feemandvm

There have been a few single case reports where tumors have arisen at the site of a microchip... a cause/effect relationship was not definitively established, however. Even if there is a true "cause/effect" relationship, the risk would be so low that the benefits of chipping would far out weigh any perceived risk. I don't know of any oncologists who have recommended against microchipping as well.

I've been using Sentenel, but causes loose stool in my grey. I wanted to change to a topical and saw the ad on Promeris. I also use a tick collar I purchased from the vet $28.00. it seems to keep the ticks off. My hound loves trees and tall grasses.. I live in the southeast and need all the help with these critters that loves my baby. The "tick collar" is probably Preventic and is one of the best tick products on the market. Because the active ingredient is Amitraz I don't think I would likely pair that up with Promeris which also contains Amitraz. I would at least check with Ft Dodge to see if there are any compatibility issues first as I don't know off the top of my head.

You can contact any of the pharmaceutical companies to discuss rate of reactions of any drug on the market. You can find out what percentage of adverse events are reported per X doses and what types of events are reported. The incidence of adverse events wasn't determined by a study... it is just comparing the various rates of reactions. Here is the generic statement put out by Ft. Dodge: http://www.promeris.com/ProMeris_com_Response.pdf

This case shows why testing all healthy dogs really opens up Pandora's box. Aside from teh expense associated with the testing, there is a risk of false positive results at some labs and then there is the fact that a positive titer shows exposure to the organism only and not true infection. It is easy to just "treat" a positive titer but Imizol isn't a benign drug and can have significant side effects. We also know teh shots are painful and not fun for the dog. I wouldn't treat myself with Imizol unless I knew I needed it so why would I do this to my dog? Rescues would be MUCH better off doing complete bloodwork and urine analysis instead of doing TBD titers. If the bloodwork was abnormal, then pursuing TBD titers would make a lot more sense. As others have said... start with a titer at NCSU, if positive do a PCR and have your vet consult with the TBD doctors there. If titer is positive, PCR is negative nad bloodwork and exam are good... it is hard to argue that treatment is warranted.

Asking which diet is most palatable is sort of like asking which cola tastes best... it really is an individual thing. The nice thing about the Rx diets is that they are risk free... if your dog doesn't eat it you can take it back for a full refund. I'd try any of the diets your vet can order to find one she might like. Home cooking is a very reasonable option and a healthy one... just time consuming. Be sure to work with a nutritionist to form a diet similar in make-up to the prescription foods.

The reported levels of adverse reactions are no different than any of the topical products on the market (Advantix, Frontline, Revolution, etc.). The hype has been generated by 1 email that has been cross posted a LOT! That isn't to say that some dogs couldn't react to Promeris... there isn't a drug on the market that some dogs won't react to... but the drug isn't causing an "alarming" number of reactions. What is the big positive with Promeris? It will cause paralysis of the ticks mouthparts within 2 hours and thus should PREVENT transmission of TBDs. Frontline cannot make that claim. I'd have to look at the kill time for Advantix to see if they could. What is the biggest negative with Promeris that I have personally seen? I think it smells TERRIBLE! I think it is a more effective product than Frontline or Advantix but it is also newer and thus we don't know about all of the possible side effects yet. So would I use it? I actually have on my own Greyhound b/c of the superior tick coverage but it smelled bad enough that my wife said we couldn't use it anymore. : )

