XTRAWLD

Like keeping a baby sock on thread: hot glue, duct tape, thumb tacks..... I often wonder if the metal "cage" type would be more difficult for a dog that is used to plastic ones, or vise versa. What about a gentle leader or something similar? Just thinkin'. Little buggers huh?

It's been only 2 and a bit years for me, and only now am I able to smile and laugh at some memories. I think it takes time to try to recall the fun and happy stories, but I think it's harder still to try to suppress them. Thank you for the story.

Lots. In fact, search "Seamie's List" - prepared by Fire Rooooooers.

It is common in greyhounds actually. Mine has a stage 3 and has been living with it for many years now. An echo will tell you more than an ultrasound would. Keep in mind though it's not a death sentence. Should be moved to Health and Medical part of the forum though.

Concur 100% There are lots of things that you can offer that could encourage eating, but at 12.5 you should be a very very proud momma!

New plant in the house, did they get into your vitamins or pills, when was their last trip to the dog park, what contact did they have with other dogs period, eat a mouse that was poisoned? Just throwing things out there. You might never know, but a good antibiotic is a good start. For what it's worth, lepto loves water, wouldn't necessarily wash away.

It makes sense to rule out as much as you can for sure, I was convinced mine didn't have it, and he even tested negative for it (although he did have a trace because he was vaccinated for it a year prior.) We were out of options though, so my vet sided with trying to treat and target Lepto specifically with a very general and well rounded antibiotic (2 actually) and after that things got better. Will never be certain if it was Lepto or not. If your vet is willing to work with you, I'd suggest getting them on a different antibiotic for a longer period of time. As an aside, how are their teeth? Dental health can also play havoc with not only appetite but also with liver values. I think it's more important to get them to eat, than it is to get a supplement (that does about a week to start yielding results too but will be more responsive if the offending issue is gone out of the system first). I assume you've also been giving that on an empty stomach for better absorption? I'd stop the denamarin and see what happens. Lastly, be sure your vet understands that blood values for greyhounds differ from normal pups. What might be considered high or low might be completely normal for your dogs.

Without fail, every time I gave Denamarin when my boy was sick, he went off his food within days of starting. I had a 2 week break and he started eating again, added the Denamarin and 2 days later, nope, no interest in food. I know it sounds counter-intuitive because you need to help the liver, but it might not be helping the appetite. Sometimes we never really narrow down the cause of why they get sick, but continue a course of antibiotics that has a general overall range. While Amoxicillin is good, I'm not sure it's the right antibiotic because you don't know what you are fighting. It is extremely odd that both your pups are sick. Have they been tested for Lepto? One quick lick of infected urine from a wild animal is all it takes.

Soaking in epsom salts is the best way. A tall yogurt container or something similar with some warm water and epsom salts and have him stand in that if he tolerates it in that manner. Do this a couple times a day and it would help draw it out. I took out something really weird from the paw this way. You might have to help it along after a couple days of soaking. Even if it is just a cut, this will help him heal too. Good luck!

Certainly if she was a motivated food hound before, and is now turning up her nose at the simplest thing, it's a big flag. You'll do what's best I'm sure.

I'd say it is. They are sensitive emotionally and physically, but I think they also have an incredible pulse on their own metabolism. They are easily able to keep themselves in weight check (ok, most of them). I find when my guys don't eat, it's either they simply are not hungry (maybe I haven't been exercising them enough - that happens to people plenty) or there are other environmental factors at play - it's crappy weather outside, they get bored, etc. Keep an eye on it and monitor IMO. They can pick up and drop weight rapidly. A simple change in the amount fed can change results in short order.

Any lip licking? Lots of swallowing? Could it be a lot of acid reflux?

Have a great time poking around here. Greyhounds will be different than any dog you may have had before, and until you've had one, it's very difficult to explain. I often say, they are not dogs, more like some weird aliens, or closer to cats! Very very sensitive souls. There are of course lots of pros and cons so continue your research. If you want a cuddle bug, a few greys have this personality but not all and it takes a while for them to acclimate to your home. My boys also have never played like other dogs i.e. no fetch or roughhousing. However mine are very well behaved and a rather low maintenance. Perfect for my lifestyle. If you are able, try to visit someone that has a few greyhounds in their house just to get an idea of what they are like in person. A local adoption group might be able to point you in the right direction. You'll see so many different personalities in one short visit.

Ha!! Eating anxiety!

My first thought is how are her teeth? Were any values in her blood off - liver, kidneys? Does she have a temperature? She could be fighting a mild infection somewhere, possibly in her mouth, that is causing her discomfort and causing her to turn off her food. Is she usually a food motivated hound? You say you've changed her food three times, and that could actually be a culprit for why her stomach might be upset. Our fur kids have really sensitive systems so introductions of foods should be rather gradual. Pepcid is a good idea, but I am not familiar with the meds she is on. Try some broth and some rice for a few days, add some cooked chicken. There is a great slew of things to try to feed your hound and get them to eat, but the important thing as you've likely realized is trying to get to the root of the problem to resolve it. How is her attitude other than not eating? Is she lethargic or still happy and playful and want to go for walks? This is heartbreaking, however not every dog that stops eating has a terminal issue. Certainly, it could be a cause, but there are lots of other causes for why a dog might not want to eat.

Boy, she had a lot of fun in that video. It's never long enough, but she found a greyt place to spend the rest of her time.

I tried arnica once, never again. Caused my boy to throw up severely. Arnica if I recall correctly is more for acute trauma than for arthritis. Others swear by it but I am now gun-shy to use it. Agreed you should consider a new topic for this.

You got a permanent pimple on your butt now. Make that 2!

Nah, elastic bands.....you can find those pretty readily I'd have to search the house quite a bit for a thumb tack, and I don't even think I have a glue gun....

Anyone near Lexington, Kentucky this summer that wants to watch a red, quiet, 10 year old senior for a day? Please PM me.

She's home, and that's wonderful. Have some naps! They are great things.

Thank you all. I did notice the protein level, but agreed, I figure since it's mainly used as a treat, it should be ok. He had some last night and none the worse for wear nearly 24 hours in. Begs the question though that if high protein kibble such as this is "too much" then why manufacture one like this? Because they can? There has to be a market for it? Doesn't protein have a max % count?

Audible sigh. Well at least you have answers....it's better than not knowing I suppose. Thank you for the update - I was just going to post to ask. Getting her home and comfy will be perfect. She needs her pack.

Yes, I understood that it was in the yard....I was simply referring to a very similar behaviour out on walks. Statuing happens everywhere, most typically outside. Ryder can't redirect when a truck goes by either.....I have however been successful treating him more like a horse - you start him up in a circle to get him going.....and usually walk into another direction. If you can gently guide her into a circle into the direction of where she came, she might get moving. Have you tried leashing her to be with you in the house so she can't run from the sound? Tether her to your waist.....I think that's what some folks do for spooks, but again you'll have to wait for them to respond. Stay tuned....their suggestions are often invaluable. You can also try to search the forum for spook, fear etc and peruse existing threads for some ideas.

I suggest a bedtime snack. Also perhaps offer him something filling that isn't a meal. Someone suggested the Olewo carrots (which commonly help with D) - I use the beets which I understand to expand and fill while requiring very little of it to be fed. I guess the same could be said for any dehydrated veg though. Have you tried feeding some carbs at dinner? Or cutting some of his food with it? I often add rice or pasta to Ryder's meals. Curious, how much exercise is he getting? Maybe he's not getting enough caloric intake for the amount of energy he's expending? Just thinking outloud....