LadyBailey

He did but he was switched to Carbo at the end of Jan - he had two treatments with carbo. they detected a heart murmur and also a mass at the base of his heart back in december... they don't know yet if the mass has grown and is causing this or if it's something else.

Carrier appeared to be really out of it and had a strange episode like a seizure - falling down and bracing himself, but not convulsing. I rushed him off to the vet and they told us that he was stable at the moment and to just keep an eye on him. Later in the evening he another episode and then completed fell over on his side when he tried to stand. We called the emergency and were able to get in touch with Dr Hosoya at OSU, but he stabilized after that so we decided to just monitor him through the night as going to the emerg vet in out town was not the best place and we worried that taking him there might be worse. he is showing signs of arrhythmia (sp?) according to OSU and our local vet and had a very hard night last night from 5am onwards. He had his breakfast without problem and was able to go out and do his pee and poop. And then had another 2 episodes. His gums and tongue went blue and returned to red in about 10 second. We were getting ready to go to OSU as our local vet couldn't get and heart test until tomorrow so we figured might as well go to the best place and get all the right answers at once. Just as we were ready to get him in the car, he collapsed and Tim held him in his arms and felt his heart stop for about 20 seconds. We called our local vet and said that were going to rush him over - they had just at that time got us on an emergency appointment at the Vet Emergency Clinic about 45 minutes from us. We stabilized him and drove as fast as possible to get him there before another episode happened. We are sitting in a pub up the road from the clinic waiting for his results as they were going to take over 2 hours. They are doing blood work, ultrasound, echo (ecg) and an ekg is in the works right now. We were able to see him before we left and he was stable and did lift his head for us when we came in to see him. The critical care vet is actually a vet from OSU - her best friend is head of one of the departments at OSU, so I know that he is in good hands and they are also consulting with OSU. We are scared. Please say a prayer for Carrier he needs them. I will let you know once we come back home - not sure if he is coming with us or not as of yet.

Since she is younger and sounds fairly active and the weather being cold and crappy - it very well may be just an injury. But it's best to have the xrays - it's going to be whatever is it and it's always best to know as soon as possible so you have more options. Sending prayers for Bess.

She's so pretty! And I am so glad that she doesn't have to go to the vet for a month

sending hugs and prayers to Heath and you

Carrier Update Jan 30 I am a day early... but I am so excited that I am going to say it anyway .... IT' BEEN THREE MONTHS!!! since Carrier had his surgery and he continues to do well. As you know he enjoys his long walks on the trails so I have been taking every opportunity to take him and the others. And I am pleased to say that Carrier has hit another milestone in this journey... he has turned his one hour walks into 45 minute runs. mama mia - I am on the verge of a heart attack and he's barely panting. We had a really nice warm day on Monday, +5 so they didn't even need their coats, so off we went to Pinehurst. Carrier ran the entire way. I got this photo of him while I was catching my breath. Look closely on the ground and you will see a snow angel right behind Carrier... I know that he has many angels watching down on him...

I am so sorry. Run free sweet Jazzy.

I am so so sorry. It breaks my heart to read another sweet grey taken by this awful monster. Run free sweet Chance. I am sure you have found the table of pizza - enjoy and watch down on your family.

Carrier Update Jan 25 Carrier had his 5th chemo (2nd Carbo) treatment on Wednesday. His white blood count was low, which was to be expected but his red blood count was really low. Which is a little concerning, but both Dr Couto and Dr Hosoya said not to worry about it right now, since overall clinically he is doing really well. He was put on Bactrim, an antibiotic, to combat any infection since his WBC is low. Dr Couto was on clinic duty so he gave Carrier his exam and had a good look at him. He was really pleased with how he was doing and noted that Carrier seemed a lot calmer and really comfortable. Dr Couto has such a gift when it comes to making you feel absolutely calm about something so scary like cancer. We reviewed the latest finding of the mass in his heart base and Dr Couto told us not to worry about because his guess is that he has had that for some time and it's really not doing anything to him right now - so let's not dwell on it. Carrier is going to have another echo next visit, so we can think about it then. Julia the vet student that cared for Carrier during his surgery also came by to say hello - it was nice to see her again... I am sure Carrier enjoyed his visit with her too:) His appointment was fairly quick and Dr Couto was able to get him done and out the door by 10:15am, so off we went and made it back at 4:15pm. He was fairly tired when we came home and slept the night away. He was a little nausea throughout the night, so I stayed with him and gave him metoclopramid - which helped. On Thurs. morning he didn't want to get out of bed for a pee or to eat. I took him temp and it was 102.7. Which made me nervous because I didn't know if it was a reaction to the Bactrim or the Carbo. The side effects of the Bactrim is really scary and that was something I did ask about before we left OSU. Dr Hosoya felt that he was still okay, as long as he didn't go over 103.5. Carrier decided around 11 that he was hungry and needed to empty his bladder - so that was a good sign because he get out and managed to eat his breakie. I monitored his temp through the day and last night he was down to 101.7. He went for an adjustment this morning - reluctantly - but in the end felt good. He is sleeping comfortably since we got back. He had a few ribs out of place and I noticed his chest muscles trembling over the last few days, so I figured that his neck was out of whack too - which it was. He showed the chiro his grumpy face (lip curled - teeth showing) when she straightened his neck out, but happily took a treat after that . I have been giving him half hour massages every day, but he desperately needed the adjustment. I have also switched his food to Orijen - all four are on this now - and they all really like it. He is doing really well, but like the others, he is getting cabin fever - it's been so cold here, so walking is not a pleasure. I hope this weekend things warm up because he and the others need a walk.

