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Mistysmom

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  1. Mistysmom
    It looks like a corn to me. Misty had several of them that would recur but could be treated. Many vets have not heard of them--it's kind of a special greyhound issue. I used corn pads for humans, re-enforced with duct tape to keep them on. The corn would come out after a few days. Some would grow back, others didn't. Good luck with your grey's corn!
  2. Mistysmom
    Misty had a dental cleaning at age 13 1/2 and was fine! I was really worried because of her age. Just make sure your vet is aware that greyhounds can be extra sensitive. She felt much better after the cleaning and I believe it helped her eat well and be healthier. Good luck with the cleaning!
  3. Mistysmom
    I hope one or all of the meds help Chester. Misty did well on gabapentin and prednisone for a while. You will know when it's not working--in the meantime it's worth a try. Also make sure he's not getting dehydrated--if they can't walk well they often don't drink as much as they should. Carry water to him, use pedialyte, chicken broth, or gatorade (not artificially sweetened). We got the Ruffwear harnesshttps://ruffwear.com/collections/harnesses/products/web-master-harness and it was a huge help for taking her out when she had the same kind of weakness in her spine. I don't know why they get that, and my vet couldn't really explain--she said a combination of old age and arthritis usually causes it, and sometimes it can be treated for a while. We lived with it with Misty until I knew that she wasn't enjoying life any more. I had a sense of peace knowing I had tried my best to keep her well, but also that I had made the right decision when the time came that she couldn't eat, walk, or be comfortable on her bed. Trust your gut! Best of luck with Chester and know that you are doing your best to take the best care of him.
  4. Mistysmom
    Hope your vet visit turns up some answers. My Misty starting urinating in the house when she got older. I think part of it is just age, but she did end up having several UTIs and a kidney infection. Some dogs are more susceptible to those than others. I would have him checked often, as they can get infections any time and they can spread to kidneys or other places. He may just need to go out a lot more than he used to, but it should be somewhat treatable. Good luck!
  5. Mistysmom
    Back before her face went grey, with her first love, Hunter. She is actually sleeping on his ear. Road trip buddy
  6. Mistysmom
  7. Mistysmom
  8. Mistysmom
    Misty had corns and they looked just like that. I used Dr.Scholl's corn pads (for people) and reinforced the little round band-aids that come with them with duct tape. Yes, I duct taped my dog's toes--as long as he doesn't chew them off and eat the pads it should be safe. It sounds like other issues too, but the corns can cause quite a lot of pain and limping. Best of luck--it sounds like you are taking good care of your boy.
  9. Mistysmom
    Thank you for your kind words and for the advice and support over the last month of Misty's life. It was comforting to talk to others who had been through or were going through the same thing. I miss her painfully but I feel good about her life and all the love and care she had. Her passing was peaceful and her life was amazing and beautiful. I could not ask for more.
  10. Mistysmom
    You lost your Max the same day I said goodbye to my Misty...it's so hard to say goodbye and even when they have long lives, it never seems long enough. We are blessed to share our lives with such sweet souls. You lost your Max the same day I said goodbye to my Misty...it's so hard to say goodbye and even when they have long lives, it never seems long enough. We are blessed to share our lives with such sweet souls.
  11. Mistysmom
    I can tell from her pictures that she was just such a special girl. Now she is a true angel!
  12. Mistysmom
    What a beautifully written tribute! I just lost my Misty and I feel the same way. We feel so lost without them, but we can feel good that they had such wonderful lives. Luka sounds like a special dog who touched many people. I always called Misty my "ambassadog" for being such an inspiring representative of the breed and charming so many people. They are all special, but some are "especially special."
  13. Mistysmom
    Thank you everyone. I miss her painfully but I feel good about her long and happy life.
  14. Mistysmom
    Thank you
  15. Mistysmom
    I'm sorry to have to write this...on Thursday, January 11 we had to say goodbye to our sweet Misty dog. She tried so hard right up to the end...I think she wanted to eat and get up because she knew I wanted her to. By Wednesday she was not eating any more unless I spoon fed her and only drinking a little water or the pedialyte and chicken broth I fed her with an eyedropper. After a second seizure on Wednesday evening I called my vet, only to find she was in Florida! She felt terrible, but advised me to call the emergency vet. I desperately didn't want Misty's life to end with an hour in the car to a scary clinic full of strangers, probably with no hope. I only worried that she would suffer too much if I didn't. Thank God, she came out of the seizure and I got her through the night, most of it spent curled up with her on her bed. In the morning my husband and I agreed it was time. She couldn't walk on her own that morning for the first time and refused even water and chicken broth. We took her to our own vet clinic a few minutes away--Acton Veterinary Clinic in Acton, Maine--with a vet filling in for my regular one but all of our familiar vet techs who had cared for her through all of her previous illnesses. Everyone was wonderful.The end was very peaceful, with my husband and I cuddling her and telling her what a good dog she was. I felt all the stress and tension flow out of her body and mine as well, as we were so close we felt the same emotions many times. I was surprised by the serenity I felt. The hours before were worse, and then later the grief of knowing she was gone, but helping her pass on was an amazingly peaceful experience. I knew we had done all we could and that she was tired and ready to sleep. We were so lucky to have her! She had a long and wonderful life full of beach walks, travel, fun and love from friends and family. She loved car rides, running fast, her Airdog toy, chicken treats, her pashmina shawls, and her boyfriends--Hunter, Diego, Griffy, and her special pal Hayden. She found her way into many hearts with her sweet face and her queenly personality. We miss her so much! Moonlight Misty will be forever in our hearts.
