping for something a bit closer for routine visits. The website of Westside Animal Clinic in Worcester does mention Tufts as the place to go with after hour emergencies, so that looks like a good sign. I will call Westside Animal and ask if they have treated greys. It seemed from the greytalk vet list that one of the vets there owns/owned a greyhound. I am hopeful.Thanks again!
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We have recently moved to Rutland, Massachusetts from NJ and would like to find a greyhound savvy vet for my grey Lia. We have lots of Labradors and Goldens in our new neighborhood, but I have found no greyhounds anywhere here and we have hiked on many of the rail trails
. We do attract a lot of attention though, with many people asking about greyhounds. I checked on the vet list here and it may be that the closest vet practice is Westside Animal Clinic, Dr Anita Trom, in Worcester, MA. Does anyone have experience with the practice, or maybe direct me to one that knows greys. This isn't an emergency, and I have time yet before Lia is due for a vet check, but I want to make sure things are in place.
Thank you
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I only remember one person being petrified of one of my greys. We were walking on a wooded trail and a couple was approaching from the other direction. The woman literally began climbing up her companion's back and screaming when she saw my grey. Huh? He said she was petrified of dogs. That was pretty obvious
. The vast majority of people we come across have wanted to come pet them - especially children. Fortunately the children we have encountered ask first. (I am on my fourth grey). The people that look concerned/fearful most likely just don't like dogs. Secretly, if I am alone and walking with my grey and someone we see is fearful of my grey, I don't mind - I kind of like feeling protected, even if it is me that would be doing the protecting
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I can't give advice on the meds, but I am sending you and Tanzi prayers and comfort wishes. I understand how hard this all is.
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I have a raised feeder stand for my grey - but when we travel, her bowl is on the floor when she eats/drinks (I don't cart the raised stand with me
). She has no trouble eating or drinking either way. When she first came here she tried to sip some wine out of a wine glass on the kitchen table. The height didn't seem to be a problem at all . -
Thanks also, Walliered. That is so kind of you. I will email you if I don't see any improvement, and try that. I am leaning toward the re-hurting of the past injury of the toe. When Lia's moment of madness strikes her, she doesn't even notice what she is running over or what she is twisting in her excitement.
I am very touched by everyone's willingness to help!
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Thank you, Toni, for your positive thoughts and hugs. I am sending the same to you and Morrie. I know the worry. I will be thinking of you both. Fingers, toes and paws crossed too.
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Have you checked for corns?
Thanks - Yes - when she was last at the vet, and on their exam table, I asked him to double check for corns as I couldn't see anything. He did and said he couldn't see any either. I am thinking now that the right foot/toe is the thing to focus on. If I don't see any improvement with her limping, I will bring her back to the vet. I am sure right now his recommendation will be what is already being done - leash walk and limited exercise as that was what I did with the original toe injury.
It was helpful to know your opinion about the stretching. She always does the downward dog stretches, full out stretch butt in the air, and no discomfort shown. I was glad Rachel pointed that out to me
. Happy to help, and glad our experience might have shed some light on what's going on with Lia. I hope she improves with the Cosequin and a lengthier period of restricted activity, but either way, I think you have a good working theory now.
Thank you again
. Keeping fingers and toes crossed . -
What a relief!! Wonderful news!!!
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Rachel (I read the bottom of your signature
) - thank you. I didn't realize the downward dog stretch would most likely indicate that it wasn't a shoulder injury (per Tracy). That really helps in narrowing things a bit. And because you reminded me of what I meant to do, I just called the vet's office and spoke to the receptionist re which foot of Lia's she was in for last May. They had taken X-rays and determined very bad bruising from her 5 minutes of madness running in the yard. Guess what - Right foot! I think our detective work is starting to unveil something. When I was at the vet at the end of August, multiple X-rays were done of her entire right leg and foot, and there was no indication of anything broken (or worse). Now I am wondering if perhaps it could be the toe injury and she re-hurt (bruised) it in further madness moments.
I remember the past toe incident required rest. I don't remember what medication she was put on though, as I would think she had to be. I can't remember side effects. And I really appreciate your suggestion of Previcox and the Pepcid. That is what I will ask the vet for next time.
Thanks for working this out with me
. Next vet appointment, I can zone in on the foot - and then we can take it from there. I understand your experience with Sweep and getting to the vet's door. Lia gets all excited about the car ride, hops out of the car, looks around at me and then tries to get back in the car. Planting of feet is also involved, and once inside she shakes and vibrates so much it is pitiful to see. The office staff are so wonderful though and one of the younger vets comes out, kneels beside her and whispers sweet nothings in her ears, while slowly petting her. It helps a bit, but she still manages to stink eye me at every moment. Yes, I do wish they were able to understand we are only trying to help them
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Thank you, Ramonaghan, for asking
. I gave her the Rimadyl for four days and she seemed to be handling it well, then had liquid poop. She also became picky with her food - but that is a factor of daily life here, so I can't say I can blame the medication on that. I stopped it and her poop returned to normal so I am not giving it to her anymore. I am continuing with the cosequin and shorter leash walking time for limited exercise. We used to do miles of hiking in hilly woodsy terrain (which I know she misses). To give her 'adventure' we now go for car rides and visit the pet store . The limp isn't gone - not major, and she uses her leg to walk, not holds it up. It is always after she has been laying down and sleeping for a long while. And it does improve once she 'walks it off'. Every time she gets up she downward-dog stretches and then gets on with things. She isn't hesitating with any physical activity - jumping in the car, out of the car, dragging me when she wants to walk in a different direction, etc. I am puzzled, but keeping a keen eye on her.
