greyhndz

You know, I'd have to say that I think it's appropriate for the vet to want to see the dogs personally. I think it's just good medicine. Even though it seems like a straightforward diagnosis to make based upon the stool analysis, there may be signs on clinical exam that will help confirm the diagnosis, or suggest to the vet that there may be something else going on that needs to be addressed. I honestly don't think that the vet is doing it for the money. I get the sense that he's being cautious and thorough.

That's really all that's important, and I hope I didn't come across as being insulting. I have great regard for homeopathy and for alternative medicine. It's great that you've found something that works well for your pups without unpleasant side effects. I, too, have had a problem with joint supplements causing diarrhea in at least one of my dogs so I know it can be frustrating to find a supplement they can tolerate. I just wish they'd eliminate the hyperbole and misinformation, which I found takes away from the product's credibility. I hope your dogs continue to do well for a long time.

OK, first, please know that this is not being said out of disrespect for you or your experience with this supplement, but I have some major concerns with the manufacturer of this product, as well as the other products it sells: First and foremost, they claim that: All VETiONX™ products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). And go on to print this required disclaimer: FDA Required Legal Disclaimer - These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A bit contradictory, to say the least. The manufacturing of products like this is not regulated by the FDA but IMHO the first statement attempts to give the impression that it is. Cutting-Edge Vibrational Frequency Technology I have no clue what this is supposed to mean. And the company doesn't make any attempt to explain it, nor do they present any scientific evidence to even support its legitimacy. Because it is delivered in liquid form, Arthro-IonX™ bypasses your dog's digestive system and goes straight into his blood stream Unless this product is being given sublingually and absorbed through the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (which it is not - it's intended to be swallowed), it certainly does pass through the esophagus into the stomach and small bowel. All 3 of those qualify as a dog's "digestive system". This is a ludicrous and highly incorrect statement. I also noticed that all of the products I pulled up recommend the exact same dosing across the board for every supplement. Finally, I don't see a detailed list of ingredients for any of the products being sold (at $37/bottle). However, I do notice that the description of each and every supplement states: Arthro-IonX™ uses a proprietary blend of 74 oligotherapy ingredients to help increase your dog's vitality immediately. Oligotherapy uses traces minerals to support enzymatic function, and can speed up your dog's metabolism on the cellular level. I'm sorry, but "Vetionx" raises some red flags from a scientific point of view. Please, no offense intended at all, this is JMHO.

I've used proin before with success, but especially in an older girl, I'd be concerned about cardiovascular side effects. OTOH, I used DES (diethylstilbestrol - hormonal therapy) very successfully for my senior Robyn. It's initially used daily but can be quickly tapered down, and I was down to one capsule every 2 weeks by the time Robbie was 14. It worked wonders, had no side effects, and is easily compounded by vet pharmacies.

I haven't seen any more posts on GreytVets about it, but I'll certainly ask!

Actually, assuming they were testing for c. difficile, it's a very simple and quick antigen test (and/or c. diff. toxin A/B) that doesn't involve a culture (which would take a minimum for 48 hrs for a final result. I can get results within a couple of hours, or less, from when the stool sample gets to the lab. From the CDC site, if it doesn't put you to sleep: Which laboratory tests are commonly used to diagnose C. difficile-associated disease? Stool culture for C. difficile: This is the most sensitive test available, but the one most often associated with false-positive results due to presence of non-toxigenic strains. Stool cultures for C. difficile also are labor intensive and require the appropriate culture environment to grow anaerobic microorganisms. Results are available within 48-96 hours of the test. Antigen detection for C. difficile: These are rapid tests (<1 hr) that detect the presence of C. difficile antigen by latex agglutination or immunochromatographicassays. They must be combined with toxin testing to verify diagnosis. Toxin testing for C. difficile*: Enzyme immunoassay detects toxin A, toxin B, or both A and B. It is a same-day assay but less sensitive than the tissue culture cytotoxicity assay. Tissue culture cytotoxicity assay detects toxin B only. This assay requires technical expertise to perform, is costly, and requires 24-48 hr for a final result. It does provide specific and sensitive results for C. difficile-associated disease.

