LaFlaca
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I'm so sorry. :-(
Thank you, TahoeMom. I pray daily that it's nothing more than an infection in the bone, which is what we're treating for right now. In a couple of weeks we'll go back to the vet to re-x-ray and re-access. <sigh>
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Even though euthanasia is a painful subject, I am truly grateful to all of you who have posted your experiences here. I am the type of person who always wants to gather as much information as I can (on any given subject) so that I can make intelligent decisions and choices. Knowledge is power.
As I wait for a conclusive diagnosis on my Wendy (vet says, "may be something going on in two vertebrae"), I appreciate knowing what we might be facing if euthanasia is becomes a necessity.
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Let me begin by saying how terribly sorry I am at the loss of your beloved Brendan and Tahoe. I accompany you in your grief. While I have no answers for you, I am interested in any responses that you get since I may be looking at putting my Wendy to rest in the very near future. If and when the need arises, all I want for my girl is that she go home in peace.
Having witnessed my GSD's nightmare euthanasia many years ago, there is no way that I want that for Wendy. Looking back, I now feel that the vet was inept. It took several injections and what seemed like an eternity for Tammy to cross over. Although she did not appear distressed the whole event just took too long. It was very distressing for me because I perceived it as her not wanting to go.
I'm sure that our GT family will offer us good counsel.
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Hi Wendy! Thanks for your input, it actually mirrors my own thoughts. I'm not a vet, but I've always thought that bone cancer was fairly obvious on x-ray and my Wendy's vertebrae don't have that typical osteo moth-eaten look. It looks like bone spurs to me, but maybe that's just wishful thinking! For sure I'm going to consult Dr. Couto - at least have him look at the x-rays.
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Two months ago, my 10 year old, Wendy, experienced an episode of shaky back-end after a prolonged and vigorous play time with my son's pit-mix. I took her to the vet, just in case, and x-rays showed a misaligned spinal vertebrae (which may have been there forever; who knows?). Tramadol and an anti-inflammatory seemed to take care of that. Afterwards, she was completely asymptomatic until about 2 weeks ago when she began eating inconsistently. Another trip to the vet for blood work (normal), urinalysis (normal) fecal (normal), temperature (normal) and x-rays of abdomen, lungs, legs/hips and spine. X-rays suggest that there's "something going on" in the misaligned vertebrae and the one next to it. <SIGH>
Hoping it is an infection in the bone, Wendy has been prescribed an antibiotic (maybe Clavamox; can't seem to think right now)) and Tramadol for 3 weeks after which we will re-xray and access. Her lack of fever and normal white blood cell count suggests to me that there's no infection present. She seems pretty much herself right now, maybe a little dopey from the Tramadol, and eating a bit better but still inconsistently even with yummy add-ins. Last night I made a beef broth with sirloin to tempt her. This morning, she picked out the pieces of steak and left the kibble...little stinker! Took her meds like a champ encased in pieces of mozzarella cheese and ham. Wendy 
Is bone cancer relatively easy to identify on x-ray? Does anyone have experience with spinal cancer in Greys? Anything you wish to share would be most appreciated.
greysmom - May you be abundantly blessed for gifting us with this thread and all of it's information and encouragement.
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My chicken-intolerant dog can't have *any* form of chicken, even tocopherols for presevatives. And you'll need to check all their treats. Chicken is in EVERYTHING!
TOCOPHEROLS IS CHICKEN??!! Aaaacckk! My son's dog has horrible chicken-related allergies. The poor thing itches like crazy and will scratch until blood flows and patches of fur fall out. Recently she had a very severe reaction when given a piece of carrot from a bowl of chicken soup. greysmom - Do you know if chicken is disguised as anything else on dog food/treat labels?
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Yup,,,this. Started about at 10. I won't go through all the nonsense I went through and some of Leia's eating habits,,,but suffice it to say it took from about 10 1/2 to 12 1/2 to finally get her on a acceptable diet and she is the perfect weight. It was so bad at one time the only thing I could get her to eat were chicken thighs form El Pollo Loco. I think you just have to stay vigilant, stay at it, and eventually you'll hit it. When this started with Leia a few here told me they had dogs that always skipped meals as they aged,,one even told me his would got 2 days and then binge eat. When Leia is hungry enough, she eats.
The only hard part is we now really have no set dining time as the old days when you could set your clock by her meals. Now breakfast,,if we eat it,,is between 8 and 11am. Dinner can be from 5-11pm. She won't eat one huge meal (I still think of when she would eat all her dinner in 30 seconds) either. So good old dad here has to give her maybe 5-6 small dinners between those hours. Yes she is spoiled. Yes I will take the blame. NO, I wouldn't have done it any other way. I live for my dog (an of course my wife!) because she came into our lives right when we needed her support.
