3greytjoys
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Tons of positive healing thoughts for Twiggy (and for you as her worried mom)!
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I'd ask your vet about doxepin. It's an anti-anxiety medication that is used on a daily basis. Some good anecdotal evidence on the vet forums (VIN in particular) that it can help decrease the signs of LP. I usually also send home acepromazine for sedation as needed. Usually to be used before events that may cause the dog to get excited (ie. car rides, company, vet visits, etc). Can also be used during flare ups of respiratory distress, but oral meds may not work quick enough in a crisis. The trazodone would probably work as well as the ace in situations like that. I like ace because of its muscle relaxing properties, and it's a sedative that doesn't have much effect on respiratory function.
Thank you for sharing this helpful information, Jennifer.
Ducky:
It's a bit of relief that your vet thinks Percy is in earlier stages of LP. Hopefully, it will not become too serious a factor in his lifetime. Each of our hounds' LP rate of progression was completely different.
Poor, poor Percy. He is so fortunate to have finally landed in your family!
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We've had two Greyhounds with progressive laryngeal paralysis (plus one long ago). They weren't candidates for surgery. One hound arrived into adoption with LP over eight years ago (still counting). The other was diagnosed a few years ago (geriatric onset GOLPP). The primary reasons a board certified surgeon decided against surgery for our hounds: excessive bleeders; one has hemangiosarcoma; the other had underlying medical issues too, and nearly died from a stress induced breathing crisis while at the vet hospital for an unrelated test.
Both hounds have been easy to manage over the years: no collars; no running; needs to remain calm and stress-free; cool temperatures (fans or A/C during hottest summer months); slow walks during coolest times of day/night (using harness + leash); soft, soggy kibble (enlarged from water absorption), etc. Their breathing remained smooth while at rest, and never developed aspirate pneumonia. LP did progress into full body nerve related issues. (As far as I know, tie-back surgery does not prevent the progressive nerve damage.)
There is an informative Yahoo group for (all breed) LP dogs. They're pro-surgery.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/LP/info
To balance potential consideration, a GT member decided on surgery for his Greyhound and struggled with that decision after his hound didn't survive the surgery/recovery. He didn't realize it was such a risky surgery.
LP diagnosis usually requires light anesthesia. Percy's symptoms certainly appear similar to classic LP.
Here's another link re: GOLPP http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/cases/2013/April2013.html
ETA: Our advanced LP hounds breathing was/is still fairly smooth and quiet while at rest.
We try to avoid anything that increases panting, as panting swells the laryngeal folds.
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Thank you for this excellent update!
Continued speedy recovery wishes for Zeppelin, and sigh of relief for you (aka: Zeppelin's nurse).
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Wishing Ruby a successful dental and rapid recovery.
She's probably not going to eat anything else tonight since they need an empty tummy for anesthesia.
One of our hounds had a horribly stinky diarrhea mess on the operating table after having eaten a rare, special dinner + treats the previous night. Thereafter, we promised our vet presurgery meals would be limited to their regular foods.
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The second I let him off the leash he ran around like a maniac and ended up running into a fence at full speed, he rolled got up and kept running (this gave me a minor heart attack, but everyone kept assuring me the fact that he got up and kept going meant he wasn't seriously injured). I finally got a hold of him and let him drink water and put him on the leash for fear that he would keep running and hurt himself. I noticed he cut himself pretty good on his chest...
I cleaned up the wounds and put aloe on the pads, he has also started coughing like he is trying to hack something up but nothing is coming up.
No matter how Zeppelin appears to be acting, please do take him to a vet for a full examination asap. Internal injuries, internal bleeding, etc. are not always obvious. Coughing would be a big red flag (laryngeal or lung damage, etc.). Greyhounds running up to 45 mph into a fence can cause serious harm or worse. Greyhounds have unique medical concerns unlike other dog breeds.
Also, his paw pads may need professional veterinary care + wrapping to prevent infection.