Melissa, how are his liver function tests? 66/4.2 could certainly be attributable to volume depletion. It can be deceptive because the ascites appears to be a fluid overload, but actually it's just a shifting of fluid from the intravascular space to the abdomen, and can leave the dog (or human) very dehydrated, especially when they use diuretics to decrease the ascites. Sometimes it comes down to the "chicken or the egg" theory - is his renal disease due to volume depletion or is it actually one of the causes because, when he spills protein in the urine, it then causes fluid shifts from the vessels to the peritoneum --> ascites. You may well see improvement in BUN/creatine with IV or subcut. fluid replenishment. I hope they also cultured his urine to be sure he isn't infected, as that can hike his renal values as well. Has he been given either HetaStarch or another volume expander? These will pull fluids back into the vessels and slow down leakage into the peritoneum. I think the most important consideration (IMHO) is: how is Safari dealing with all this? Are the visits to Angell and the holistic vet stressful for him? Is he tolerating being confined for IV therapy? Is he eating or showing an interest in things he usually gets excited about? What do his eyes tell you? I know the team at Angell is excellent, and it's easy to get caught up in their agressive treatment plan. And you, being the great mom that you are, want to do everything and anything to bring Safari back to a point where he enjoys his life. But it sounds as if you're at the same fork in the road that I reached with Lexi, where you have to make the decision about continuing to aggressively treat him or keep him home and make his time with you as happy as possible. I let Lexi make the decision for me, and only you know Safari well enough to know what he would want. Lots of healing vibes and hugs to your beautiful boy Jordan

Depending on whether a med is available at a human pharmacy, or is only sold for animals and has to be purchased at a vet's office or vet pharmacy, here's what I do: For human meds, I have them called into Target or Walmart if they're on the $4 formulary. I do this for both short-term meds like antibiotics, as well as long-term maintenance meds, which are $10 for 90-days. But many pharmacies are becoming competitive and offering their own discount plans. If you have a Hannaford near you, they have an excellent discount plan for $7/year, which offers free antibiotics (up to 14 days' worth, and has to be on their discount formulary), the $4/$10 discount comparable to Target and Walmart, and also discounts all other meds. I've actually found their prices to be even better than Costco's. But I've also heard from some of the pharmacy techs that you can go to your own pharmacy and ask if they'll meet the price offered by Walmart and Target, and very often they will. I see that CVS and Walgreens are offering their own discounts now, so this is the time to start shopping around. For dog meds, I use EntirelyPets.com and I try to buy in bulk with a script from my vet. For some meds, I also use KV Vet. I'm lucky to have a great working relationship with my vet's office -- and it helps that my vet and another vet there, as well as the office manager and some other staff, are patients at my practice. I try to take good care of them, and they take good care of my pack.

Susie made an unplanned journey to the Bridge on Saturday. A freak accident resulted in injuries from which Susie could not recover without great pain and duress, and her loving mum, Nancy, did what she knew in her heart was right, and set Susie free. As Nancy said (with a smile in her heart), the first thing Susie probably did when she reached the Bridge was hop up and down and chatter her 2 remaining teeth, demanding to be fed. Susie spent most of her life on a breeding farm before, at age 11, she reached Grey Haven and Marilyn. Exactly one year ago yesterday, Susie arrived up here in NH after spending 10 days with Nancy and Don in DE. By the time she made it up here, she had a huge dowry of martingales and leashes, toys and, cookies. I adored Susie, and all of her quirks. She burrowed deep into my heart, and will never leave. But over the months, I came to feel that Susie was not as happy here as I wanted her to be. A dignified girl who'd spent her life in isolation, Susie was an independent, strong-willed gal who wanted to "do it myself, thank you". And she never seemed to feel comfortable amidst the dynamics of my pack. After 8 months, and with a heavy heart, Marilyn, Nancy and I felt that Susie deserved a chance to live the peaceful, stress-free life she deserved, without the fears that she seemed to be developing in our home. Nancy and DH Don immediately opened up their hearts and home to Susie, and many tears later, Susie went home with them to DE in May. So she was finally home, with less stress, a smaller pack, and a quieter lifestyle. Nancy and I "co-parented", so Susie continued to have 2 mommies (and 1 daddy) who treasured her, and would do anything in the world to keep her feeling secure and content. But sometimes, things happen that cannot be predicted, and despite every precaution, and every accommodation made to let Susie feel safe, a tragic accident occurred. And as Nancy, Don and I had come to know so well, Susie did not want to be handled, or taken to the vet, or have anyone trying to restrict her in any way. Nancy knew that the intervention needed for Susie to recover from her injuries would make Susie tremendously stressed and unhappy, and she knew so well what Susie would want: her freedom. A very kind vet came out to Nancy's house right after the accident, and set her free to join her housemate, new angel Kami, in their ultimate safe haven. Susie leaves behind many broken hearts, most especially Nancy and Don's, mine, Marilyn's, and anyone who had ever been touched by Susie's courage and spark, her funny "Susie-isms" that made her so unique, her hops and chatters while she waited impatiently to be fed, her 5am wakeup calls, and her insistence at doing it "my way". She is survived by her sister, Mandy, who is thriving in FLA; and many of her kids who have found their forever homes through Marilyn. "Tootie", our lives are richer for having known and loved you...