Although I'm sorry to hear that your Leia (and you!) are going through this, I'm glad to know that it can be a natural part of Greyhound aging. I say Greyhound because none of my other various and sundry breeds and mixes went through anything like this. And yes! Previously, mealtime was set at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. I continue serving the Duchess (as we call her) at the regular time but, basically, she'll eat - or not - whenever she feels like it. As I said in another "appetite" thread - I'll do anything it takes to keep my girl
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Yes she is spoiled.FordRacingRon - IMHO - This is not spoiling.
It is a loving commitment to the welfare of a one of the most glorious creatures in Creation! And good on you for being such a caring Dad! 
I hope that Princess Leia continues to do well under your loving care. 
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So - I'd suggest free-feeding if you can. And, maybe consider adding some home-cooked to entice the appetite. The dietary needs definitely change as they age.
Thanks for validating what I've been doing intuitively. I've always been the type that picked the food up if it was not eaten in 1/2 hour; now, if she doesn't eat breakfast by the time I leave for work, I just leave it down. Sometimes it'll be gone when I get home, sometimes not, but at least it's available for her if she wants it. Dinner is not so much of an issue. I'm feeding some raw and the healthiest treats I can find and adding good quality "people" food. Whatever it takes to keep them >>>
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How are your seniors as far as appetite? Any changes? My 10 year old has begun skipping meals more and more frequently; some days it's breakfast that's skipped, some days it'll be dinner. All of her senior panels came back within normal parameters and in all other aspects she's the same Wendy. It's not like she has no appetite because she will readily accept treats.
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What a fabulous resource! Thank you!
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I'm so sorry that sweet Mafi had to go. Sharing in your grief.
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My 10 year old Wendy has started pulling the same stunt. Skips breakfast one day, scarfs it down the next...same with dinner. I feed her Wellness CORE kibble, switching the flavor each time I buy a bag, and a variety of canned add-in's from tripe to sardines. Her health is fine and she's maintaining her weight but it is distressing to me when she skips a meal.
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I would try adding both a probiotic and a digestive enzyme to her food. Can't hurt, might help.
She's been getting FortiFlora since day one, recommended by our vet. Which digestive enzyme would you suggest?
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smurfette: I forget to mention. Colin is like an alligator when I offer him some treat. If I'm not fast enough he tries to eat my fingers with it. He is a healthy senior with some crazy ideas about how he likes his meals...
This sounds like my girl!
My 14 yr old stopped eating breakfast or would eat it a bit later. I tried to make it yummier for her with special treats added in. That helped but she kept changing which ones she liked!! If weight and health are not a problem, I guess it does not matter too much.
Is she eating a meal later in the day?
I've tried different add-ins and different canned foods. She'll scarf them down one day and reject them the next. <SIGH> Her health is fine and she's maintaining her weight, somehow.
She's eating her dinner just fine with one exception; after 8 years of going walkies after dinner, the Duchess (as we call her) has changed the rules and will eat only if walkies occur before dinner.
Most of my seniors have self selected out of a meal as they've aged. I try to not hyperventilate about it, though it's hard!
If her weight is stable, blood-work OK, potty habits good, and her energy level is appropriate for her age, I would let her eat her one meal a day and supplement it with a larger snack of something yummy later in the morning. Yummy is whatever she will eat though I don't go nuts with the catering. It's something I can easily fix and set down - instant oatmeal, a tin of canned food, some tuna, a chicken leg or wing if you do raw, some fat balls.
Thank you, greysmom! This makes me feel a bit better although trying not to hyperventilate is a challenge! I have been supplementing with the healthiest snacks I can come up with - raw turkey necks, sardines, Wellness CORE protein bars, etc.
Thank you all! I feel better knowing that this can be a typical senior Grey thing.
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While my 10 year old Wendy has never been a chow-hound, she has always eaten well (2 meals a days) and enjoyed some treats (she's picky about which ones). Lately though, she's been skipping breakfast quite often. I used to pick up her food bowl after 1/2 hour if food went uneaten, but now with this new development, I leave it down all day in the hope that she'll eat eventually; and she does, sometimes, but more often, not. Anyway, she just had her old-lady check-up and everything came back within normal parameters. She's her usual, silly self in every other way and will eat her favorite treats whenever offered so it's not like she has no appetite at all. She has not lost any weight. I've been keeping her quiet for about a week now due to some hind-end shakiness and discomfort she had after rough-housing with my son's dog but otherwise her activity level has been as always.
Do seniors typically start skipping meals even though they show interest in treats or "people" food?
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Could be nothing more than a little overexertion. I feel exactly the same way when I go out to garden, and my mind forgets I'm 66 not 26.
My legs shake and my hands cramp. I'm miserable for a day, and then I get over it. Getting old is not for sissies.
I hear you, loud and clear! Coming up on birthday #61! I'm 25 in my own mind.
LS is not a misalignment of the spine, but compression of the spinal column. Lots of dogs shake after exertion, so it may or may not have anything to do with the spine. My mixed breed dog used to shake like a leaf any time he was excited!Thank you, Susan. Misalignment was the word I was looking for. The x-rays do show misalignment of the L6 and maybe some bridging (spondylosis) just starting. Whether or not these caused her discomfort and shaking is uncertain. Thank God, she's been right as rain since then.
