3greytjoys

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.

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...

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.

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...

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!

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.

What a thoughtful gift as an everlasting remembrance.

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.

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.

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.

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. :f_red

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.)

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.

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.

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!

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.

Just wanted to add that some other symptoms of toxicity/poisoning (depending on the type of toxin) are: Vomiting Hypersalivation Dizziness Lack of coordination Weakness Tremors Seizures Collapsing Paralysis Potential organ failure Death

I agree that Greyhounds of any age are more sensitive to many drugs than other breeds. I don't recall Slick's current age, but hounds can become even more drug sensitive as they age. One example (of several): One of our 13 year old hounds recently spent weeks trying to recover from two separate medication reactions. The most surprising was a simple (vet recommended) dose of Pepcid. (Over the years on an "as needed" basis, 10 mg. of Pepcid has worked well for all of our Greyhounds. This time, vet prescribed a (general breed) dose of 20 mg. which was too much for his system.) We've never used Bravecto. The only flea+tick treatment we've ever used on our younger hounds (or fosters) is topical Frontline. Glad Slick seems to be recovering well.

Aside from a likely potential new fear and/or too cold morning temperatures (don't know your region/climate), another consideration is how long he is being left alone during the days he's had/having bowel accidents. If he's being left alone for a full work day without any access to eliminate outside, medically, he may not be able to physically hold it. His immediate panic when hearing the garage door could be an anxiety trigger as he realizes he is being left without his "door control people" for an extended period of time. If humans are gone all day, perhaps a friend or pet sitter could stop in to provide the dogs a mid-day potty outing. A call to your local airport might explain recent scary test flights happening during your absence. Some dogs can develop general separation anxiety later in life; however, it seems your boy's situation started suddenly combined with the gate jumping injury. Could be a new environmental fear or a medical/physical needs issue. As you mentioned, a vet visit may be helpful in the coming weeks. Our Greyhounds currently range from middle age to nearly 14 years old. They are not left alone without outside elimination relief for more than 4 or 5 hours max. (Same timing when they were younger.) We also watch each hound to ensure they fully eliminate before human departures. Two hounds become anxious when triggered by watching humans' departure signals, so they're offered an additional outing after their breakfast (while they're still feeling calm enough to fully eliminate) but before humans' morning dressing routine begins. Their 3rd morning outing occurs within 10 minutes of actual departure. Good luck this week.

If she eats kibble, first I'd try a more substantial bedtime snack of about 1/2 cup of kibble instead of cheese (cheese is likely higher fat/sodium). Not sure what kind of meat but I'd avoid processed lunch meats or anything with spices. Unless she needs to gain weight, it's okay to reduce dinner portion by 1/2 cup kibble to keep her caloric intake stable. If her gums/teeth are sore and in need of an upcoming dental, her kibble might need to soak in water to soften for 10-15 minutes so chewing is not painful. (Very soft foods stick to teeth easily and build tartar faster, so gentle brushing is important.) Refrigerate uneaten soft food within about 30 minutes. If not eaten at next mealtime, discard soft food. If hounds are hungry with an upset tummy they're less willing to eat. Separate issue: Calm/relaxed and happy meal times are most successful since anxious or highly sensitive dogs may shut down emotionally if feeling stress related to eating or to their meal environment (e.g. ensure eating space is not crowded/busy).

Absolutely, pets must be kept on heartworm preventative throughout the year in CA. Mosquitoes are active during winter months too. January and February 2016 are expected to be a bit more rainy than in recent years. The benefit will be beautiful green hillsides (or snow if you're visiting the high mountain regions).

Having 3 excessive bleeders here, I second Greysmom's mention of aminocaproic acid. It's worth the mention to your vet if Keiva continues to bleed. If you get her home on schedule, continue to watch for bleeding (could be external or internal pooling).