Just catching up on sweet Darcy - glad to hear that she is starting to eat a little more. I found that plain white bread helped with Carrier's appetite - almost like it would coat his tummy and decrease his nausea which would allow him to eat his full meal. Hugs.

Carrier Update Jan 22 Carrier continues to do well... extremely well actually. I would say that he is 100% back to his normal self. Although, I think there is a happy drug in that chemo or something....he plays so much more than he ever has, runs like the wind and doesn't sleep as much as he would in the past. It's amazing. His zest for life is definitely there. He is very interested in everything we do and and is always in the middle of things... whether it be while we are bringing in groceries, cooking in the kitchen or just hanging out. Carrier use to be a fairly independent dog - he would sleep in another room as the rest of us would be together. We always invited him to join us, but he was quite happy sleeping alone - but now, he sleeps as close to us as possible when we are all sitting in front of the fire watching tv or just hanging out. His affection has sky rocketed and he is always loving on us. It's so wonderful to see him happy and enjoying life. We knew that we were "buying time" when we amputated and we would be lucky if it was quality time... I am confident that we are giving him that quality time. We are off to OSU tonight for his 5th chemo treatment. One more after that and then we hold our breathe. Tim and I are going together, so I don't have to manage Carrier, the weather and the roads alone. Please send good thoughts for a good day tomorrow for Carrier. I will let you know how we do when we return. eva

Carrier had these and massage seems to work for him. I wouldn't knead the muscles but cup them and apply pressure, so I wasn't moving everything around. Give that a try and if it's working it should help within 10 minutes or so.

Wonderful news! I look forward to tomorrow's update. Sleep well.

Carrier Update Jan 16 I can't believe that only three months ago I was posting his diagnosis... how far we have come in those three months. I have also just read all 13 pages of the original topic "Carrier's Diagnosis" and I want to thank you all again for all your support, kinda words, advice and most of all prayers. All of you have helped us though this. I don't know what it is with Greyhound people, but we are special... if I don't say so myself ... must be because our dogs are special As we have gone through this journey we have noticed things that Carrier can do the same on three legs as he did on four, but we also took note of things he couldn't really do with three legs. These things included: #1 digging a big hole with his front paws to make sure he pees on a fresh patch of grass/dirt #2 holding a chew bone in his front paws and #3 trancing. Carrier was a master trancer and so smooth going round and round the palm plant - every leaf caressing his back. With his front leg missing, that grace was missing. The other day I was contemplating going out and buying a feather so I could simulate a trance, but that felt and sounded kinda weird to me But.... I am please to announce that he has scratched off 2 of these items from the list!!!! #1 the little bugger can dig just like before.... with one front leg he manages to dig a nice hole to pee in. How nice for Carrier... not so nice for the yard He comes in with chucks of grass in his toes. It will be nice to have snow again. And #2 ....This is huge.... for the first time in months... probably 4 months, HE TRANCED! :yay He just shoved his head in the plant and moved back and forth - completely enjoying it. As for #3.. we are still working on this, but for now I am the designated "bone holder" for him. The BEAR IS BACK! (bear is his nickname )

Dearest Winslow, I write to you from the comfort of my double decker bed after giving Lambie a good shake and leading a roo. It's wonderful to hear that you are doing so well and get prepared for your birthday celebrations. Your mummy has given my mummy lots of valuable information. She is always telling me how good you are and I was really happy to hear the latest news. I hope my body will be as good as yours. Until next time my friend, Carrier

Sending prayers.

