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greyhndz

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    So Glad My Vet Has Opened Her New Practice

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

     

     

    Your vet takes "reduce, reuse, recycle" kinda serious huh? Reduced the dog's tail, and reuse/recycled the toilet paper roll! :lol::lol

     

    :lol :lol The funniest part of the TP roll is that my vet's new practice is paper-free. It's all electronic records, digital xray, wi-fi, and lots of medical technology. So the TP role creally cracked me up! But it's doing the job, it's light and unobtrusive and it's kinda cute!

     

    Ducky, indeed the magic PJs are surrounding her with love and healing. She was so happy when she saw me coming to put them on. :) Her guardian angel Nina is keeping Mafi warm and safe. :angelwings

    So Glad My Vet Has Opened Her New Practice

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Mafi is home and doing fine. The surgery went well and she's comfortable tonight after eating a good supper. My vet and her tech remarked on how depressed she was this morning, and how improved she was after she woke up.I also hear tell that she was flirting with a handsome greyhound boy in the cage next to hers! Leave it to Mafi... She probably got his cell # and will be texting him behind my back.

     

    It looks as if she's got around 8" of tail left - hard to tell with the toilet paper roll wrapped around it. ;)

     

    mafitail2007-1.jpg

     

    mafitail2005-1.jpg

     

    She's much more comfortable, and I don't think she needs pain meds right now. Just having that awful tail off must feel great.

     

    Thanks again for your support. Now, it's just waiting for biopsy results next week.

    So Glad My Vet Has Opened Her New Practice

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    That is hilarious! Wagette! Yes Tatum could wag faster afterwards - unfortunately she has Osteo and we will have to let her go soon. She has been a great pet (our first grey) and she has given us so much love that although we are heartbroken we will rescue again.

    Marilee

     

    Oh, no.. :( I'm so sorry to hear that. Your first GH always touched your heart as no other ever will. I hope you have time to spoil and adore her, and remind her why she will always be your most special girl...

    Princess, My Soulmate

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    From a human medicine perspective, alk phos that elevated, and grossly dilated common bile duct are suggestive of obstruction distal to the the CBD -- whether it's pancreatic duct, small bowel -- this is a surgical problem. At the very least, I'd push for a surgical evaluation ASAP.If the GB is already distended w/bile, I'd be very concerned about possible impending GB rupture -- and that's catastrophic.

     

    The antibiotics, vitamins, Sam-E are all great if you're dealing with hepatitis or liver dysfunction, but in this case, I think the problem goes far beyond that.

     

    I don't want to be an alarmist, but in human medicine, at the very least, she'd being either undergoing MRCP (MRI exam of the biliary tree down to the bowel) or going straight to the OR. I can only recommended (very strongly) that you ask your vet to have her seen by a surgeon immediately.

     

    I'll keep you both in my heart...

    So Glad My Vet Has Opened Her New Practice

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by greyhndz

    Whew - just got the word that surgery's done and she's awake. Most of her tail had to be removed because of the location of the lesion. :( And we agreed that the tail needs to be sent for biopsy, to be sure we're not dealing with the "O" word. She's seen it in the tail of one greyhound but it didn't present with a draining sore like Mafi did.

     

    I'll be bringing my little galga/Dobie home later this afternoon and update when she's home. I'm so grateful this has been taken care of quickly, but ohhhhhhhhh, that beautiful, skinny, long tail!

     

    Thanks so much for your good thoughts!

     

    ETA:: thanks, Tatum! I actually had to have a tail amp done on one of my first hounds, Robbie, back in 1992. She had constant happy-tail, and with all the blood-baths and the risk of the tail becoming necrotic, it was amputated down to about 6". She loved it! She could wag twice as face -- I called it her wagette. :)

    So Glad My Vet Has Opened Her New Practice

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    GRAPHIC PHOTO BELOW

     

    Mafi, the Queen of all Galgas, has to have an emergency tail amputation tomorrow. She'd developed an ulceration over the course of about a week. My vet saw her Monday, did an xray (I didn't see any bony abnormalities but Fiona thought she saw something subtle), started her on Baytril (I'd already had her on keflex) and dressing changes. Came home from work and she was clearly unhappy and painful, and was guarding her tail. This was a vast change from before I left for work in the morning. This is what I found.

     

    GROSS & DISGUSTING PHOTO ON THE WAY.... :unsure

     

     

     

    IMG_0055-1.jpg

     

    The dressing was intact, so this wasn't from licking at it. The original wound was only about 1 cm, but now the entire area is painful, red, swollen, and probably necrotic. Luckily, my vet was still in, and after talking on the phone (and sending her e-photos -- hey, telemedicine!!) she's going in first thing in the morning to have her tail amputated above this area. This was one fast-moving infection, so I'm glad she can have the surgery tomorrow. So Mafi is spaced out on tramadol to keep her comfortable, and very sadly, that long, beautiful, skinny rat's tail will be gone tomorrow.

     

    mafivestsmall.jpg

     

    Please keep my sweet, loving Mafi McMuffin in your thoughts!