Beautiful, moving words, and such a loving tribute to your very special little girl. I'm so happy for you that you found 2 compassionate vets who knew what was right for Timber, and also for you and DH. What a loving gift, to allow Timber to feel safe, and peaceful, and so loved. Timber was blessed to have had you and DH as her people. Reach for the stars, Timber....

Oh, Pam.. how devastating! I'm so sorry. Godspeed, beautiful boy.

I'm thinking about you and Timber and DH, and hoping you were able to find someone who is willing to respect your wishes, and (I'm still reeling from hearing this) not question them, when you're the one looking into Timber's eyes. Have faith in yourselves for loving and knowing Timber like no one else can, and please don't let his inappropriate comments cause you to have doubts. Finding a mobile vet service of some kind is a great idea, as grey14me suggested. Hopefully you'll be able to find someone who can come quickly. Another option (only if you're not able to get a vet to come to your home) would be asking the vet to come out to your car to send Timber on her journey. I did this once for one of my osteo girls. I sedated her with pain meds and benadryl before leaving. My vet came out to the car, I was in the back with her holding her head, gentle classical music was playing, and she journeyed peacefully. Maybe your vet (or any vet with a heart) would be willing to do this. You're such a wonderful mama.

Most importantly, enormous 's coming your way. One month ago, I was exactly in your position (except for the husband part) with iggy Lexi. Like Timber, going to the vet or being hospitalized made her miserable. She just wouldn't tolerate even being handled, and had to endure repeated IVs and confinement. So, for Lexi's sake, I stopped all of it. As with Timber, all that mattered was Lexi's comfort, happiness and dignity, even though I knew it meant that her time was near. First, please don't ever doubt yourself as far as your decisions. You did the right thing for your girl, because you know her, love her, and did what you know she would have chosen if she could speak. Second, would your vet consider making a house call to spare all of you the stress of having to bring her in? And finally, very often your vet (especially if she or he knows Timber well) will have insight that comes from an objective observer. My vet shared with me that she knew Lexi was failing when she was in hospital, because she "stopped fighting". She just had a look that told Fiona she was tired and didn't want to do it anymore. It was painful to hear, but I was too close to Lexi to see. So, like you, I brought her home and crammed as much spoiling and loving as I could into a very short period of time. Please trust your heart. She may not yet have the signs that you're looking for, but wouldn't it be wonderful if you and your husband could give her peace before those signs occur? My heart breaks for you because I'm still in that place and understand so well what you're feeling. I hope your husband can come to terms with his own grief, and join you in doing what you know Timber would want you to do.

Well, unfortunately I can't share my experience with Lexi because she crossed the Bridge 3 weeks ago, and was never able to get off steroids. But once Beau's off for a while, as long as nutritionally he's doing well, I'd expect normal hair growth. At least in humans, hair loss and regrowth can be caused by major illness, physical or psychological trauma, and certainly malnutrition -- and can lag behind for many months. Hopefully, now that he's doing well and is almost off pred, you'll see nice hair regrowth soon. I doubt it's the Imuran. Jared, Lexi's litterbrother, has been on Imuran for about 7 years (thrombocytopenia), without any side effects. (Unless eating poop is considered a side effect... )

Yup, Robin. Side effect of long-term pred. Same thing happened to Lexi.

