Robin1017

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Robin is positive for Lyme disease, as are both of my mom's dogs. We were told that Lyme is caused by bacterial levels in the blood, and the antibiotics make it go dormant, but it never fully goes away, just as you said. One of my mom's dogs has had a couple of flare-ups over the years and had to do a round of antibiotics, but the other dog (Domino) and Robin haven't had flare-ups since the initial test (it's been almost six years). Like your dog, Robin and Domino had no obvious symptoms at the time--they were just tested because the other dog, Shiloh, had symptoms and tested positive. Otherwise, we may never have known. (Though this did eventually explain the initial lethargy and a couple of midnight GSODs after we adopted Robin.) So, stays dormant, and my guess is that if the dog you are speaking of had no symptoms, you're likely to have little problems with it in the future. Lyme disease in animals is much less intense than it is in humans. Hope this helps!

I was always told to take his coat off if he was going to be running around full out so that his back feet wouldn't risk getting caught in the belly band. Don't know how likely this was, but we've always done that when we go to a fenced-in area for zoomies. He doesn't run for more than 4 or 5 minutes anyway....

This has come up a lot lately with bee stings. The vets and techs on this site have said that standard dosage is 1 mg per pound of body weight. So, we used 2-3 benadryl for our 80-pound greyhound (we were being conservative). For more info/confirmation, do a search for "stung". Tons of posts lately! Including one from me on Saturday.....

I'm happy to report that Robin is almost his old self again. He felt well enough after a nap to take a quick trip to the pet store nearby for loves and cookies (he has the staff there all trained), and he seems much happier. The ear is much less swollen and sensitive--the only way you can tell what happened is that, instead of both of his ears standing up for cookies or to go outside, he has one ear up and his sore ear only halfway up. He looks lopsided and kindof droopy, but it's cute. And minor, considering the many more severe allergic reactions that poor houndies have had reported today. Thanks for the warm thoughts! Cathy & Robin

So he seems a little better. I think the benadryl's making him sleepy, because his eyes are droopy, but he keeps trying to lay his head down on the sore ear. He's not panting as much, though, and he's more relaxed. Thanks for the advice and kind thoughts! Hopefully he'll get to sleep soon.

There's no general swelling in the face, though a spot or two that are probably stings. He won't let me ice the ear--maybe a cold washcloth. He's standing around panting--it definitely hurts.

Somehow Robin put his face in a bee hive a little while ago and was swarmed. They were all over him and he was hopping around because they were getting him. :-( Chris got him in the house and we killed 7 bees in the kitchen! OMG! Once we got Robin calmed, I put his muzzle on and checked him for stingers. I took two off of his ear, which is definitely swollen and hurting now. I know he got stung elsewhere, but I can't find any more stingers, so I hope they're all out. (He keeps holding up his right paw, so I know they got him there, but we can't find anything.) We gave him two benadryl, and we're watching him, but he's definitely uncomfortable. Aside from the benadryl, is there anything else we can do to help him feel better and ease the pain? Even worse, when Chris was trying to get the bees off him, he had to use the poop bag in his hand to kindof swat them off of him, and we think Robin thinks he was hitting him, or mad at him. Poor guy. I feel so bad for him! I just caught him looking out the window towards the bee area looking betrayed.....

How sad. I'm sorry.

That is so sad. I'm sorry.

Thanks, everyone. I think he's feeling better now, after a few days. In fact, he's super charged....he has some crazy energy going on, so he must not feel too bad. I do think I will get some Bag Balm to keep on hand, though, since they do get kindof cracked and dry in the summer. Thanks again! Cathy and Robin

Though this isn't usually an issue, I think Robin may have spent a little too much time on the sidewalks last weekend, as his pads seem to be a little sore. Would bag balm be the way to go to make it feel better? He was limping a bit the other day, though it has improved since we've been staying on the grass. Also, I can't seem to find the posts where people said where to buy Bag Balm. Where can you find it? And is it in the lotion section?

I remember when it first came out, they promoted it just that way - especially for 3 month flea prevention. From what I can see they've hidden that little gem in the tiny print so as to make folks think they need to use it monthly for both. Now it all makes sense....I knew that COULDN'T be quite right.... Thanks to you and Trudy! I may still lean towards supplementing it with the collar when we go camping....they get all over him, and he likes to "den" with us on the air mattress!

I don't know if this is hijacking the thread or not, but I'll ask anyway. Send me elsewhere if it would be more appropriate.... :-) Frontline works well for us for fleas, but we've had concerns lately about ticks, especially when we go camping. Last time was like a horror movie nightmare...ticks everywhere..... My boyfriend heard that, while the tick prevention in Frontline Plus lasts a month, the tick prevention only lasts a week, so in theory we're going 3 out of 4 weeks each month without tick prevention. Maybe that's the problem....has anyone heard of this? I'm considering the Preventic collar now for when we go out in the woods as extra prevention. I've never liked the collars, though, because the poison seems so obvious and gets on my hands and stuff. Thoughts? I'm assuming it's safe for people?

I have an e-mail in to them to find out more information as well. The prices sound reasonable from what you were quoted... I'm also asking where they are located in Massachusetts, because they don't say a town! :-) I'm interested to hear more, because he could still probably use it soon--his breath is a little more funky lately.

Does anyone know how the prices for this compare with going the traditional way? Given that the prices seem to vary considerably, I mean... I'd be interested in hearing what you thought later on--it could be a good alternative....especially if Robin's teeth seem to be holding up well with just our regular brushing....

Believe me, I would, except we adopted him in Virginia and now live in Boston. All my attempts to get greyhound-savvy recommendations have not worked thus far. Maybe I should contact a local group? It couldn't hurt to ask.... I think I need to stop freaking out and relax. Maybe I should go to sleep....

Oh no! I forgot to do any of that asking! They say that they see several (older) greyhounds at this clinic, but I forgot to ask for specifics. I wonder if it's too late....since I'm a teacher, and I'm off next week, I'd like to do it then. I'm sure I couldn't handle dealing with the children while I'm trying not to freak out about Robin... I do have the greyhound vet info in my original adoption binder. However, I just read through it and it is greek to me (as it should be). The estimate doesn't mention the drugs to be used. I still have time to ask questions--I like your idea. The paperwork mostly seems to recommend Oxymorphone, and being sure that he has fluids. Does anyone know, though, what specifically should be AVOIDED? I know they need specific care during anesthesia, but what would be a red flag? Any help would be great.