I am not going to continue the Rimadyl, because I really didn't see any improvement with the symptoms (and the bad poop situation).
If the Rimadyl was working would it be within the first few doses or do you think it has to be many days before results are seen, like giving cosequin for joints?
I am now trying the 'resting' and limited exercise routine for now. As someone said - it can take a long time for soft muscle injury to heal, if that is what it is. The puzzle is whether we are looking at that, arthritis beginning, or something else. I am watching to see if anything changes/doesn't improve with her and then will go back to the vet and see what else he/they have to say.
Just as a side note - she is my extremely shy girl. When I adopted her 4 years ago (she was just 2 years old) she was petrified of everything and spent most of her time in hiding. She has come so far in the last 4 years with me, but still dislikes new situations and stresses easily. The vet visit is a bit of a meltdown for her, but clinging to me she braves it.
Thanks again for thinking of her! I always appreciate the opinions and experiences of others!
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Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experiences and opinions. They are truly helpful.
I am going to start giving Lia the Rimadyl and watch how she does. Based on her reaction to it, I am going to try your other suggestions. After reading Sweep's story, it jogged a memory of a while back where Lia bruised a toe badly from her high speed racing in the yard. (Limping, vet, X-rays, nothing broken. It was clear what the cause was then.) I am going to check with the vet to see what foot that was - it is the one piece of paper I can't find in my folder for her! It will be interesting if it was the right foot. Uncovering the cause for the limp is indeed detective work. (Her recent X-rays and bloodwork were taken a week ago.)
I really appreciate your thoughts. I trust the vet, it is a two vet practice and both see Lia, but I also like to gather information and make decisions based on all of that. The experiences of other greyhound owners, for me, is key. Thank you, again!
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My 6-1/2 year old greyhound, Lia, started to limp on her right front leg about 3 months ago.
Here is what has been going on, and I would appreciate any thoughts.
Three months ago I took her to the vet and he did bloodwork, checked for Lyme and other tick transmitted disease, checked urine, examined her from toenails to neck - for corns, hurt pads, nails, between toes, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck. Stretched her leg and turned her neck (gently) and she showed no sign of discomfort at all. He felt she may have either pulled something or she was beginning to get arthritis. I was to give her cosequin and leash walk her for two weeks.
I followed that - but she is very active and it isn't easy to guard against her bursts of sudden running in the yard. She doesn't seem to be in pain, but I know they are stoic (she is my third grey). She is most pronounced in her limp after her long snoozes. When she first gets up, the limp is there and then she seems to 'work it out' after walking a bit. We go for long hikes and walks, she jumps in and out of the car, does steps, all with no problem or hesitation.
So, as I was still worried about what we all worry about - I called the vet and he took X-rays. Feet to neck. Nothing wrong with the bones. We both looked at the X-rays. He said the bones looked strong and healthy. He thinks she may have soft tissue injury and gave me Rimadyl 100 mg to see how that works. If she stays on it, we need to go back for some blood/urine tests. I don't exactly remember that part, as when I asked about the side effects, I wasn't too sure I want to give this to her.
I know there are many here way more experienced than I am with this and I would appreciate your thoughts so that the next time I go to the vet, I will be prepared with more questions.
I have read on here, that if they are limping, they are in pain, even if they aren't crying. I am just trying to figure out the best way to help her. Acupuncture? Another opinion? Stick with the Rimadyl?
Thanks for your input!
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I don't use Bravecto, but have been using Nexgard for a while now. I believe they do pretty much the same thing, only the Nexgard is monthly. As others have said, it doesn't repel the little buggers, but once they bite, they die. I have been lucky so far as we walk in woodsy areas, and I check her constantly. I only found one tick walking on her, which I annihilated. I like the oral med for many reasons.
But as to another idea, I read about a product (Wondercide) that is organic and natural, and claims to work. It is cedar based and the company is in Texas. I ordered some and it is very much cedar smelling. I have spayed it on ants and it killed them. So far I haven't spayed my grey but I have it for backup. I also bought the small bottle for myself. You can read about it on the link below. I think there are also YouTube videos. I won't stop the oral meds but as I said, I have this as an 'addition to'.
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We have been using Nexgard here with no side effects. I greatly dislike using any pesticides, but the worry of my grey getting a tick borne disease makes using a tick killing product necessary. I have used topicals but didn't like the drippy mess and I have two young grandchildren and didn't want them touching the chemical. I read the warnings on the Seresto collars and they say not to let children touch/play with it, wash well, avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing when attaching the collar. I decided not to use that either.
It is a tough decision about what to use. I don't like chemicals in the dogs, or on the dogs, but the risk of tick disease is too great. We just returned from a visit to Massachusetts and just walking near a bush, my grey had 7 ticks on her! They are bad this year indeed.