Prayers for an uneventful vet visit on Monday.

Every dog is going to be different - I have heard of dogs taking weeks to even get out of the hospital- that is not the norm, but you should know that this can happen. And then there are dogs like Carrier that bounced back immediately. Carrier had no issues walking right from the beginning, so that was one less thing to worry about when leaving him at home. I am not working right now, so I have been home with him since the beginning of October. If you can, I would take that whole week off and play it by ear near the end of the week... if he's doing well go to work and save those days for when he really needs you. If he is alone, maybe baby gate him in one room or area of the house, so he can't run around and potentially fall. I didn't leave him alone until his stitches were taken out which I think was two weeks afterwards. Then I started with short outings throughout the day and now he back to a normal schedule and we can leave him like normal.

Carrier Update Jan 11 please ignore the quality of the walk pics - they are from my phone Went for another walk today at Pinehurst and we did the green trail. All the trails are colour coded - yellow, green, red. Green seems to actually be the hardest because it's the most hilly, while red is just the furthest and of course yellow is easy peasy. Here is a pic of one of the hills on the green trail. Here he comes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And here he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah :yay He is in really good spirits these last few days - playing, eating like crazy, jumping for his dinner as I prepare it and very affectionate. I love him. :wub

I cried when Carrier was diagnosed, and I cried when when we were staging it, but once I knew that we were amputating, I had a funny calm come over me. I did tear the morning when I dropped him for his surgery, probably because it really hit home that this was happening. Here are some things that I found really helped when Carrier came home: • Have his regular food on hand (if he eats it, great because that is one less change in his life for now) but also have alternatives, especially soft food a variety of flavours. Baby food was also something Carrier ate - plain chicken was his favourite. • If you have hard wood or ceramic floors, make sure you have runners or area rugs down him. He will slip otherwise. • Sleep with him in the same room so you can monitor him and be near if he needs you. We slept with Carrier for two weeks on the living room floor. • sleep with a night light. we do now and it was a while until we started using one, but I think Carrier finds comfort in it. • Have water bowls in various rooms that he is in. In the beginning they don't have the strength to walk all over the place, so for example, if you are going to set up camp in the living room, make sure that there is a bowl of water for him there. This will also encourage him to drink and get up and walk for shorter periods. • Try to have him do his pee and poo before he eats. Unfortunately, our normal routine was eat and then go out to do the pees and poops. This really upset Carrier because he had a full tummy and then he was bouncing all over the place going to the bathroom... major indigestion. • Allow him to eat in the comfort of his bed if he doesn't want to get up. But make sure he doesn't eat too fast because when they choke it's tough for them to get the kibble out while sitting down. I hand fed Carrier for a long time - one because he wasn't eating, but also because when he did eat, he would hover and then choke. He has remembered how to eat properly now... on his own and standing. You can also feed smaller portions throughout the day. Carrier ate half of his food in the early morning and then the rest in the late morning and the same for dinner... but he is back to normal now with his schedule. • Sleep when he sleeps. I don't know if you are working or able to be home with him, but it's impossible to stock up on sleep before they get home, so I made sure to take advantage of these times and catch some zzz's while he is. • During the first week of recovery Carrier had muscle spams around the amputation area - he was shaking so hard that I thought he was having a seizure or something. I quickly learned from Circle of Grey and also a phone call with Dr Couto that his muscles were adjusting and this was normal. Light massage and comfort with his CoG healing blanket helped him through that. • This one is probably the hardest, but don't panic or jump at everything they do or don't do. I was an expert at this - the panic part, not the calm part... but I quickly learned to read Carrier and not jump at every movement he did. They figure it out... sometimes they just need to burp or stretch... now I watch him before I jump to see what he needs/wants. • Ask questions no matter what they are. There are so many people (unfortunately ) on GT and CoG that have great experience and putting your mind at ease can be as simple as a quick email. Good luck... it's hard but they do remarkably well. You are surrounded by people who care about you and Dempsey - you are not alone. edit to add - read Darcy, Winslows and Carriers progress treads. They are detailed and can give you an indication of what to expect.

