GeorgeofNE

I listened to Dr. Couto speak for two hours at the expo; they are looking to genetics at this point, because there is no correlation between racing and bone cancer, but bone cancer is virtually unheard of in AKC Greyhounds who are obviously bred from different lines. I believe they're even collecting DNA from hounds with cancer at this point for a "library" of samples.

Tom-- I'm stunned. So sorry friend. I lost a cat about a year and half ago in literally 2 minutes from playing to gone--still don't know what it was, but I know how you must be feeling. I wish there were words, but I know there aren't.

If her chin is still swollen today, I would take her to the vet. I'd also put a chain on that gate so this never happens again! I'm sorry for the trauma for all of you. Thank goodness you got her back.

I'm so sorry. I think I would make the same choices you've made, and also realize that if he cannot bear weight, the pain is very severe.

I use an actual pet pharmacy--but I'm guessing neither of those things are prescription of Amazon has them. Your vet should not have an issue if you use a real pharmacy. And if they do? I'd be vet shopping. It's unethical to require you to buy your medications from them, IMHO. And for me, price is an issue. I would NEVER buy a supplement such as glucosamine from my vet--they charge WAY too much. Prescription meds I get a written script from the vet and send it to Omaha Vaccine. (www.omahavaccine.com--not the slickest website, but they've been around a long time, and are wonderful people) I just purchased a bottle of Dermaxx for George for $198--but it has 90 tablets and he only gets 1/2 a day. I think the vet charged me $45 for 5 pills split in half. Soooooooo... Many vets will price match if you call them on their prices. I don't begrudge my vet making a profit on meds, but they charge 100% more, and even higher! The $500 of Baytril I needed to cure George's mystery infection would have cost me $1,200 at the vets.

There are no words-- I'm so sorry Sue. Your love for Bessie has always been so evident. Please PM or email me if there is anything I can do for you.

I am truly stunned and heartbroken for you Sue. At least you were with her--she knows how much you love her. Hugs, Susan (who is now bawling at her desk)

Jennifer, I am SO sorry. What a shock. I'm glad I got to meet Quiet Man a couple of times. Jennifer, I am SO sorry. What a shock. I'm glad I got to meet Quiet Man a couple of times.

Anesthesia protocols have changed a lot over the years; I think that it's a myth that a dog who has a bad reaction once can "never" have it again--I hope so, because George also had a bad reaction to it when his teeth were cleaned, but it turned out fine. Suggest your vet go here and read the article under #4: Linky on OSU web site They have never suggested he cannot have anesthesia again. Hang in there Sue! I know how scary it is, but I think she'll be just fine.

Tracey, I don't know how long a drive it is from Hamden to HERE, but Angell Memorial is up here, and it's a very, very good animal hospital with every kind of specialist. In Grafton, Mass. is Tufts veterinary school. You have highly qualified oncologists available not that far away! Perhaps you could ask Dr. Vilar to email or fax you the protocol, and if you still don't have confidence in your vet, give one of these options a call? There are LOTS of Greyhounds around here, and there have to be plenty of vets who know how to do the chemo. In fact the vet who saw George for his LS would probably be more than capable! I could even offer you a place to sleep over if needed!

Oh, that's sad. We lost a new born when our female English Setter had her puppies so many years ago. It's just heartbreaking.

It's heartbreaking to consider, but one of my criteria has always been quaity of life which to me includes a dog's dignity and how much the dog is bothered by his or her problems. Only you will know when he's had enough. When it was time for my Kramer, he just told me by laying in front of his food dish and refusing to eat. Big hugs from Canton, Mass.

Agreed. Food is usually the culprit. I don't know if I'd ssay "food is usually the culprit." Anyone have any facts on food vs. other allergies? I do not, but there are many, many dogs who have seasonal allergies. Given the time of year, I'd be way more suspicious that she's allergic to some sort of pollen than food. Give her some Benadryl, and see if that helps. Make sure it's straight Benadryl, the pink pills, and not the allergy/sinus tablets. As to the OP's friends suggesting it's normal or from bug bites--you ARE treating her with a flea/tick preventative, aren't you? Some dogs are horrible allergic to flea bites, and even one flea can cause a major reaction! So it could also be that. Don't just to the food allergy conclusion too fast--and actually, according to two vets who saw my allergic dog, food allergies are usually the protein source, not the grain!

Absolutely. There are plenty of permanently nekkid butts out there!

I doubt very much that a few pounds either way is going to matter for her dose. So if she's 56 or 58 or 62...that's not a big difference. I suppose you better ask though!!! Given how fine boned greyhounds are, I wouldn't be surprised at the small weight loss. Scales vary widely, and I have found I can put George on the scale at my vets three times in a row and get three weights.

I had George's teeth cleaned when I adopted him, and have been giving him marrow bones on weekends since, and the vet checks his teeth every time we go in, and she's says they're fantastic. I do not brush them--although I have a brush and doggy toothpaste!

Awwwwwwwwwwwww, Buzzy! I used to have a cockatiel named Flipper. I can hear his little squeaky voice now when I read your sweet goodbye to Succotash. 15 years is a good, long life--you took really good care of the little fellow, and I can tell how much you loved him! Hugs from Canton, MA, Susan, former bird keeper

It's a big change in his life--and he's no doubt also reading a different vibe from you. I'm sure he'll be OK--he just needs some time. Maybe do something special this weekend, just the two of you?

Just my opinion here, but based on my reading and discussions with a vet and a doctor, there is no hard evidence that glucosamine really does much. Yes, there are MANY folks who swear by it. I gave it to my Kramer for YEARS because he had two major orthopedic surgeries, and it didn't really seem to do much. Didn't seem to hurt either, so...take that for what it's worth! I also asked my doctor about it for myself, and he said I shouldn't waste my money. I bought some for George, and the combination of the MSM/Glucosamine seemed to mess with his already tricky bladder issues, so I stopped it. Why not drop an email off to OSU and find out what they think? I know they'd be happy to answer you!! Hugs, Susan

I just heard Dr. Couto speak for two hours. He said that osteo is virtually unheard of in AKC Greyhounds, and they don't really know why, but they're looking at genetics now. Think about it; a show dog used for stud maybe sires a few litters. My dog's sire has produced aboutu 6,000 puppies, so far, because his sperm is sold all over the country. Be a serious issue if it turned out he was a carrier of a gene that predisposes a dog to bone cancer, wouldn't it?

Acepromazine is rather long lasting, and very strong. I used to give it to my old dog for flights to Nantucket, but once he got to be 8 years old, my vet refused to give it to him. It's just too much. I certainly wouldn't use it if there were other options. Sorry your dog is freaked out over fireworks. Must be tough.

Every book I've read on adopting a racing Greyhound mentions these--they're blackheads, and they're very common. You can either leave them alone, or help them along with warm compresses. They're nothing to be worried about whatever you do!

My parents just spent a couple thousand dollars on their dog, Davy, who has had a sketchy gut his whole life. He IS on I/D for life, and basically on Flagyl full time. Controls his issues very nicely. It might not be ideal, but it's working. Hang in there Amber!

Exactly what I'd do.

Bitter Apple is often recommended, rarely effective! I have never had any luck with any animal and Bitter Apple! They actually seem to enjoy the taste! Just an FYI.