Aloe is toxic to dogs. Please don't let him lick/ingest aloe.
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/aloe-vera/
Racing Greyhounds are highly competitive. If their legs function after a fall, they're likely to continue running to finish a race even if they shouldn't. (Greyhounds would run themselves to death if given the opportunity.)
Since pet life is an entirely new world for newly retired racing Greyhounds, whenever taking him to a new fenced enclosure, try walking the fence-line with him so he's a little more aware of boundaries.
I'm not a fan of all breed dog parks either. Best case scenario is if your local adoption group provides Greyhound breed only play dates where all hounds are safely muzzled. (Greyhounds have thin skin that rips open more easily than other breeds, etc.)
Paw pads can take a long time to heal.
Therapaw boots fit unique Greyhound paws well. http://www.therapaw.com/thera-pawboots.aspx
Wishing Zeppelin a speedy recovery.
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Good question. Try not to worry too much about your litter mates. Although genetic, we've seen Greyhound litter mates from two or three generations where one hound each from different litters developed osteo but the known remaining litter mates did not.Hopefully some medical experts will chime in re: potential osteo cancer prevention (if any).Generally, we know that cancer feeds and thrives on sugar.Sun causes cancer in dogs.Second-hand smoke causes cancer in dogs.Environmental and other toxins cause cancers.Feeding raw meat is not desirable:The following is a partial list of professional veterinary and other organizations that discourage feeding raw meat to dogs.1. American Veterinary Medical Association2. The American Animal Hospital Association3. American College of Veterinary Nutritionists4. National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians5. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention6. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationIf interested, original post: http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/314287-feeding-raw-foodmeat-to-dogs/
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I'm so sorry about this sad loss of Bradyzmommy. Assuming she was still fairly young to middle-age and passed suddenly(?).
Deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
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Another option is soft neoprene (medical) assistance harnesses:
http://www.walkaboutharnesses.com/collections/walkabout-harnesses
We happen to have their walk-a-belly style; however, their "harnesses" that assist the hind-end would be preferred for a fully collapsing hind-end during potty outings.
Your vet's assumption might be spot on, but I agree re: reading about L.S. in Greyhounds by Suzanne Stack, DVM, (linked above by mongomery2524). Separately FWIW, a couple of our Greyhounds developed hind-end weakness from a progressive nerve disease rooted to laryngeal paralysis; however, they had laryngeal symptoms (hoarse bark, loud/labored breathing/panting when not too hot, gagging while eating meals, etc.) long before their nerve damage progressed throughout the body into the hind-end.
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I'm so very sorry for your sudden loss of Sammi. Your thoughtful tribute is a clear indication of your deep love for Sammi, and what a special girl she was to you and your family. Her spirit will remain alive in all of your hearts as she's remembered.
I understand some of what you must be feeling, especially on her 13th birthday. We're sending caring birthday wishes for Sammi over the bridge.
Please try to release feelings of guilt; it doesn't do you or your family any good. Sammi had an accident, possibly/likely caused by her existing and progressive deteriorating medical condition. Even if you had been in the same room, you probably couldn't have prevented her spinal damage. She was fortunate that someone was home to help transport her to the hospital. I'm sorry her passing didn't go more smoothly.
Rest well lovely Sammi knowing that you made a difference in peoples' lives, and you were deeply loved. Watch over your family from the bridge...
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I'm not a veterinarian, but curious when and where Willie's excessive panting started, and if he's showing other symptoms (besides limping and shoulder pain). Agree that excessive panting is often a sign of pain, and it's concerning that his symptoms are worsening. Please also watch the timing of his panting. A side effect of Tramadol is panting (and can make some dogs a bit restless). I believe Tramadol begins taking affect soon after administration, and dosage strength peaks about 2 hours post administration. If Willie's combined medication dosages aren't handling his current pain level, perhaps your vet would reevaluate dosage levels.
