HopeForHounds

Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

As some of you may be aware, we are going through a very personal osteosarcoma episode right now: one of our greyhounds was diagnosed with it last Wednesday. I'm going to be making a series of posts documenting how everything has unfolded to date and then I'll keep making updates as things continue to evolve. My hope is that it gives those of you who haven't been through this yet a better perspective on how devastating osteo can be. I also hope that it will help set some expectations for someone going through this in the future who just got the diagnosis and has no idea what they're in for. I promise I will only post relevant updates so the blog doesn't become and endless string of "Day 3: she pooped today" entries. Thank you for your continued support of GHI and well-wishes for my family and I. -Brian Collins, Executive Director * * Note - Brian Collins is the husband of Suzie Collins aka Skinny Hound Designs. They were also the parents of Miss Nellie (namesake of the Miss Nellie Auction for Hope for Hounds) and Maggie Mae a 5 year cancer survivor A Journey Through Osteosarcoma (Part 1) http://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.org/a-journey-through-osteosarcoma-part-2/ http://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.org/a-journey-through-osteosarcoma-part-3/ http://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.org/a-journey-through-osteosarcoma-part-3/

As some of you may be aware, we are going through a very personal osteosarcoma episode right now: one of our greyhounds was diagnosed with it last Wednesday. I'm going to be making a series of posts documenting how everything has unfolded to date and then I'll keep making updates as things continue to evolve. My hope is that it gives those of you who haven't been through this yet a better perspective on how devastating osteo can be. I also hope that it will help set some expectations for someone going through this in the future who just got the diagnosis and has no idea what they're in for. I promise I will only post relevant updates so the blog doesn't become and endless string of "Day 3: she pooped today" entries. Thank you for your continued support of GHI and well-wishes for my family and I. -Brian Collins, Executive Director A Journey Through Osteosarcoma (Part 1)

Keeping our Sighthounds Safe Just like children, dogs need to be protected from poisons and toxic products. Since greyhounds and other sighthounds are sensitive to medications it isn't a stretch that they may be more susceptible to cleaning products and other household items. Keep your dog our of areas where cleaning products are being used or stored. Some cleaning products might only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause bad burns to the tongue, mouth and stomach. When using pest bait or traps, put them in areas that aren't accessible to your pets. Most bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, like jelly, peanut butter or sugar, which can also attract your pets. Never give your dog medication unless directed by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pet’s reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. For example, one 200mg ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a dog weighing 10 pounds. Never leave chocolate out. Even small amounts can cause problems. Many common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are all highly toxic, even in small amounts. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that aren't accessible to your pet. Less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a dog weighing 20 pounds. Before buying a flea or tick product for use on your sighthound, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Read all of the information on labels before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions. If a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs. Make sure your companion animals don’t enter areas where foggers or house sprays have been used for the period of time written on the label. Make sure your pets don't go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store these products in areas that aren't accessible to your pets. If you're uncertain about the use of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions. Provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For more information, visit www.aspca.org

Link to full article by Dr Couto Are Sighthounds Really Dogs?

To coincide with our annual conferences, The Sighthound Wellness Conference Aug. 5th-7th and the North American Sighthound Health Conference Sept., 23rd we have decided to officially declare that August is (unofficially) Sighthound Health Month! All month long we will be making special posts about Sighthounds and their differences to "regular" dogs, greyhound trivia and more. Check back every day during August for these special posts! Greyhound Health Initiative Facebook Page

We base it on the anniversary date of your sign up. Plus you get all the perks "Waliered" posted above. We offer free chemotherapy twice a year, we hope you would never need more than that in a year. Message me if you need further assistance jshaffer@greyhoundhealthinitiative.org

I do understand! Wishing you a wonderful time at Dewey. Praying you have a lot of time to share ahead of you.

I'm so sorry. Run with the angels sweet Mango

Doing a biopsy gives you information you need, however since it most likely needs to come off I would have it removed and send the lump for diagnosis. That way, you have saved a step and the fee for just the biopsy. Foxy, my reason to start Hope for Hounds, had a lump similar come up suddenly on her elbow. Our initial test came back pretty much the same as yours. Rather than biopsy we had the damn thing removed. Saved money that we might have needed for further treatment. Foxy's tumor was a Hemangiopericytoma. One of the least likely to metastasize. She was almost 10 when we did her surgery, and died without recurrence at age 13 and 8 months. If you choose the surgery route, insist on Amicar. Don't hesitate to ask for Dr Couto's help coutovetconsultants@gmail.com PM me is we can help you in any way.

