brindlebaby

A quick update on Callie... she's doing amazingly well! She actually ran from me (well trotted fast) as I wanted her to go outside to go potty and she wanted to go to her bed in our bedroom. (it's cold and snowy, maybe that's why ) I look at the pictures on my cell phone of her in the hospital, her chest was beet red and her belly red and irritated. It looks perfect now... is that from taking the Amacar?? She did have a fall Friday night...Herman was sleeping in bed and I fell asleep on the couch. She came from the bedroom and went to the back door where she used to go outside (we now take her the front way, only one step). She peed and then tried to poop and her back legs slid out to either side. I heard the commotion because of Pixie and Sammie alerting me. There was blood on her quilt later and I discovered she skinned her elbow. Since then we are trying to be more attentive of her going out and taking her more often. Sometimes when she pants, I think that means she has to go out instead of being in pain like I thought. If someone is at the door, she gets up and walks to the living room to greet them. Her appetite is still good, woofs down her breakfast and dinner. For the last two days, she has stood to eat (with me standing by her). She seems to swallow better if she stands. I go back to work tomorrow and don't want to leave her. Herman will be with her and two days he can't, my mom will sit with her. My birthday is next month and we are supposed to go over to my brother and SIL's house for dinner, etc. I told them I'd rather have it here, because I don't want to leave Callie alone, especially for that long. They keep saying that's three weeks off. I mentioned tonight that maybe we'll just bring Callie with us, bring along a bed for her and she can come too. Her birthday's February 28th, so we'll make it a joint celebration. As I look at Callie tucked in her bed in our bedroom tonight, she seems to be thinking. I wish I knew what, maybe about the past two weeks. I just love my girl so much. I have a question regarding chemo... how long does it take (like how long are you at the hospital), how do the dog's react, is it hard on them? I'd like to know when I go back to work so I can tell them I need off because I want to be there with her. I'm also going to take off (although they don't know it) when she gets her bandage off this week. Chris, I'm happy that Dude is continuing to do well at home. Callie's legs never swelled, but I think someone mentioned to me about that. I hope they go down very soon. Sounds like Dude is wanting things to get back to normal too, I know Callie wanted things the way they were before. I thought she would lay on the air mattress we put in the front room for her and even questioned when she was getting discharged how often we had to move her. I had no clue she would immediately be getting up and going from room to room, scaring the heck out of us! I'm thrilled she is wants to be independent so quickly, just scares me sometimes! Everytime she gets up, I'll right by her side. She'll be glad I'm going back to work tomorrow. Kari, I'm devastated to hear that Sparks has osteo. You're both in my thoughts and prayers as we all fight this monster together.

Thank you for answering, I tried to respond to your last PM and it said I couldn't respond. Not sure if I can only respond once?? Thanks for the info (I think you gave it to me before, I have notes everywhere and need to get more organized!!). The oncologist gave me survival numbers and I don't want to hear about it, not now anyway! Right now we are just letting Callie go out to potty, but my husband wants her to walk around the house, I guess?? He thinks she needs to get her strength back. I think she has to take it easy at least for a couple of weeks. Her discharge papers say 2 weeks of house rest, which is what she is doing. She's been through an awful lot and I don't want to put undue stress on her. She will lay some on the air mattress in the living room, but will go to her bed in our bedroom for bed. Today she only stayed on the air mattress for about 5 hours and now went to our room. I think it's cooler in there (and quieter) although our house is pretty calm. It's cold outside, the spot where the air mattress is gets the afternoon sun. I'm going to call the oncologist now and give her the OSU numbers, etc. & to Charlie kim

I too was having problems posting pictures and found this thread yesterday - it's so simple, I was going about it all wrong. http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/121707-how-to-post-a-picture/ I'm so sorry to hear about Ward. Please give him a gentle hug from us too and for you.

Jane, thank you! I just posted after you in the osteo thread. Ok after reading again, I think our vet/oncologist can just call Stephanie Y. or does she have to send an internet request? xo, kim

Hi all, I'm joining in here now. Our Callie broke her leg last Monday night and had her amputation this past Thursday morning. We brought her home late Monday afternoon. I need to start getting ready for the next phase, chemo. The oncologist that will be handling Callie called yesterday and said that she will work with OSU. Is there a certain drug that OSU prefers we use or one that's more recommended - more successful? Our regular vet called OSU, but this doctor (oncologist) is new, never met her. Is it best she calls Stephanie Yochem at that number? Going to go check on Callie and will be back shortly. Looks like a lot of greyt info here. Thank you Jane, NeylasMom and others for putting this all in one place and sharing your experiences! Kim

I'm so happy to see how far Dude has come since surgery! Awesome news! Callie sends Kim

She is doing pretty well today, still has an appetite. Pooped a little yesterday, looked like pudding, but I guess that's to be expected since she just started eating after a week, with everything else added in. I tend to be a little overprotective, Herman wants her to get up more to keep up her strength. She went to bed early last night, around 745pm. When I say that, I mean she gets off up the air mattress in the front room and walks herself back to her bed in our bedroom. She had a potty break around 10pm and then pretty much slept through the night, expect when I gave her meds. She is seems to enjoy the cheese with her medicine. The oncologist called yesterday to inquire if we were going to do chemo. We are. She said the biopsy results came back and it's confirmed, it was osteo. I talked to her regarding OSU and she said, "they are the greyhound experts." She has no problems consulting with them for Callie and I need to go back over everything and find info on the chemo drugs. Meredith, that is Sammie or Sam. We've almost had her a year, she's 14 months old. She's a sweetie. Thanks everyone for your prayers and well wishes for Callie and us. I am absolutely thrilled at how well she looks and seems to be doing. xoxo, Kim, Herman & Callie Pixie, Callie & Sammie at a parade last June. Sammie scoping out biscuits they were throwing from the floats (it was a pet parade) YIKES that's a big picture!! I'm sorry! Either they're teeny tiny or billboard size!!

test, but from preview I don't think it's going to work It worked, I had http:// twice! Oh thank you, if you only knew the hoops I've been jumping through to get a teeny tiny picture to post - I was using the Attach File thingy. Gah!!!