Does Willie also try to "protect" his left shoulder (e.g., holding it close to body, not fully stretching out/down as far upon awakening, not fully extending it to walk up stairs, etc.)? Greyhounds can get sudden, temporarily painful leg cramps while resting, but that wouldn't cause constant shoulder pain. Crying if he's isolated downstairs while his family is upstairs wouldn't be uncommon behavior, but seems you're seeing medically painful cries. A vet should be able to isolate body pain during full body physical manipulation. If his regular vet is unable to diagnose a root cause, perhaps a second opinion by a veterinary specialist could pinpoint the problem (retired racing Greyhound savvy specialist preferred).
Other possibilities that come to mind:
Perhaps a hidden injury lingered silently until Willie started climbing stairs, or was aggravated by walking on hard surface floors (e.g., if previous house was carpeted), etc.
Initially, a new, deeply rooted internal corn may not be visually detectable on a paw pad.
An unpublished racing injury from running force or possible rail impact to his left side during counterclockwise racing may not have been apparent in his earlier years.
Life changes from a home move could cause extra stress which might increase preexisting physical discomfort.
Just to be aware: as posted, osteosarcoma is seen in Greyhounds. It is very painful and doesn't always show up on initial X-rays since it often affects the bone from the bone's inside core before growing outward.
Hopefully Willie has thick, dense, foam filled dog beds (vs. a folded blanket/comforter) on each level of the house.
BTW, padded Therapaw boots are very helpful when walking Greyhounds with corns: http://www.therapaw.com/thera-pawboots.aspx
Positive thoughts for Willie. Good luck on the 23rd.
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Warm birthday wishes beamed over the bridge for your beloved Henry.
Hoping he's romping with all our Greyhounds who left too soon.
May you both cherish your happy memories of Henry until you meet again...
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Welcome to GreyTalk and the wonderful world of retired racing Greyhounds! Greyhounds are fabulous companions!
There are a number of GT members from your region that can answer climate related questions. Greyhounds often wear coats while being walked outside, and jammies inside during winter. Some hounds like being covered with blankets, or squishing blankets into a ball to use as a pillow.
Good luck with your future adoption!
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Recently, I've been thinking about your losses of Jilly and your mom. May you always feel both close at heart.
(One of our beloved Greyhounds, and human family member passed within only minutes of each other recently.)
Jilly was one of a kind on GT.
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What a thoughtful gift as an everlasting remembrance.
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We've had some hounds arrive from the tracks having already had both dew claws removed, others have damaged one while running during retirement and vet had to cut it off. The claws our hounds lost seemed to grow back much more slowly (if at all), and were much easier to manage. I suppose each hound is different.
Good luck with Ruby. So sorry she endured injuries during her time away.
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Thank you for sharing your most thoughtful memorial about your beloved Majestic Pippin.
Pictures are worth a thousand words, and each is meaningful...
How rare to have a 5th day of life puppy photo of 7200 minutes of love, plus his whole litter with mama Banjo.
May all your memories of Pippin warmly comfort your heart during this difficult time.
Pippin will be remembered fondly by his GT family.
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This one really melts my heart. How fortunate that you have these photos as cherished mementos.
Glad you were able to spend some special time together, albeit much too short. You made a difference in her life.
Hard to believe it's already been a year.
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I'm so very sorry about your losses of both sisters, Roo and Tigger.
Sadly, I understand this most difficult time losing similar aged loved ones. Even more difficult when your last littermate passes, leaving an empty house and shattered heart. My sincere condolences during this terribly sad time.
The photo of Roo and Tigger is lovely. (Steve U. took our favorite keepsake memory photos too.)
Godspeed Roo while joining sister Tigger over the bridge.
Hugs to you.
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When I dog sit, I've got gates with the little pet doors so my cats can get away, but obviously, it would be preferable to have a grey that was good w the cats.