Just read the following in a peer reviewed vet journal recently: "Storng evidence suports feeding a diet formulated to address the specific nutritional needs of animals with chronic kidney disease to dogs and cats with serum creatinine concentrations in excess of 2 mg/dl. Dietary therapy in dogs and cats slows porgression of chronic kidney disease and prevents or delays the onset of uremia and premature death due to complications of the disease. Renal diets have been shown to maintain or improve nutrition compared with maintenance diets. Patient and owner acceptance of diets used in these studies was excellent, perhaps in large part because of gradual diet introduction over several weeks. A common misconception is that renal diets are simply low-protein diets. Renal diets encompass a variety of modifications, including limited quantities of phosphorous and salt, enhanced levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and vitamin D, and a neutral pH effect. Indeed, the principal beneficial effects of these diets may not accrue from their low-protein content. Thus, simply replacing a renal diet with a standard manufactured diet that is lower in protein content is insufficient. Since inapporpriate diets can exacerbate clinical signs of uremia and promote progression of chronic kidney disease, cats and dogs with chronic kidney disease should be fed a renal diet." Obviously the "levels >2.0 should be taken in context when referring to Greyhounds as some Greys can have those levels and have normal kidney function! : )

I have never met a person that has had severe calculus and tartar on their teeth the way most dogs do when they are in for cleanings. The tartar you can see grossly with the naked eye is not the "worst" of it... although it contributes to dental disease it is the subgingival (under the gumline) tartar that really results in gingivitis, bone loss and periodontal disease. The tools used to clean under the gumline are very sharp so they can clean away the tartar and calculus but can be irritating. There is honestly no way to clean well and safely underneath hte gumline of an awake dog. So a dog that undergoes a "standing dental" will have a pearly white smile, meanwhile the tartar and calculus is left under the gumline to progress the periodontal disease and the bacteria causing it can continue to invade into the body as it is left untouched. The owner is lulled into a false sense of security b/c the teeth "look great". : ( This is one of those procedures that "sounds great" in theory but fails in practice. : ( There aren't any dental speicalists that recommend the procedure either which would raise red flags for me!

A new vet reference from 2007: Thyroid hormone concentrations in young, healthy, pretraining greyhounds Vet Rec. 2007 Nov; 161 (18): 616-619. RE Shiel, SF Brennan, AJ Omodo-Eluk, CT Mooney School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland Total thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations were below the non-breed-specific reference range in 42 of 46 healthy young greyhounds (91.3 per cent) and 16 (34.8 per cent) were at or below the limit of detection of the assay. Free T(4) concentrations were below the standard reference interval in 20.5 per cent of the animals and 13 per cent were at or below the limit of detection of the assay. In contrast, all the dogs' total tri-iodothyronine concentrations were within or above the non-breed-specific reference range and 67 per cent were within the upper half. All the dogs' thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations were within the non-breed-specific reference range. The results show that young greyhounds have markedly lower total and free T(4) concentrations than other breeds, and neither analyte can reliably be used to investigate the hypothyroidism in this breed as values were found below the limit of detection of each respective assay.

Bilirubin can be normal in dog's urine... this is NOT hte case for cats though. In an otherwise healthy dog, a mild increase in bilirubin in the urine is nothing to be concerned about. If you wanted to be safe, you could check some bloodwork and liver enzymes and if they are elevated, then work things up further.

I agree with others... don't get too worried yet but those are some marked elevations and are significant if repeatable. I'd recheck a sample (not complete bloodwork, just an electrolyte panel) and see if they are truly that high.

Was general bloodwork done? Was the albumin low? If she is losing protein in her urine then she may also be losing something called anti-thrombin III which helps to prevent the blood from clotting. If AT III is in too low of a level, it predisposes the dog to throwing a clot. Treatment options are as follows: 1. Start anti-coagulant therapy to prevent additional clots. Options include: heparin, aspirin, warfarin, clopridogel 2. Treatment to break up the current clot: streptokinase/urokinase/tissue plasminogen activator. This treatment is not without significant risk. There is little research on these drugs in dogs and reperfusion injury is a signficant risk. 3. Surgical removal of the clot: likely going to be very invassive and may not even be possible. 4. Treat the underlying cause: kidney disease, heart disease, etc. The size of the clot really dictates prognosis. I referred one of these down to OSU but the clot was smaller and only intermittently would block the blood flow. I graduated from OSU but do not currently work there. Just didn't want anyone to get confused.