  16. Mistysmom
    I'm sorry to have to write this...on Thursday, January 11 we had to say goodbye to our sweet Misty dog. She tried so hard right up to the end...I think she wanted to eat and get up because she knew I wanted her to. By Wednesday she was not eating any more unless I spoon fed her and only drinking a little water or the pedialyte and chicken broth I fed her with an eyedropper. After a second seizure on Wednesday evening I called my vet, only to find she was in Florida! She felt terrible, but advised me to call the emergency vet. I desperately didn't want Misty's life to end with an hour in the car to a scary clinic full of strangers, probably with no hope. I only worried that she would suffer too much if I didn't. Thank God, she came out of the seizure and I got her through the night, most of it spent curled up with her on her bed. In the morning my husband and I agreed it was time. She couldn't walk on her own that morning for the first time and refused even water and chicken broth. We took her to our own vet clinic a few minutes away--Acton Veterinary Clinic in Acton, Maine--with a vet filling in for my regular one but all of our familiar vet techs who had cared for her through all of her previous illnesses. Everyone was wonderful.The end was very peaceful, with my husband and I cuddling her and telling her what a good dog she was. I felt all the stress and tension flow out of her body and mine as well, as we were so close we felt the same emotions many times. I was surprised by the serenity I felt. The hours before were worse, and then later the grief of knowing she was gone, but helping her pass on was an amazingly peaceful experience. I knew we had done all we could and that she was tired and ready to sleep. We were so lucky to have her! She had a long and wonderful life full of beach walks, travel, fun and love from friends and family. She loved car rides, running fast, her Airdog toy, chicken treats, her pashmina shawls, and her boyfriends--Hunter, Diego, Griffy, and her special pal Hayden. She found her way into many hearts with her sweet face and her queenly personality. We miss her so much! Moonlight Misty will be forever in our hearts. Thank you to everyone for your advice and support through this past month.
  17. Mistysmom
    We are almost at the same point with Misty...I don't have a definitive cancer diagnosis but there is a spot on her lung in the xray. She has good days of feeling better and eating, and other days when she just rests. Gabapentin and prednisone seem to be working to keep her comfortable. She is just tired and not very strong. It's hard with all the ups and downs--better one day, then worse the next. But I'm grateful for the time I have left with her. She has become very cuddly.
  18. Mistysmom
    Misty had bald spots on her hind end and belly for over a year, but they did fill in eventually. I think it takes time for the skin to heal. Sounds like Milo is doing great!
  19. Mistysmom
    Sorry to have to report that Misty does not seem to be improving. She is comfortable and I think the prednisone and gabapentin are helping with that, but she is very weak and wobbly and not eating well. I'm so grateful that my friend takes care of her during the day and is so good to her. I spend a lot of time on Misty's bed just sitting with her and talking to her. My vet says I can bring her in for more tests anytime. I feel that more testing is just going to be more trauma for her and that as long as she is comfortable we will take care of her at home. If tests find cancer for sure, it will mean more meds and I don't know if it will improve her quality of life enough to be worth the stress to her. She still gets up from time to time and eats a little bit of yogurt or baby food, but mosty sleeps a lot. I'm just going day by day and enjoying cuddling with her.
  20. Mistysmom
    So sorry to hear this!!! What will you do? I hope you still have some time left with him... Good to know that it comes in a solution...I've had to stop giving her the dose for now because of further health issues. She had an "incident" last night that we think was possible vestibular disease. I hope it's nothing worse. After a good day in which she seemed to have improved a lot--eating well and walking almost normally--I woke at 2 a.m. to the sound of her thrashing around. She was rolling on her back, something she almost never does (especially at her age), flailing her legs, and panicking. I tried to help her get up, but she was completely disoriented and unable to stand. Her eyes were jerking back and forth repetitively (which is why I suspect vestibular, also because of her rolling) and she seemed to be unaware that I was there. I tried my best to support her, but she was crashing into the wall and bureau with her legs and head. It was horrifiying. My husband ran to help and we held her up while she vomited up what looked like her entire dinner. She did this twice, and also urinated on her bed (also unusual). I got her to lie on her bed and I covered her eyes with a scarf. After vomiting the second time, she calmed down and I was able to clean her up. She fell into a deep sleep and woke up about three hours later wanting to go out. She got up and walked almost normally and was able to get outside. She seems okay today and was walking better. I didn't feed her or give her meds at all until late afternoon after talking to my vet. I gave her just the prednisone with some famotidine. She ate a small amount late in the day and a little more just now. Such frustration after almost seeing her improve only to have another terrible experience. She seems okay now but it seems to change day to day. I just wish for some stability for a few days.
