tra708

I just wanted to chime in with my support. You make the most informed and loving choices you can, but many things are just out of your control. I've been through this twice, and in hindsight there are things I wish I had done differently, for sure. And I spent many hours freaking out, and shed many tears of regret. Like others have said, stuff happens that you couldn't have predicted, despite your best efforts to do exactly the right thing. Don't be so hard on yourself!! It sounds like once you get rid of the infection, your girl will turn the corner towards getting better. Find the vet that you feel the most connection with, and ask them what they would do if it was their own dog. Don't panic. Healing thoughts and prayers for your pup.

She isn't panting as much now, and although she still can hardly walk, she seems to be in better spirits. She does have a little arthritis in the back end, which means she only has one good leg at the moment. The back end is what the Metacam was for, and it was working well before this happened. When at rest, she seems comfortable, and she still eats enthusiastically. So, there's that. Monitoring closely for now. Thanks!

You are not being harsh at all. Honestly I am in agreement with you, but my vet said to at least give her a chance to improve for a week or two. I am trying to make the best decision without being paranoid about others' judgement (real or imagined). It's hard, and seeing her unhappy and not enjoying life, is crushing. I've now been through this kind of situation twice before this, and one comforting thought afterwards was that I did not wait too long. I never judge anyone else on this, but I tend to be in the "day too soon" camp. About the cast on the leg...her wrist cannot bend in it. Anyhow, thank you so much for your input.

so sorry. that's the worst.

thanks for replies. i just want to keep her comfortable. it's hard to know whether panting and shaking (only when standing up) is pain, or just muscle weakness.

Yes, they took thorough X-rays of her entire body and sent them to their radiology specialists, just in case there was anything our vet missed. You might think they missed something, like osteo? Anything is possible, but for now she's in a cast, on tramadol, and we are waiting to see if she improves.

Has this ever happened to anyone here?: a week ago I took Lola to the vet with back end/legs weakness, and got her on a daily dose of Metacam. She improved immediately with that. Then all of a sudden, she was limping horribly and would not put weight on her front left leg. She could not walk at all! X-rays showed a possible fracture of the wrist bone. (no bone cancer) Now she has a cast on, and is pretty immobile. I have to help her outside to pee, and she pants and shakes a lot. Walking is difficult. Has anyone's dog broken a bone in the front leg because their arthritis in the back made them start depending too much on the front?? By the way, she is almost 13. in just a few short days, she has gone from being healthy and energetic--to seeming like she's 100 yrs old!! I feel so bad for her. Can anyone share a similar experience? Much thanks, tra

thinking of you and zander tonight.

I know this topic has been covered before, but I just got freaked out because not only does Connie have dry looking patches on her sides under her arms, but really scaly skin on her back too! Her coat is oily and rather sparse. She's black, I don't know if that makes a difference, but she's definitely the only hound I've had with this kind of skin. So far, I've tried using Missing Link in her food for about a month. It's helped a little. I've finally found food that makes her poop really good, so I'm reluctant to start messing around with that again. But, maybe another supplement? Has anyone else ever had a hound with such scaly skin? Any suggestions? thanks!

Lola had a really bad time with NewYear's fireworks too. I tried Adaptil spray on her blanket and a sweatshirt that i put with her. It worked! She calmed down. Might be worth a try for you and Mina.

Last night Lola was shaking uncontrollably because of neighborhood fireworks, so I tried this stuff Adaptil spray. I sprayed it on the blanket she was lying on, and on a sweatshirt that I put next to her. Within 10 minutes, she was able to stop shaking and lie down and relax. It was a pretty amazing result. Adaptil comes in a spray and a plug-in room diffuser too. So, I don't know if you've ever tried it, but that stuff might help Chase deal with his anxiety. Hey also, maybe you could try some soft classical music first, and then gradually work up to whatever you like to listen to. Good luck! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591796423/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00G575OO4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=01XSNB4RQKCMBKMTN9H1

i use a piece stella and chewy's freeze dried food, crushed up and sprinkled on top. my dogs love it.

I had the same issues with Connie. Bad poops and horrendous gas. I feel your pain. What eventually solved the problem was sweet potato/bison kibble, instead of fish or chicken based food. That has been just my experience. Everyone's suggestions above are good, too. I think it's just a trial and error thing....each dog is different of course. Keep going and don't give up hope.

so sorry about echo. every time i read about another pup having this, it breaks my heart all over again. also, thinking about matawan's parents...i know it's so hard to go through this. my thoughts are with you and you can get sympathy here any time!

Lola was scared of everything when I first got her. The drapes, the garbage, the furniture, the wind. You name it. If you walked into the same room with her, she would leave! She still gets freaked by things sometimes, but she is a different dog than she was before. She also was 5 yrs old when I adopted her. With the passage of time and a lot of patience, just like others have said, things will improve, and it will be very rewarding. What Greyt_dog_lover says makes a lot of sense! Give your new pup some time and love.

i put a tablespoon of good canned food in their kibble with some warm water. mix it up, and it makes a gravy. then if i've cooked something suitable for them at dinner time, i add a little of that, too. that's the way i've done it for all my dogs so far.

we all know how you feel! hoping she feels better and that it's not serious.

so sorry you lost brucie. i will check out the video for sure.

so sorry for your loss. osteo just sucks.

congrats! it will be fun and rewarding to watch his personality come out over the coming months. he is very handsome!

I agree, fostering or having a greyhound playdate is the way to go. Lola lost her sister this summer....I wasn't sure if she was lonely, or if it was just me having a hard time watching her eat and sleep alone. After a month or so, I gave it a try and it worked out. If it works for you, another hound gets a home! Good luck.

he is super cute.

Thinking of you and Desi...I hope he feels well enough to come home for his birthday.

I agree with the others. As long as you are there, and they smell familiar things, they adapt quickly.