If there are no symptoms I would NOT start meds UNLESS you had both a low free T4 by dialysis, a low total T4 AND a high TSH. Low free T4 and low total T4 and a normal TSH I would NOT treat unless signs were present. There are a LOT of greyhounds that are on thyroid supplementation for years that have never needed it a day in their life. Share this with your vet: Thyroid Function Testing in Greyhounds Sm Anim Clin Endocrinol 12[1]:4 Jan-Apr'02 Review Article 0 Refs C.B. Chastain, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM (Editor) & Dave Panciera, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM (Assoc. Editor) Sm An Clin Endo Gaughan KR, Bruyette DS.; Am J Vet Res 2001; 62:1130-1133 BACKGROUND: Thyroid function tests are frequently evaluated in greyhounds because of alopecia, infertility, and poor race performance. In most cases, hypothyroidism is not present, despite the finding of decreased serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations. Sight hounds, including greyhounds and Scottish deerhounds are known to have serum T4 concentrations lower than other breeds of dogs. This can result in an erroneous diagnosis of hypothyroidism. SUMMARY: Basal serum T4, free T4 (fT4), and the serum T4 and fT4 response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) administration were evaluated in a group of healthy pet dogs and in two groups of healthy greyhounds. All pet dogs and 56 greyhounds had serum T4 and fT4 response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration evaluated. Serum concentration of endogenous canine TSH (cTSH) was measured in 18 pet dogs and 87 greyhounds. The pet dog group consisted of 19 dogs of various breeds (no greyhounds), with a mean age of 5.2 years. One group of greyhounds consisted of 37 female dogs with a mean age of 1.4 years that were actively racing and currently receiving testosterone for suppression of estrus. The second group of greyhounds consisted of 61 dogs with a mean age of 4.9 years that were not receiving testosterone. Greyhounds receiving testosterone were significantly younger than those not receiving testosterone and pet dogs. Of the greyhounds not receiving testosterone, none of the females (n = 35) were racing, while 10 of the 26 males were actively racing. No dog had received thyroid supplementation, glucocorticoids, or anabolic steroids with the exception of testosterone within 3 months of study. The mean basal serum T4 concentration was significantly lower in the greyhound groups than in the pet dog group. The mean basal serum fT4 concentration was significantly lower in the greyhound groups than in the pet dog group. The mean serum T4 response to TSH was significantly greater in pet dogs than in greyhounds either receiving testosterone or not. Greyhounds receiving testosterone had significantly higher serum T4 concentrations post-TSH than greyhounds not receiving testosterone. While there was no difference between the mean serum fT4 concentration after TSH administration in pet dogs and greyhounds receiving testosterone, the fT4 concentration in greyhounds not treated with testosterone was significantly less than the other groups. The mean serum T4 concentration in response to TRH administration was significantly lower in both groups of greyhounds than in pet dogs. The mean serum fT4 concentration after TRH administration was significantly lower in greyhounds not receiving testosterone than in greyhounds treated with testosterone or pet dogs. Mean serum cTSH concentrations were not significantly different between any of the three groups. The reference ranges for all greyhounds were established as basal concentrations of T4, fT4, and cTSH were 2.1 to 37 nmol/L, 1.3 to 32.2 pmol/L, and 0.03 to 1.3 ng/ml, respectively. The authors concluded that greyhounds have a lower reference range for serum T4 and fT4 concentrations than that of other breeds. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study shows that serum T4 and fT4 concentrations in greyhounds are considerably lower than in non-greyhound dogs and clearly demonstrates the difficulty in diagnosing hypothyroidism in this breed. The lower limit of the reference range for T4 and fT4 concentrations in greyhounds is near the lower sensitivity of the assays. Therefore, it may be impossible to establish a diagnosis of hypothyroidism based solely on these hormones. Because the serum TSH concentration was similar to that of other breeds, an elevated cTSH combined with T4 and fT4 concentrations at the low end of the reference range combined with appropriate clinical signs is necessary to diagnose hypothyroidism in greyhounds. Dynamic testing using TSH or TRH stimulation testing may also be useful, but less practical. Testing when appropriate clinical signs are present is of particular importance in greyhounds. Caudal thigh alopecia, common in greyhounds, is not caused by hypothyroidism, and infertility is likely to be only infrequently caused by hypothyroidism in female dogs. Exogenous testosterone used to suppress the estrous cycle does not appear to alter basal serum concentrations of T4, fT4, or c-TSH, but responses to TSH or TRH stimulation may be increased by testosterone administration. Thyroid function testing in Greyhounds. Am J Vet Res 62[7]:1130-3 2001 Jul Gaughan KR, Bruyette DS OBJECTIVE: To evaluate thyroid function in healthy Greyhounds, compared with healthy non-Greyhound pet dogs, and to establish appropriate reference range values for Greyhounds. ANIMALS: 98 clinically normal Greyhounds and 19 clinically normal non-Greyhounds. PROCEDURES: Greyhounds were in 2 groups as follows: those receiving testosterone for estrus suppression (T-group Greyhounds) and those not receiving estrus suppressive medication (NT-group Greyhounds). Serum thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations were determined before and after administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH). Basal serum canine thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH) concentrations were determined on available stored sera. RESULTS: Basal serum T4 and fT4 concentrations were significantly lower in Greyhounds than in non-Greyhounds. Serum T4 concentrations after TSH and TRH administration were significantly lower in Greyhounds than in non-Greyhounds. Serum fT4 concentrations after TSH and TRH administration were significantly lower in NT-group than T-group Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds. Mean cTSH concentrations were not different between Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Previously established canine reference range values for basal serum T4 and fT4 may not be appropriate for use in Greyhounds. Greyhound-specific reference range values for basal serum T4 and fT4 concentrations should be applied when evaluating thyroid function in Greyhounds. Basal cTSH concentrations in Greyhounds are similar to non-Greyhound pet dogs.