It's seems that every few days here on GT someone is either posting about their dog limping or have received the dreaded diagnosis of cancer. It sucks. As you know our Carrier is battling this cruel disease and I would say that he is doing quite well . However, the reason for this topic is because I wanted to share with you what we noticed with him in the beginning in the hopes of others catching this earlier than we did. We are fortunate that by the time he was diagnosed, the cancer hadn't spread to the rest of his body - at least we couldn't find it anywhere else. Here is the log that I kept over that time. It's a bit long and detailed, but I hope it helps you. I don't want to scare anyone in rushing to the vet for an xray, but I wish we took the xray sooner and went for a second opinion sooner. Hind sight is 20/20 I guess... I am just relieved that we weren't too late and still had options for him. We had so much trust in Vet #1, who is a certified chiropractor as well and she totally missed the diagnosis. When I read this log, I am angry with myself that we didn't get second opinions earlier but we were hopeful ...and I am also angry that I didn't come to GT for more advice on this, but I am sure that you would have pushed me for a second opinion sooner...but again, we were lucky (so far) that it hadn't spread. He was limping since August and wasn't diagnosed until Oct 15. That is a long time for the cancer to grow If there was any advice that I would give if your dog starts limping, is go and get the xrays if you can, right away and have them sent to OSU if your vet isn't 100% sure. The second opinion at OSU is free. The reality is if it's cancer, it's going to be there no matter what and the sooner you catch it the more options you have. When we got the second opinion, I was crying even before the xray was taken, because I knew it was cancer... it just kills me that Carrier had to wait for so long to be diagnosed. Praying for all the dogs and families that are going through this. --- Carrier's Log July - noticed a lump in the armpit. Vet aspirated it and it was all blood. A hematoma. But Carrier is not active enough to cause such an injury to his armpit - ie, falling on something or banging into something to cause such a hematoma, so it concerned me some. We were told not to worry about it and it went away after a few weeks. Ran a lot either on the July 31 or Aug 1 – not sure if this caused an injury or not, but worth mentioning. Friday August 3. Noticed muscle spams in chest - figured it was from the run he did a few days before Tuesday August 7 Went to vet for an adjustment – was dragging his front leg a bit and was fine after the adjustment Friday August 10. Noticed muscle spams in chest Saturday August 11 Started whining while standing and noticed muscle twitching / spasm. Sunday August 12 Was in pain – called Vet to see if we could have some metacam – he seemed to settle, so we decided not to get him any. Monday August 20 Urgent adjustment – started dragging front right leg and shoulder look right out of place Wednesday August 22 Started on Metacam and gave him valium Thursday August 23 He is now on valium and metacam and can’t walk on his own. Peeing is taking forever and once he does get up it takes him forever to sit down – over 40 minutes usually. Last night was not good – we had a wicked thunderstorm come through – that last 1.5 hours from 3:30 to 5:00 and he was trembling like crazy, which didn’t help the fact that he was already extremely tense and out of whack. Thursday Aug 23 Regular vet wasn’t available, so we got him in with an animal chiro that was recommend by our regular vet – by the time we got home, his shoulder had already popped it back out again. Saturday August 25 Appointment with vet – shoulder was out – she popped it back in. Recheck on Wednesday Tuesday August 28 Back to the vet as he was in a lot of pain – Dr XXX decided to take an xray – came back clean but his sterum was out of place. So because of the sternum it threw everything else off – his shoulder blade, joint and 4 ribs on that side Continue on codeine and valium and now on deramaxx ***NOTE - this xray was not clean - she told us it was, but in her notes, which were forwarded to the second opinion vet, noted lysis of the bone in that area. We only found this out in October. Wednesday Sept 5 Recheck appointment - Didn’t hold the adjustment. continue with current drugs Monday Sept 10 – first time to hold adjustment for more than 5 days... promising. Had last Deramaxx on Wednesday Sept 12 and no codein or valiuum since the 11th. Friday Sept 14 – Physiotheraphy and massage – very gentle massage and only range of motion while laying down was down. Enjoyed the massage and seemed comfortable afterwards. Was starting to slightly drag his foot again on Friday evening. Saturday Sept 15 – Started limping more prominently and noticed that the lump (hematoma) in his armpit was larger and easier to find/feel. Came home in the afternoon and his whole body was shaking - light massage wasn’t helping and if I caressed him gently his whole back end would stand up on end. Sunday Sept 16 Walking very slowly and limping hard – dragging foot and having trouble sitting down normally. But wasn’t panting or crying. Monday Sept 17 – 4 am woke up and was crying to go outside. was licking his lips and swallowing a lot – as if he was going to throw up. I thought he might be hungry, so I gave him half a can of soft food and two codeine to help with the pain, as he was panting a lot. He was also burping a lot. Probably due to the air that he swallowed. Also gave him two valium because his was having muscles were spasms in his chest. Settled down after about an hour and slept until 6:30 and had breakfast without problem. 8AM. was comfortable lying down – had vet appointment at 9am, sat in the car the whole way and didn’t want to get up. Vet adjusted him – sternum was out but popped back in while she was working on his upper part of the right shoulder. As she worked her way up from, his wrist, elbow and shoulder – each joint was sore and he yelped. Shoulder was extremely sore and he was crying in pain. I pointed out the bump in his armpit and she aspirated it. A full vial of blood came out. It was decided to test for Lyme and all tick diseases and do a full blood panel. The blood wasn’t clotting in time that was considered normal, so a Von Willebrand test is also being done. Put on Rimadyl and Doxy (in case it is Lyme) and to continue with codeine and valium as needed. Vet said it was okay if he had a massage last that night as he had a lot of knots in his back. Monday – during the day – he was quite tired from the vet visit and slept until late afternoon. Was able to walk on his own without stumbling over – because he was now using his front leg more. Gave him Doxy with dinner Had a one hour massage and really enjoyed it. Gave him Rimadyl after the massage. Was walking with limp but strong determination at bed time. Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Had an uneventful night. Woke up, stretched as best he could and was walking well – with limp still but not dragging his foot. Was shaking all over a little bit, so gave him a valium after breakfast. Was good before Tim left for work. September 24 Another vet visit with vet – adjustment October 6 Another vet visit with vet – adjustment He was walking better before we can. She adjusted him and claimed that he his shoulder was out and when she put it back he screamed in pain for a long time (20 seconds). I asked about the swelling in his shoulder and she said that it was the same as the other one it was just a little more prominent because of the muscle atrophy. She asked to see him walk outside. He walked worse then before he came in to she her and was panting a lot. NOTE - every time we saw this vet, I asked... "can we say for sure that it's not cancer?" the answer she gave us, was "yes." Oct 7-8 was on codeine and valium (Max dosage) – he was in a lot of pain and was whining a lot. October 10 Second opinion by another chiro Upon exam he noticed that Carrier had a pinched nerve in his neck which was causing the leg pain. Upon adjustment, he walked well Oct 13 Was good until Oct 12 evening and then seemed uncomfortable, gave him a valium on Friday night. Oct 13 afternoon appointment with chiro #2 – walked great afterwards. But I was not convince and went for a second opinion to another vet and for another xray. Oct 15 – swelling in shoulder is prominent - massive atrophy. xrays with vet #2 Cancer diagnosed.