I'm so terribly sorry, Mere. Godspeed, sweet Bull.

I'm sorry to be coming in so late, and since I haven't read all the posts I apologize if I'm redundant, but basically: Has Connor been formally diagnosed, by biopsy (either endoscopically or via open procedure) to have IBD? There are several subsets of IBD which can affect the treatment plan, so you want to be sure Connor has received the correct diagnosis in all regards. Is Connor still on steroids? If so, regular prednisone, or has he been put onto budesonide, which (as Entocort) has a direct effect on the bowel and far less side effects for him. If he's failing, the vet should have jacked up his steroids to help control his symptoms. The bottom line to IBD is that it is an autoimmune or immune-mediated disease. Besides dietary modifications, most dogs with severe disease also need to be on adequate immunosuppression. The goal is to achieve this ASAP, and preferably without the use of steroids (or, alternatively, using budesonide). There are several drugs used to modulate the immune system in dogs (and in humans): Imuran, cyclosporin, cytoxan, leflumonide, and other chemotherapeutic agents. This is why bringing Connor to see an Internal Med vet, preferably one very familiar with autoimmune diseases and with IBD -- the majority of internal vets do not feel comfortable working with and managing these drugs. You need a vet who is completely confident prescribing and monitoring the dog while on immunomodulators, and, having gone through this with my Angel Lexi, it's imperative that you find someone well-versed in the use of drugs that can have side effects, cause liver impairment, increase risk of infection, etc. Gotta run to see a patient - later.......

I sent Tom the name of my vet here in Pembroke, as the hospital does all of the GPA-CNH vetting. I'd definitely recommend them, and they're only around 20 min. away. There are LOTS of greyhounds in their practice, as adopters frequently continue to bring their dogs there. What's good about being here is that you can go in almost any direction and find good referral centers: the New England Animal Med. Ctr in Nashua (that's where Dandi's vet behaviorist is), Mass Vet Referral Hosp in Woburn MA and a branch in Portsmouth, and a little further down is Angell in Boston. Want a holistic vet who does chiropractic and acupuncture? Got two in Concord who are awesome. Don't worry, Tom - we'll take good care of you, your GF and hounds once you're up here.

That's call "DRUGS", Claudia!! I'm so glad to hear he's home, he's doing well, and that nasty molar is outta there.

Diane, I'm so terribly sorry to hear about Buddy. It's just like you to open your home to the most special of special-needs dogs and give him the the wonderful life that he missed out on all those years. I love that sweet, snaggletoothed face. He was so lucky to have found you. Godspeed, sweet Buddy.... Jordan

Thank you, Jenny, and everybody else for your very kind words. I was blessed to have Lexi in my life, and I can honestly say that I am grieving more deeply for Lexi than I have for any of my other hound angels. The tears are endless, but I just remind myself that she was, and always will be, my shining star. A good friend made a digital painting of Lexi for me that I thought I'd share:

Lots of healing, positive thoughts are heading out to Lenny and to you! Hope that lesion turns out to be nothing of concern, and that Lenny comes home with nice, shiny choppers!

Nina!!! ¡Tal hermoso galga pequeño! Ducky tiene un corazón enorme pero es un lechón para una cara hermosa.

Please know that every one of us has been where you are, felt what you are feeling. One week ago, I had to let my iggy Lexi make her journey, so all of these feelings are as fresh and raw for me as they are for you. But understand that the feelings are normal, and reflect the deep love you and Juneau have shared. His body may no longer be visible to you, but his spirit will always be with you, and he will find ways to let you know this - your comforting dream was one of these ways. Grieve for your sweet boy, feel whatever your heart wants you to feel, but in time you will really understand that letting Juneau move on to the spirit world came from your unconditional love.

I agree 100% with Diane - even though Jake seems to be feeling better now, contact your vet immediately. Your vet may want to get Jake onto sucralfate in addition to pepcid/zantac or prilosec. I'd watch him like a hawk, especially for blood in the stool, or black, tarry stools (both signs of GI bleed). Please get the vet involved sooner rather than later. I lost my Arielle to a massive GI bleed within 24 hours of one dose of Deramaxx.