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Wendy is 10 years old and having some lumbar spine problems. I have begun adding Springtime Joint Health Formula for Dogs to her food. I'm curious if any of you GTers have used this supplement and what is your experience/opinion? Thanks!
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Wendy had an episode of shaking in her hind legs after playing with my son's dog last Saturday.. At first I thought it was just from the exertion. After all, the girl is 10 years old! The shaking stopped as suddenly as it had started but then started up again a while later. Wendy was obviously in pain. Luckily, we had a routine vet visit scheduled for that day. The vet took x-rays and found that the L6 vertebra was slightly out of place - lower than the rest - and there appears to be some calcification. Wendy was put on Tramadol as needed and Robaxin for 7 days. By the time we got home, she was fine so I did not give her the Tramadol but will give her the full course of Robaxin. The vet said to keep her quiet for a week or so and preferably not to let her rough-house any more. What do you all think about this shaking/pain? Muscle spasm? Pinched nerve? I really value your opinions and input. Thanks!
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My Wendy has been my heart dog for 8 years now. She just turned 10 years old and still acts like the 2 year old she was when she chose DH and me to be her family. Aside from the typical Greyhound bumps and bruises and torn flesh
(only one of which required stitches), Wendy has not had any health issues, not even the tummy troubles many Greys seem to suffer. Her farts can peel the paint of the walls, though! Behaviorally, she's the easiest, most "normal" dog I've ever had. I've shared my home with many adopted shelter dogs over the years, both mixed breed and pure bred, and all have had their issues. This little girl came home on a Saturday and was housebroken by Sunday. She chewed on a remote control and a book the first day and never again (my bad since I left them within her reach). My only "complaint" about Wendy is that she does not like to take walks longer than a few minutes. She'll ask to go walkies, read all the p-mails, leave a few of her own, and it's right back home! I would have liked a walking companion, but I wouldn't trade my girl for any other. So, if you're thinking of adopting a Greyhound, please don't let the few "negatives" outweigh the many, many "positives". Greyhounds are the best breed for me! -
I hate to put negative thoughts out in the universe, but I feel I have the moral responsibility to share this with you. Years ago, I had a Rhodesian Ridgeback who suddenly developed ear sensitivity. If you so much as touched his right ear, he would yelp. The vet could never find anything wrong. In the end, it turned out to be a brain tumor. Eventually, we had to put Champion to sleep. The chances of winning the Power Ball are probably greater than your Piper having a similar tumor, so don't obsess, just tuck the information into your doggie databank. Knowledge is power. Love and light to you and pretty Piper.
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I accompany you in your grief. Run with the angels dear Shelby.
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Thank you all for your insights.
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My Wendy is going to be 10 years old on December 11th. She appears to be in spectacular health for a senior citizen but I'm wondering if I should ask her Vet to do any senior specific tests on our upcoming visit for heartworm check. What do you do for your older greys?
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Grieving with you. Run with the angels sweet Spriet.
Hoping it is an infection in the bone, Wendy has been prescribed an antibiotic (maybe Clavamox; can't seem to think right now)) and Tramadol for 3 weeks after which we will re-xray and access. Her lack of fever and normal white blood cell count suggests to me that there's no infection present. She seems pretty much herself right now, maybe a little dopey from the Tramadol, and eating a bit better but still inconsistently even with yummy add-ins. Last night I made a beef broth with sirloin to tempt her. This morning, she picked out the pieces of steak and left the kibble...little stinker! Took her meds like a champ encased in pieces of mozzarella cheese and ham. Wendy 
and 
It is a loving commitment to the welfare of a one of the most glorious creatures in Creation! And good on you for being such a caring Dad! 
I hope that Princess Leia continues to do well under your loving care. 
(only one of which required stitches), Wendy has not had any health issues, not even the tummy troubles many Greys seem to suffer. Her farts can peel the paint of the walls, though! Behaviorally, she's the easiest, most "normal" dog I've ever had. I've shared my home with many adopted shelter dogs over the years, both mixed breed and pure bred, and all have had their issues. This little girl came home on a Saturday and was housebroken by Sunday. She chewed on a remote control and a book the first day and never again (my bad since I left them within her reach). My only "complaint" about Wendy is that she does not like to take walks longer than a few minutes. She'll ask to go walkies, read all the p-mails, leave a few of her own, and it's right back home! I would have liked a walking companion, but I wouldn't trade my girl for any other. So, if you're thinking of adopting a Greyhound, please don't let the few "negatives" outweigh the many, many "positives". Greyhounds are the best breed for me!
Osteo Thread Part 8
in Health and Medical discussion
Posted
Keeping Buffy and you close in my thoughts as well as all the others battling cancer or waiting for a diagnosis.