He tore the nail... you'll likely need to get that cut off os it doesn't hurt. Watch the other nails closely... sometimes things like SLO can start this way but random bad luck and trauma is far and away hte most common cause.

The majority of dogs (95%) that test positive for Lyme disease will never be sick a single day in their lives. This is a MARKED difference from humans where about 90% of humans WILL get sick!!! Treatment is only recommended for animals that are showing signs of Lyme disease. A baseline C6 titer should be done as well as a follow-up 6 months after treatment. Successful treatment in theory should show a drop in C6 titers.

Definitely a vet check. Even if the fecal is negative you should ask for a trial dewormer like Panacur!

As others have told you... you need a urine protein creatinine ratio done!!! If the level is <1 then the protein noted in the urine sample was a false positive. If the level is >1 then you have to be concerned for glomerulonephritis.

Did you mean to say Rimadyl OR Metacam. You are not using both together right?

I've never had to use more than 0.8mg twice daily on a dog. I agree with your vet in backing him down.

I guess the first thing we need to know is if the dog's clotting ability is affected. I read somewhere that "it wasn't that he couldn't clot, it was that he was losing blood faster than we could replace it." I guess I'm failing to understand what that means. A dog shouldn't require multiple transfusions following a liver biopsy if they are clotting normally. A small amount of bleeding is normal but it should clot and stop and not result in the need for transfusions. If his clotting times PT/APTT are prolonged which can happen with liver disease then that needs to be addressed. A clotting panel is often pursued before the liver biopsy is even done because some patients with liver disease can have affected clotting. If his clotting times were normal, then I would probably test him for von Willebrand's disease but would treat him like a Greyhound bleeder. I think there have been several posts about aminocaproic acid (ACA). Also what were his platelet counts both pre-biopsy and how far did they drop post-biopsy? I would probably contact OSU if he were my patient before starting Prednisone, pentoxyfilline, dapsone, imuran, etc. I've been lucky (knock on wood) to not have to deal with this problem very commonly. I did have a Greyhound recently that had severe bruising and swelling after a simple blood draw but that resolved with simple rest.