Our baby-gates are installed up to 6" above floor level, which gives a nice wide berth for cats to escape from Greyhounds. IMO, cats living in the same home with Greyhounds need multiple, permanent, safe escape routes. All our "cat safe" Greyhounds have been known to try to chase our (indoor only) cats when the Greyhounds are feeling frisky. This includes up to 13 and 14 year old Greyhounds who have lived with indoor cats for many years.
(A determined Greyhound can squeeze under a 12" high opening.)
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Therapaw boots work well on uniquely shaped Greyhound paws: http://www.therapaw.com/thera-pawboots.aspx
One of our hounds had tiny pieces of gravel embedded in a paw pad many years ago. Took a long time to completely heal after two surgeries to find all the gravel, many months of recovery IIRC. It finally healed well. Thereafter, all hounds' pads are checked/wiped after walks/hikes.
Positive healing thoughts for Diego.
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What food was your hound eating previously that didn't give her runny stools, and how long was she on that food?
It's important to transition new food very gradually. Some food manufacturers recommend taking as long as 4 weeks, slowly increasing amount of new food while decreasing old food.
Any new hound should have a fecal test to ensure they're not harboring worms, giardia, etc. which often cause runny stools.
Simply moving to a new home environment is stressful enough to cause hounds' bowel changes.
While dogs are feeling anxious, some are not physically able to control their bowel/urine. Same dogs have no trouble controlling it when they're feeling calm, relaxed and secure. Greyhounds are sensitive. Fortunately, you appear to be very patient and understanding re: her elimination accidents so that will help her.
Separation anxiety is fear-based. It's worth a general mention that dogs should not be scolded for anything rooted from fear. It backfires. A raised voice can dramatically escalate hounds' internal anxiety for a very long time. (Even simple elevated stress hormones from one incident can last for days.)
Dedicated "alone training" would be my #1 priority on days off. If your hound likes peanut butter, smear plain peanut butter (no manufacturer's additives) inside a Kong. Present the Kong as a special treat to lick whenever you leave the room during alone training. Immediately upon your return to the room, pick-up the Kong. Repeat, repeat, repeat. If hound won't eat/lick a treat during your absence, back-up to the stage hound is calm enough to focus on treat. Try to keep your away practice times under hound's comfort threshold, meaning you return just before hound starts feeling anxious. Could be seconds or minutes.
If you haven't already, please do let your adoption group know about your hound's separation anxiety.
As Greyt_dog_lover mentioned, your hound likely needs a muzzle for her safety. If she didn't arrive with a Greyhound turn-out muzzle, this link shows Greyhound muzzles that allow hounds to safely pant, drink water, and breathe when wearing the muzzle. http://www.gemgreyho.../kennel-muzzle/
We don't know your region/climate, but walking is usually great for hounds, especially on work day mornings. That said, new Greyhounds walking distance usually needs to be built up gradually. They're running sprinters accustomed to one race lasting approx. 30 seconds only 1 (max. 2 x) per week. They're not conditioned for long endurance walking. Their paw pads are soft when newly retired (from sand tracks or dirt schooling runs). Pad toughness builds up slowly during walks. Good to check paw pads for sores/damage after walks or at least weekly.
Walking is great to physically tire dogs so they're more likely to fall asleep later, but it doesn't always help settle the brain of a dog feeling anxious.
Good luck with your girl.
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Some U.S. adoption guidelines are to provide daily access to eliminate a minimum of every 4 hours for animals' health and welfare. (Some stretch it to 5 or 6 hours.)
Professional racing kennels are required to provide Greyhounds a minimum of 4 turn-outs per day.
(16 hours of non-overnight sleep time = elimination turn-outs every 4 hours.)
Greyhound track and adoption kennels are climate-controlled since Greyhounds are temperature sensitive. (Many Greyhounds have died from excessive heat/cold exposure.) Fortunately, adoption groups require Greyhounds live as indoor only family pets; thus, dog doors allowing hounds access into a fenced enclosure to eliminate can be very helpful.