     

    expo1small.jpg

     

     

    Diabetes Insipidus

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Kelly, the vet can do a very simple test as screening for DI: a water deprivation test, which is exactly as it sounds. All fluids are restricted for a set number of hours (usually done overnight), and then a urine sample is obtained before allowing the dog to drink. Without getting into the whole vasopressin, ADH, ACTH yada yada, the bottom line is that a dog should be able to concentrate their urine, and first morning urine (especially after deprivation) should be concentrated (SG 1.025 +). A DI dog will usually have a SG of 1.010 or lower, and the urine will usually be clear.

     

    If she concentrates her urine, that should rule out DI.

    Any One Use Accupuncture For Their Hounds?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Coming in late, but my Dandi has had regular acupuncture treatments for > a year. I see a big difference in his back pain and mobility. If there's more than 2 weeks between sessions, he gets unhappy. Each session takes about 1/2 hr or less. She keeps the needles in for 12 minutes. She varies the needle placement according to her exam that day.

     

    Dandi absolutely adores his acupuncture vet, and once the needles are in, he relaxes and lies down.

     

    I think it's a great alternative to traditional medicine, many of which Dandi can't take because of GI issues.

    Greytalk Vet List

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Central New Hampshire, close to Concord, Manchester, Seacoast, Laconia.

    In Epsom, on Rt. 4, east of Rt 28

     

    Fiona Reeve, DVM

    Suncook River Veterinary Clinic

    1569 Dover Rd. Epsom NH 03234

    Phone: 603-736-3388

     

    Fax: 603-462-2098

     

    Email: info@suncookrivervet.com

     

    Fiona has opened up her own clinic, and is smart, knows greyhounds and IG's in-and-out, is an excellent surgeon, and is SO dedicated to her patients. Has treated hundreds of greyhounds, both individual clients as well as from a local adoption group.

    Bronchoscopy, Anyone?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    An oogy iggy!:P

     

    Iggy Buddy, my recent 11 y.o. adoptee, had developed a worsening cough, with persistent wheezing and yakking.For a dog with some of the worst lung sounds I've ever heard, he's amazingly happy, active and healthy-appearing, with bright eyes, great appetite, and a non-stop wet cough.After a couple of months of various antibiotics, and bronchial washings (which didn't reveal any organisms in the culture) my vet and I agreed it was time for a bronchoscopy.

     

    We went to see an excellent Internal Medicine vet (who I've gone to before, with Lexi), and she was kind enough to do the bronch the same day as our first consultation. I've got the films and photos up, and thought some folks might like to see what a dog's pulmonary tract looks like up close and personal. :)

     

    In Buddy's case, there was TONS of mucous, inflammation, redness, and very abnormal-appearing airways. You'll be able to see this (actually, you can't miss it :puke). Lots of this mucous and other yuk were sent out for culture, but again, no bacterial infection. He appears to have an inflammatory bronchitis -- still no cause known. He's doing really well on prednisone, theophylline and a course of doxy while we waited for culture results to come back. His washings also showed a large number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that can be seen with allergies, or with worm infestation -- lungworm. A fecal study was none -- no worms or eggs -- but he was treated with Panacur x 2 weeks regardless. Repeat xray on Monday showed improvement, but still showing inflammation.

     

    But let's go to the video! no. 1 no.2 no. 3

     

    and the album with photos

    Here's the play by play (Buddy, live and uncensored)

    Kidney Failure?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by greyhndz

    Hi and welcome!

     

    (We're probably the only 2 people on GT who aren't at Dewey. :lol)

     

    The BUN/creatinine values you listed are nowhere near off-the-charts. Check out an article Suzanne Stack DVM has on GreytHealth, which lists normal bloodwork ranges for Greyhounds. The BUN is only minimally elevated, and the creatinine is high, but by no means critical. I'm not sure exactly what the vet means about "loss of architecture" as seen on U/S. There are chronic cortical changes and atrophy of dysfunctional kidneys, but I don't know if that's what your vet was referring to.

     

    A few thoughts: I'd get him off the Proin for a couple of reasons: first, it's masking symptoms -- you now know that Midas has PUPD (polyuria, polydypsia) because of renal disease of unknown severity. Proin isn't the answer, and may well be a contributing factor: it can elevate the blood pressure and also constrict the vessels providing blood supply to the kidneys, which is exactly what you DON'T want. People using Proin for incontinence usually use it for spay incontinence, which clearly isn't Midas' problem. :P

     

    One of the most important tests to be done right now is the urine protein creatinine ratio ("UPC"), which helps to quantitate the amount of protein in the urine, and this in turn reflects the degree of damage to the glomerular system of the kidney (integral to the filtering process). In addition, be sure the vet has already sent the urine for a microscopic exam and culture to truly rule out infection. If you haven't obtained a full tick panel, be sure it's done ASAP, as tickborne disease (such as Lyme or Ehrlichiosis) can cause renal disease. Also, go through all the medications, supplements, treats, etc. that Midas is getting, and be sure to discuss with the vet whether any of them could be a factor. NSAIDs like Rimadyl, Meloxicam, etc. have been implicated in causing renal disease. Treats or foods which are tainted can also factor in.