  21. Mistysmom
    I've had good luck with Misty on the flagyl, I/D and probiotic regimen for the past week after a bout of bloody diarrhea. I hope it works for Rusty! How old is he?
  22. Mistysmom
    Thank you Remolacha and Schnookums for sharing your experiences. Yes, the senior dog rollercoaster is a rough one. We don't know from one day to the next what to do or expect. Misty is still eating well and is enjoying the addition of homemade meatballs today. I did start the Vetmedin because I would be so upset if she had a heart attack after just beginning to recover! I have to grind it to a fine powder and mix it with her food because she refuses to eat the "chewable" pellets. She has her own definition of "chewable." I was excited to find a pet pharmacy where I could get the gabapentin in the lower dose (50 mg) that she does better on instead of starting my day cursing the brittle, powdery capsules that I was trying to divide in half and seal off with butter. Of course, if she detects any gabapentin powder in her food she will reject the whole dish. Possibly slightly spoiled doggie... There is a lot of dosing, switching medication and food, and early mornings and late nights of meds and emergency trips outside with these sweet seniors! Thank you for the food suggestions...I'm sure she will be sick of the I/D food soon and I will be shuffling again...all worth it for our sweet girl who has been so brave.
  23. Mistysmom
    Thank you! She is actually doing a little bit better. I got some more food from the vet. She is eating dog food again for the first time since Christmas. I'm mixing the California Natural with Hill's ID care chicken stew. I'm happy that she has an appetite and is enjoying her food again and pooping normally. The metronidazole (flagyl) seems to have stopped the diarrhea. I also gave her a little bit of cinnamon mixed with water in a dropper--a friend said that cinnamon stops diarrhea too. So I'm not sure if it was the medication, the cinnamon, or the food switch. She is a little stronger and able to walk outside a little better. Her back legs are still so weak...I don't understand why that happens to old dogs. She is sleeping more comfortably on her beds and is much perkier during the day. She has started to bark at visitors again and notice what we are eating and if she wants some of it! She was well enough so that I could go to work this week and leave her with my friend. I'm happy to be with her today for a snow day. Has anyone had any experience with the heart medication Vedmedin? My vet recommended it because of an elevated level of a heart enzyme, perhaps indicating congestive heart failure or possible side effect of the lung tumor. I started her on it before she got so sick, then I haven't continued it. I'm thinking about reintroducing it now that she's eating again.
  24. Mistysmom
    An update on Misty...her energy was so low just after Christmas that I almost gave up. Then, after the prednisone kicked in, she had a better three or four days of eating, having more energy and strength to go on walks, and seeming more comfortable. Then last night she had a terrible night of hourly diarrhea. We were up all night going out in the freezing wind. I called my vet in the morning (she gave me her personal cell phone number--she is an amazing vet) and she let me come in on her day off an pick up a probiotic powder ( Proplan Fortiflora) and some metronidazole. Poor girl is exhausted from last night and was still having bouts of loose stools all day. After eating a few spoonfuls of food with the probiotic and taking the new med, she seems more comfortable and is sleeping on her bed. I hate all the stress she is going through going out on these awful days of zero and below weather and wind. I wrap her up in coats but it's still too cold. I sometimes just put down a pad and have her go in the house, but she desperately wants to do it outside. I fed her a lot of baby food and chicken/oatmeal puree yesterday--maybe too much for her system. She was so hungry. Today I've only given her a little baby food, some chicken and oatmeal puree, and a few spoonfuls of yogurt. My vet gave me some easy to digest food but I haven't even tried it yet. Unsure if I should keep on with all the meds or not. Yesterday she was bright-eyed and alert...today she's exhausted again. So hard to know what to do. I'm supposed to go back to work on Tuesday but don't even know if I can leave her with my friend for the day.
  25. Mistysmom
    It's great to hear from other sweet senior owners! I forgot one good point you both made...the older dogs do need fewer vaccines, so that's one less stress on them. I also had good luck with the egg white supplement Movoflex, which I get through my vet. She was on it for two years and it made a difference in her mobility. She did long flights of stairs up until last year (when we moved away from the apartment with stairs) and was able to manage the seven steps up to our deck pretty well until recently. We have always done a lot of gentle walking, which I think helps a lot, and I think the daily stair climbs made her stronger. She is sleeping most of the time lately, but still able to get up for short walks. I feel bad that it's so cold out lately. She is a trooper! She ate a little better last night, which gave me a little hope for her lasting a little longer.
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