Is the laceration occurring around a joint on the toe? I've seen this happen where the joint luxates and this pressure actually creates a laceration (the last one I saw occurred on the lateral aspect of the toe on the outside of the foot). The best treatment option for these cases generally is amputation b/c that is a tough joint to stabilize surgically. This may not be what is going on here... hard to say but may be worth running past your vet since they have seen your GH.

Diane and I disagree on platelet counts. I'm not aware of any experts that believe that <150,000 platelet counts are abnormal in a Greyhound. You can share this with your vet which should provide the answer to "How do I know where you're getting these numbers from and are they accurate??" (your vet should have access to the whole paper): Platelet concentration and hemoglobin function in Greyhounds J Am Vet Med Assoc 205[6]:838-841 Sep 15'94 Clinical Study 16 Refs *Patrick S. Sullivan, DVM, PhD; Heather L. Evans, DVM; T. P. McDonald, PhD *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS, 1600 Clifton Rd. Mailstop E-47. Atlanta. GA 30333. Hematologic characteristics of 36 Greyhounds were studied and compared with characteristics of 22 non-Greyhound controls. Fourteen of the Greyhounds were tested and found to be seronegative for Ehrlichia canis and Babesia canis. Compared with the non-Greyhounds, Greyhounds had higher mean hemoglobin concentration, PCV, mean corpuscular volume, and mean cellular hemoglobin, and lower mean RBC count, hemoglobin P50 value, Hill coefficient, platelet count, and total plasma protein concentration. The lower mean hemoglobin P50 value in Greyhounds suggested that the higher mean hemoglobin concentration and PCV were not solely a result of selective breeding for superior racing abilities, but that Greyhound hemoglobin may have a greater affinity for oxygen than does the hemoglobin of non-Greyhounds. If you read the results section in teh actual paper (not the abstract above) then you will find that all of the Greyhounds were tested and were negative for E. canis and B. canis and 19/36 Greyhounds tested had platelet counts ranging from 80,000-147,500. So 53% of these NORMAL Greyhounds had platelet counts less than 150,000. For me personally... I'll do a TBD titer IF the count is <100,000 but will tell the owner it can be normal down to 80,000. Make sure there are no "clumped platelets" as this will artificially lower the true platelet count. A dropping platelet count as someone else noted would be cause for concern as well.

Very few vets carry Dantrolene in the clinic so I'm betting it wasn't used.... although it can't hurt to ask. Here is something to remember... TRUE MH happens with EVERY anesthetic episode... so if you got a LIVE spayed/neutered Greyhound and the resuce didn't say "NEVER ANESTHETIZE THIS GREYHOUND AGAIN" then your dog doesn't have MH. In true MH everytime the dog receives gas anesthesia they will react and will probably die unless they receive Dantrolene. There is no "keeping them cool until we can get them off gas". They get Dantrolene and get off gas IMMEDIATELY or they die. Even with Dantrolene and getting off the gas they can die. I have seen some hounds develop fevers before anesthesia is induced... sometimes even before receiving premedications! This is NOT MH. It is hard to say if it is a nervous reaction or what but I have seen it personally clinically and talked to others that have as well. Dogs can die of non-malignant hyperthermia if not treated aggressively. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about this topic. A lot of vets call episodes of hyperthermia "MH" because they've never seen it before and dont' have another explanation. As I said... if you got your hound already spayed/neutered then the odds are that they do NOT have MH.

I'd get the urine checked now. You'll primarily want ot look at 2 things: 1. Protein in hte urine. If the protein level is high, you may need a "urine protein:creatinine ratio" done to quantify the amount of protein. 2. The urine specific gravity. If the urine is concentrating well... the mild elevations noted in BUN and creatinine are normal.

Just saw the following link: http://www.veterinarytherapeutics.com/ME2/...7DADF3074CF87B3 I'm going to do some training in stem cell therapy sometime in the next few weeks so I'll try to log back in and let you know what I think after hearing more about it.