I recently received an order for Wondercide which claims to be a natural cedar/lemongrass tick and flea killer. If you don't mind smelling like a cedar closet, it isn't bad. I can't swear by its effectiveness, since my grey is on Nexgard and I check her constantly and avoid bushes where I can. I will try the Wondercide (it is a spray) and see what the results of that are. I am pretty sure that moths will stay away as well
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Oh they are definitely different from other breeds. Before I went the greyhound route I had mixed breeds and then a purebred German Shepherd - I loved that girl. When she passed I adopted my first grey, a female, who was so sweet that I went and adopted a male grey a couple months later. He was a handful and at first I thought I took on too much. He became my heart dog and I still tear up thinking of him and missing him so much. When he passed, I adopted another grey and he was the most charismatic, outgoing, confident boy I had ever come across. I didn't feel I could bond with him though in the way I had done with my heart dog. This one acted like he could care less if I was around or not as long as he could do his own thing. I worked from home so I was always around, but he was like 'blah' with me.
I mentioned to my husband how I felt. He laughed and said that whenever I would leave the house without Bu, he would howl and howl mournfully that I was gone (and he didn't have separation anxiety). When I would get home though, he is not impressed with me. I didn't believe this until my husband recorded the moaning.
Funny how they are. They are so smart and regal - at least the ones I have had. I now have a shy little grey who can frustrate me with her stubbornness, but I get such happiness with this breed and their personalities. I haven't met two that are exactly alike. I think you will be fine and become attached to your hound. Just give it time.
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You mentioned fleas - are you using a topical flea treatment on him? I am wondering if that could be the irritant - it has been known to happen. Try to think of anything that he could be touching/laying on - like carpet that may have been cleaned with chemicals (maybe from flea treatments), etc. Perhaps that could be what is bothering his skin. If so, don't use it anymore and see if that helps him.
We use an edible flea/tick medication - Nexgard.
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I think 2 cups a day may be too little to feed a 75 lb dog. I rotate Orijen and Acana and switch between flavors for my 57 lb girl. She will get about 3 cups a day (split in two meals), if I am not adding in other things. She is a picky eater and maintains her very sleek frame. If I am not mistaken, I think the bag says 2 cups a day for a 44 lb dog.
I like this food, even though it is expensive, for its quality. If you check Acana, you may find it to be a little less expensive. I order from Chewy.com. Great service and prices.
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I take my girl to a dog groomer to have her nails done. They will either clip or dremel. I stay with her the whole time, rubbing her head and talking to her while the groomer clips her nails. I did bring her basket muzzle the first time she went and the groomer said - Let's try without it. My girl does not like her feet handled, but tolerates the groomer, with me as extra security.
I don't think groomers are concerned if you bring a muzzle - they probably appreciate that you care
. I believe there a steps you can take to get Molly used to having her paws handled - others will probably give ideas, like treating and touching - but I find the 10 minutes at the groomer, and then done, works best for me. I used to dremel two of my past greys, who considered the experience a spa treatment. Not my current little one though.
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It is sometimes hard to figure it all out, as you will find. Does Kingston tolerate chicken? You could boil chicken and mix that with the well cooked white rice (if you are sure the boiled hamburger and rice isn't working). Then once things hopefully firm up, add a small amt of kibble to the rice/meat mixture, gradually increasing the kibble at each meal and see how he does. If he has the problem again, it could be the kibble. The key is to get his stomach settled. Oatmeal is also a good suggestion. I give my girl that and it seems to keep her regular. Also, are you sure the worm issue is resolved?
I can't help with the raw feeding, as I don't do that, but I do cook meat and veggies and add to the kibble. I wouldn't experiment with that yet though until Kingston's tummy gets settled as you will have a harder time figuring out what doesn't agree with him.
Good luck!
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I completely agree with cleptogrey - my greys have known well before I do when the storm is coming. I would say that she was stressed about the storm to begin with and the umbrella sort of was the icing on the cake. She will get back to herself when things go back to normal hopefully. Don't rush her - just let her get herself adjusted. Don't feel she is upset with you. Ignore her if she wants to be ignored and reward her when she comes to you. They can sense when storms are in the air and that is probably what she was doing - and stressing at the prospect of it.
The picture of Annie in the tub brought back memories of my first grey. First indication of a storm and in the tub she went. No bed, blanket, nothing - just the cold hard tub. We could tell the weather by her and when the storming would end. Sure do miss that sweetie pie. My current girl goes in the back bedroom in the corner and there she stays for as long as is necessary.
My current girl only allows touching on her terms. She has always been shy and if someone comes toward her without her permission she backs away quickly. 
Seresto flea & tick collars
in Health and Medical discussion
Posted
I agree with tbhounds. I used the Seresto collar on my grey for the first time last year and had no problems at all, and she wore it 8 months. Just put a new one on and she has no problems either. Be extra sure that the collars aren’t counterfeit. There are ways to know - buy from a reliable source, if it is cheap it probably should be questioned, and by simply going on the Seresto site or googling how to know you have the real Seresto brand collar.