     

    As far as diets, the ingredients in KD make me throw up a little in my mouth. One of the best sources of info on caring for "renal" dogs isDog Aware. There are also a number of homemade diets, as well as specific diets and commercial kibble which is low in phosphorus (far more important in managing renal disease than protein moderation). This is something you can discuss with your vet.

     

    You may want to think about consulting an Internal Medicine vet, who has better knowledge of diagnosing and managing renal disease. Often, an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril, benazapril, etc. is started to preserve kidney function, especially in dogs with glomerular dysfunction.

     

    Adequate hydration is really essential, so don't let water restriction ever come up in conversation. If he's having accidents, give thought to either putting down potty pads for him to use, or install a dog door so he can go in and out as he pleases.

     

    I hope this helps a bit -- I really just wanted to reassure you that the BUN/creat. are not terrible or cause for panic. While you continue to have this worked up, just ensure that Midas is getting plenty of fluids.

     

    Keep us posted!

    Jordan

     

    PS - not concentrating urine certainly could be from renal disease, but Diabetes Insipidus also comes to mind. That can be ruled-in or -out with a simple water deprivation test; if he doesn't concentrate after a set interval of water restriction, DI would crawl its way up the list of possible diagnoses.

    Please Keep Ekko In Your Prayers

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    OMG! Ekko, sweet baby girl, we eagerly await word of your recovery. You've got the fight and the spirit to overcome this. And you have the love and prayers of all of us providing the wind for your sails.

     

    You have so many antics left in you, and we can't wait to hear about all of them after you're feeling like Ekko again.

     

    Heal quickly and completely my sister in fuzz! :kiss2

    with love, Teo (and mom) :inlove:bighug

    Honey Treatment?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    That's great news! I, too, found that the honey seemed to produce healthy-looking, pink, granulation tissue that filled in quickly. Usually I expect to see some exudate in the wound that dries and crusts over and needs to be cleaned daily. That never happened this time, and I'm sure it was the honey.

     

    While Mafi's wound is not far from closing, another problem developed: 2 raised flaps at one end of the wound -- like a heart on its side. The flaps are thick, and about 1cm in diameter. One of these raised areas started looking red and puffy, so I got Mafi onto keflex and it looks a bit better now.

     

    My concern is that these flaps might not heal because the wound edges around and between them are not everted, as they need to be for proper healing. If this doesn't improve, I think she'll need more surgery to revise the wound. I really hope it doesn't come to that.

     

    But God bless Nina's jammies and doggie t-shirts which are the other things Mafi hasn't ripped apart!

    Beth Has A Ruptured Cyst

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Can you and Beth set up a dogbed and air mattress (or sofa) and sleep downstairs tonight? That might solve many of your concerns, and it will be easier getting her in and out to potty.

     

    I'd bet she's still recovering from the anesthetic (the "drunken sailor phase"), and also having pain from the incision. Do you have anything to give her for pain tonight?

     

    I would bet that as soon as you settle down next to her, she'll quiet down as well, and by the morning she should be much steadier on her feet.

     

    Get well soon, Beth!

    Lasix

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    A few thoughts from a human medicine perspective:

     

    50mg is not a low dose of Lasix; the range is 1-4mg/kg. A 55-lb dog, roughly 20kg, may be given 20mg to start, possibly even 10 to be conservative.

     

    But veterinary medicine is now following the lead of human medicine, which has recognized that there are often better and safer treatments available for congestive heart failure than diuretics. ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril, enalapril, captopril,etc., are a common first-line drug for mild CHF. However, you mentioned that your vet did not hear fluid in your pup's lungs (or see evidence of fluid on x-ray), which would put CHF further down on my list as a cause for panting, or for her heart rate increasing when standing.

     

    Her HR increasing when standing could indicate a higher demand for oxygen -- i.e., her heart will pump faster to compensate for inadeqate oxygen being circulated to the tissues. But another possible cause of the HR increasing when standing could be dehydration, especially if she hadn't been drinking generously on a hot day. But these are just stabs in the dark -- I wasn't there, and she's not a human.:P And one of the articles also suggests that older dogs at increased risk of CHF, also tend to be at increased risk of developing tracheobronchial disease, which could also present as panting and abnormal breath sounds.

     

    A heart murmur doesn't necessarily = heart disease. An echocardiogram, xray, & blood pressure would be helpful in finding out of the murmur has any significance. If it's a benign murmur that reflects mild valvular disease in an older dog, this does not necessarily need any kind of treatment, especially if the dog has no symptoms of heart disease or CHF.

     

    If anyone wants to read some excellent veterinary literature on the subject, I'm happy to pass it along, but basically, it states that there are several diagnostic tests used to diagnose valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy, or other functional heart disease that could cause CHF. But there are also recent changes in guidelines for treatment, and for determining which dogs actually require treatment.

     

    For dogs who require treatment, the first two drugs of choice are ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers, unless a dog is in pulmonary edema or advanced CHF, which often do require diuretics and dietary modifications.

     

    I always get too darn technical, so if you want more details or a translation, PM me. :)

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