Miz Foxy - I'ma Foxy Dawg has been gone for 8 years, but her legacy lives on. Foxy was the driving force behind Hope for Hounds. My promise to her was to never give up helping to find a cure. So, every year I drive everyone crazy to help put on the Miss Nellie Auction. One day Foxy, one day we will win!

Beautiful frames Tin.

As with every one of Peanut's siblings I feel this loss deeply. Peanut was my heart, and her loss was so swift. Through her siblings, I see the dog she might have been - bittersweet today. I had a gut feeling that Pistol would not be going home yesterday, but damn it I really wanted to be wrong. This is the last time I saw Pistol, It was 2008 and he was wondering who this crazy lady was. We were at Casa de Lambert having our annual Follow That Hound barbecue. Pistol was right to worry, I had just spilled red wine on him while I juggled my glass and his leash (you can't put a glass down without loosing the contents to one of the 15 plus hounds attending. There were 10 puppies in Baby's litter of cuties. Six are angels - Frankie, Peanut, Oakley, Dream, Bullitt, and now Pistol. Godspeed Pistol, you are loved beyond measure.

We came home to find that our "old Man" Jet had passed away. I've had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right the past few days. He wasn't at the door, and when I saw him he looked so peaceful. I knew. Jet, System CS Buddy was a spook. We worked hard to help him overcome his fear, but he would still bolt off the couch when you asked him to get down or if you reached for his collar from behind. He became a wonderful Meet and Greet dog, and loved kids. Doggy alzeimer's dulled the fear and he was the most relaxed and comfortable in his own skin that he'd ever been. He wasn't much of a racer, but he helped get a lot of dogs adopted. The last of my original brindle trio taken 11 years ago. I'll try to add more when I am not so stunned. Godspeed my sweet little fruit loop. You have nothing to fear. Taken a month ago. Taken last week during our nightly discussion. He used to hop on the couch ofter Daddy went to bed and look at me as if to say "what's happening Momma?"

Congratulations, what a beautiful boy. Your photography skills with black dogs are not too shabby.

Disco has been on my mind since their birthday. Sorry is so much less than I can possibly say to you. Sending you love and sympathy in equal doses. Run with the angels Disco I'm sure your littermates Frankie, Peanut, Oakley, Dream and Bullitt were there to meet you.

I'm doing a cautious happy dance here. I do agree with Susan on this. You can email Dr Couto and get his thoughts on this. coutovetconsultants@gmail.com

Keeping you all in my prayers. Huge hugs to you Nancy, I know how very difficult this is. Much love to pretty Tess, give her anything her heart desires today.

I'm not sure, I will ask Dr Couto. I suspect the urinating is due to the fluids he was likely given during surgery.

I will see if my vet tech friends have any ideas on how to bandage. When the mass is removed Exactly, that is why Amicar should be started before the surgery. Hopefully that should help with the post op bleeding. I suspect that the reason it bleeds is because the mass is a vascular. Once it's removed the cause of the bleeding should be gone. My first hound Miz Foxy had a vascular tumor removed. It did not have clear margins but never recurred. She lived another 4 years and her death had nothing to do with her tumor.

I remember the day you took Danger home, and the surprised and happy look on Cathie's face as you drove away. Godspeed Danger, you sure were loved. My deepest condolences Wendy and Kevin.

Bullitt you and your siblings have brought together a wonderful group of people I now call family. I am blessed that I was able to meet you twice. Once as a 10 month old and again in 2008 at Sandy Paws with your littermates Sammie and Pistol. It's sad to think that now half of this litter is in heaven. Frankie, Peanut, Oakley, Dream and now Bullitt. Godspeed Litttle Man.

Just seeing this and I'm pleased to see that Oscar has been improving. Praying this continues.

Hi Jenn! I too am back. With a new name to boot. I used to be foxysmom, and Miz Foxy is still my avatar. Ross was adorable.