All our Greyhounds (various ages) + visitors or fosters happen to be supervised 24/7. We document all elimination outings. Their natural elimination needs happen to correlate with the every 4 hours during daytime guidelines. Generally, when they need to go, they really NEED to go. Our Greyhounds are trained to ring a doorbell when they need to eliminate outside. If we can't respond quickly, ringing communication escalates to hound ringing repeatedly to communicate their urgency level, then hound races outside to eliminate. Each dog has his/her own time limits. As expected, new hounds in a new environment, anxiety, or medical issues greatly increase frequency need. A male often waited 6 hours during daytime when younger, but later struggled with kidney problems.
OP: As mentioned, seems a mature, middle age Greyhound (female or male) could be a good fit for your situation.
Greyhounds are typically a calm, non-demanding (excluding meals and walks) breed. Many in that age range seem to adapt into home life nicely. Many retired racing Greyhounds appear particularly grateful to experience a wonderful home life.
BTW, if you're not already aware, even Greyhounds who test small animal tolerant doesn't mean they will not view small animals outside as potential prey. Outdoors in a Greyhound's mind often means Game On.
Best of luck re: potential adoption, and your veterinary medicine education!
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Welcome to GreyTalk!
Many veterinarians are Greyhound parents. Your current school schedule is similar to a standard work day which is fine; however, Greyhounds should be provided a potty break every 4 hours during day + evening. I agree re: prearranging a back-up plan for any days that you can't get home during lunch. The leashed exercise walk schedule sounds fine.
(All our own Greyhounds need 5-7 potty outings total per day/evening.)
Retired racing greyhounds often have a unique adjustment period when entering a new home because they've lived with other Greyhounds their entire lives, and most have never lived in a family home. Some Greyhounds adjust quickly and are fine becoming an only dog while others require more time and patience. Some need extra alone training; the majority progress well in time. Greyhounds are pack oriented and thrive being close to their person/people.
Considering your interest in a 7 year old, it could work for you. I wonder if she might be a brood matron(?). If so, many incorporate easily into home/family life. The broodie lying next to me is 14 years old.
One of our young foster Greyhounds was adopted by a (Greyhound experienced) first year vet student (far from family) who found it much more of an unexpected stressful challenge than anticipated, especially as school demands increased. Adopting a dog is similar in responsibility to adopting a child.
Many mid-age Greyhounds arrive into adoption groups needing an extensive dental before being adopted. Some require extractions. Ongoing daily tooth brushing is important for this breed. As retired athletes they can develop arthritis as they age. Osteosarcoma might not be detected unless there is a limp or spontaneous fracture.
If you know the hound's racing name, her racing history might reveal potential clues.
Answers to your medical questions can be found in this link (written by a Greyhound track veterinarian): http://www.greythealth.com/
Aside from time, care and expenses, another consideration is distance and transportation to visit your family during school breaks. Greyhounds are a very sensitive breed; after they've tasted home life, some don't adjust well to staying in vacation boarding kennels. If driving, consider if a Greyhound could travel with you for all family visits, and does your family have small animals that would require extra management in presence of a sighthound. Greys are temperature sensitive too.
BTW, some adoption groups discourage letting retired racing Greyhounds into (occupied) all-breed dog parks due to sighthounds' speed/prey/hunting instinct, and their thin skin (tears more easily than other breeds). Racers often become competitive when running with other dogs. Many Greyhound adoption groups arrange safer "Greyhound breed only" play groups where all Greyhounds are muzzled. (It's not safe to muzzle only one dog in a group of dogs because the muzzled dog is seen as an underdog (helpless target) who is unable to defend him/herself from non-muzzled dogs.)
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Twiggy Had A Stroke
in Health and Medical discussion
Posted
Fabulous news! Being home should help her feel better too. Glad you'll be home to watch her this weekend.
We've had a couple of vestibular related paralysis incidents that ultimately resulted in full recovery. Hoping the same for Twiggy.