3greys2cats

GME, given that it's an inflammatory disease, usually does respond to steroids, depending upon the type of GME that is present. It responds (to a variable degree) to drugs which will suppress the immune system -- including steroids. Encephalitis can also be due to infection, but I'm sure your vet ruled this out by testing the fluid obtained from his lumbar puncture. I agree w/Jordan here, when Sara was diagnosed in 3/07 w/GME, her neurologist did an MRI and the spinal on the same day. The MRI showed several areas of lesions/inflammation and it was determined to "most likely" be Multifocal GME. The results of the spinal indicated high white cell count. She started her on prednisone, 2 antibiotics, pepcid and carafate. Three days later she had a cluster of seizures and was not coming out of it so her neurologist admitted her back into ICU and injected her 1st round of chemo drugs(Cytarabine). For Sara's case of GME(inflammatory brain disease)she needed the prednisone & chemo drugs & phenabarb & the antibiotics were discontinued after 2 weeks. She stayed on prednisone (high dose) and chemo injections for 10 months. She has been off the meds entirely since 1/08 and has not had any relapse of her condition. She literally had to be carried, could not walk w/out wobbling and falling over, she would just lay in her crate when 1st diagnosed. I have only heard of a few Greyhounds that have survived this/ most have had relapses and had to continue w/prednisone. Prednisone is used to supress the immune system and reduce imflammation but sometimes another med can be added such as a chemo drug.

What they do understand is that a confident, in control person is telling them to give up that space. That is something they know and understand told to them in as close to dog language as we can get. The dog wants it. I've never used a broom or a tennis racket on a dog of any breed. I use positive training techniques to encourage positive behavior and build the bond with the dog. When a dog trusts and respects you, force isn't necessary. It won't matter one bit how confident you are when you use force on a dog that isn't hesitant to use his teeth. I agree, positive training techniques encourage positive behavior and greyhounds are a gentle breed, no intimidation tactics needed. Glad to hear that he is doing better

So glad to hear that Max is drinking the ensure, praying he continues to do well and starts eating solids soon. I give meds in cheese to my boy Max and it is the only way he eats them. I give 2 seperate pieces 1st w/out meds and then the 3rd w/the meds. When Sara was on prednisone and antibiotics and chemo, she was on carafate and pepcid and I would make meat balls out of canned food rolled in lunch meats, roast beef or ham and stick her pills in those, she did not like the pill pockets.

Sending lots of prayers your way, poor Monarch.

A beautiful tribute for Wilbur and so fitting, I am sincerely sorry for your loss

Wow, all I can say is I feel so bad for Ezri and you having to experience this! I have had dentals on both of mine and one of my cats recently and they were all calm after the procedure. I would be horrified to pick up my pet in worse condition than when she was dropped off. I guess I am outspoken too and I would be extremely upset w/them for allowing this to happen. Prayers for Ezri that she heals quickly from this.

Glad to hear that he is doing so well, "eating like a beast" yeah the prednisone will do that and constant peeing too! Yes, you most certainly can email me, it was the most traumatic thing I have been through w/my greys and sounds like it was the same for you.

My heart just dropped when I read the title of this topic as I unfortunately have been through this nightmare myself. I am so glad to hear that Paco is responding to the treatment for GME, it is a scary, debilitating disease that is so rare in greyhounds, it affects mostly small toy breeds. I joined GT 3 yrs ago this coming March when my Sara was diagnosed w/multifocal GME, she had it in several areas of her brain and her spinal column. I found only a few on this forum that were familiar w/this disease but was amazed @ the support of everyone. My Sara had 10 months of prednisone, phenabarbitol, and also needed cytarabine(cytasar)chemo injections, and pepcid for her stomach, metranizidole for the big d. She had seizures and severe ataxia, could not stand without falling over and needed to be in ICU for a week before it turned around for her. I sincerely hope that Paco continues to put this into remission as Sara has, she is coming up on 3 yrs since her diagnosis, if you read anything about this disease online, you will see that Sara and your Paco are walking miracles Please feel free to email me if you need to chat about this, it is so scary! robertaac@comcast.net to you and Paco Roberta

She is soo pretty, congratulations! Sorry to hear about your loss of Sarah, maybe the angels sent Ali along to help ease the pain.

Wow, that is one big greyhound family, loved the stories of all of them. Welcome to GT!

Your tribute was beautiful, thank you for sharing Pearl's story w/us, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry such a precious soul had to leave this earth, my deepest condolences to you.

Wow is right, he looks great and I bet he feels better too, no more itchy ahchy

My Maxman is afraid of the mechanical Christmas deers on everyones lawns, thank Dog they have all been put away till next year

My "Bubby" Max was running w/Sara in the backyard yesterday and tore his dew claw. My poor baby is a complete drama queen when anything happens to him, he was holding his paw up when he came running in w/blood dripping. I soaked a paper towel w/cold water and tried to stop the blood and he lunged @ me scared the crap out of me but I know this is his reaction when he feels pain. The bleeding stopped pretty quickly but I could tell that it was cracked and hanging on so I brought him to the vet who ended up giving him an injection of lidacaine and then removing the nail that was hanging. He bandaged it high up and so far he seemes to be leaving it alone. He is not puting any weight on this leg and is hopping @, I am hoping tomorrow is a better day for him We have stairs to get in the house, stairs to get out into the fenced yard and long stairs to get to the bedrooms! Well the good news is that he is really loving all the xtra treats and extra attention.

Welcome from NH/Ma border Yup, nice cult though!!!!

Hi Chris, congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of greyhounds! What part of NH do you live in? What is your new greys name, he is gorgeous!!!

Amber, I am so sorry. I love finches and had them when I was a teen, I used to love to hear them sing and make their beeping sounds that only they can make. Fly free little one.

Sending prayers for Yukon, poor baby. I used a harness for Sara when she 1st was diagnosed w/GME, she needed it to walk and go down stairs. Hoping that Yukon can pull through this without addt'l tests.

I am so heartbroken for you, I had been following his journey w/many others on GT and was shocked to see this news. My deepest sympathy Beth . Run free sweet Smiley.

Oh yes, Sara was on pred for 10 months and it was a high dose to start, every 2 hrs even through the night, poor baby. It will get better as they lower it.

Adding my prayers of hope for Smiley.

Loved your intro and Hack is one handsome hound Sounds like you fit quite well into the greyhound world, we all do these same things

, I can picture this in my mind, neighbor coming out later to see mud stuck to the door, glad nothing bad came of it. I can identify and unfortunately, when Max does this, Sara walks so close to him that she ends up w/grass, mud, and now, snow in her face, she has not learned yet to stay out of his way when he flinging stuff

So soory to hear this, you did everything you could, my prayers are w/you

So glad to hear that Juliette is doing better, sigh of relief! I agree that a reaction to anesthesia can always happen whether it be a human or animal. Hope her recovery is without any more complications, big hugs and kisses to the poor baby.