What a sweetie! She looks great. Good luck tomorrow Darcy.

Carrier Update Jan 9 - Part two we just got back from another walk - this time Carrier and Bailey saw the deer. Carrier went bonkers - he loves, loves, loves seeing them. We just went to a local park in town, called Lions Park that has great trails a big hill that over looks the entire town of Paris. In my siggy, the photos of Bailey and Carrier are taken on that hill. We climb it today chasing the deer... we call it Mount Paris and Carrier ran up it without any problem. Forget being 10 years old, living with osteo, having something on his heart, and only having three legs... you can't stop this boy! He has more energy now, than he ever did... or maybe it is his will to live that is driving him - either way, he is an inspiration. He didn't want to get in the car, but wanted to climb Mount Paris again! he's my personal trainer -(but we didn't do it again, I am too tired)

Sending prayers for both. And hugs to you.

Carrier update Jan 9 - with some pics. Took some photos on a walk so I wanted to share. Carrier is doing really well. We haven't seen an negative differences in him since we got the news of the murmur and mass on his heart, which is really good because truthfully, we haven't even thought about it. With the complete thaw of all that snow that we were bounding through over the holidays and the appearance of grass, Carrier has found a new speed - super fast. We went to Pinehurst on Saturday and Monday and again yesterday and he ran the whole way - all three times we were out for almost an hour. His muscles are massive! We met some off leash retrievers on one walk and Carrier was standing so tall against them, saying, "I may have three legs, but I can still beat you buddy!" It was great to see him acting totally normal... able to stand up for himself and be confident. He loves his walks even more now we believe because he has the freedom... Andy and Ella on the other hand watch with envy. Ella's hunting instinct and Andy's skittish nature is a recipe for disaster off leash, so we don't even bother, even if it is fenced. Although, I did take them out to Pinehurst yesterday and we saw two deer and about a dozen squirrels... thankfully they were on leash, but I nearly lost my arms chasing after all the wildlife. Anyway, here are some photos of Carrier taken yesterday.