Thank you all, we had a pretty good first night. A couple of times we got up because she was trying to change her position and once she some how managed to "slide" off her bed under our bed and we had to get up and move out bed out. I searched on my phone to see if it had an alarm, it did! Set it for 4am, 6am and 8am and it worked greyt! Soon the 4am will be over (it's for the Ammicar) so 6am isn't too bad. I've written out an easy to follow drug chart, trying to get some sort of system going. Callie woke me up panting (at first I thought it was the ceiling fan), so Herman took her out front with the sling. (I was the door opener. ) She finally peed, as soon as her feet hit the grass! No poop yet though. It's kind of raining/sleeting out, but not really that cold. Once inside, Callie got on the air mattress and was served breakfast in bed. She's looking more and more like herself. Here's a few pictures... waiting to be discharged finally at home Pixie and Sammie guarding Callie Pixie taking over breakfast in bed xo, Kim & Callie (thanks for helping my mom & dad)

YAY, SO relieved Dude's surgery is over and was a success!! Prayers that he heals quickly and is home quickly. Get some rest Chris while Dude is in the hospital, you will need it when he gets home. Callie is keeping me hopping, but it's a happy tired. xoxo, Kim & Callie (who's home now and rooting for Dude!)

Callie is home!! She also ate for me...wasn't going to at first until Pixie started poking her head around Callie's dish and that did the trick. She might not of wanted it, but I'll be darn if she's gonna let Pixie have it! No peeing yet... is that normal?? Sounds like she was peeing regularly at the hospital. OMG, now I know why I was warned to get plenty of rest before she came home...I am like a zombie! She wouldn't stay put! We had a nice twin size air mattress set up in the living room for her, changed the room around so she can see everything and be right in the middle. Nope, she was ready to bed and jumped up and got in her own bed. Herman and I are having our disagreements over what she should be able to do (as far as getting up). I think we are both just stressed and exhausted. Thank goodness I am off until next Monday, no way could I go to work with this going on. She looks GREAT - she really doesn't even look skinny (well a little) anymore, not sure what they did to her overnight at the hospital. The bell on the microwave went off and she flew off the air mattress like a cannon...not sure what that was all about? Maybe she was having flashbacks to her racing days, do they use a bell? The air mattress is a huge hit with Pixie, Sammie and Kitten... Callie not so much. She ate a few small pieces of cheese when she got her 10pm meds and then I gave her one of those low fat stick treats...you could tell she wanted to hold it between her two front legs, and then just kind of let it drop. I'll update tomorrow and show some new pictures.... I think she looks FANTASTIC!!! xoxo, kim

Had long update on cell and lost it... Callie may be coming home later today!! Im at work, will update later. xo, Kim

Oh my Chris, your Dude is so handsome. Many prayers that the surgery goes off without a hitch. Your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I know how frightening this is. xoxo, Kim & Callie

Your post broke my heart. Sending prayers and white light to your Harley that he gets better and comes home.

Prayers for your Wendy and strength for you.

Sorry for the late update. I left the house this morning before 6am and didn't get home until 8pm. Played with Pixie and Sam and then took a warm bath and fell asleep in the tub. I left work around 430pm, stopped at Treats Unleashed and picked up a small bag of Grammies Pot Pie, drove through Arbys and got a junior sandwich and also had a bag of her bedtime treats in my purse. My girlfriend who lives up the road from the hospital met me in the parking lot. The lobby was quite crowded and the girl at the desk apologized saying that there was no one there when I called a half hour ago to say I was on my way. We had to wait a bit, not long, until they escorted us back to the "mortuary room" as Herman called it. I came armed with Callie's raspberry pink quilt as I wasn't pleased with the thin blanket they provided for her to lay on the previous day. Two girls carried her in and laid her on her side on the quilt. They brought another blanket that was more fleece-like, but still not suitable for a cold hard floor. It did come in handy for resting her elbow though. While Callie still wouldn't eat, she did sniff and her ears perked up when I rustled bags. She definitely looks a lot better, more with it. My friend left after about an hour or so and I stayed a little bit longer. I sat on the floor and eventually Callie laid down and took a good nap while I rubbed her belly. Every so often she would take a big breath and sigh. The incision site, while I can't see anything but a part of one staple, looks beet red and seems like it would be so painful. Her belly is flabby and the bare skin looks very irritated (not sure why down there). All in all I am very pleased and relieved to see her looking so much better than the day before. Yesterday they had some sort of line in her tail and that is gone. She now only has her big bandage by her incision, and a port ?? on her front paw and one back leg. I am so anxious to have her come home and while yesterday I was leary with all the lines she had on her, those feelings have left. I think she will be so much comfortable at home in familiar surroundings with her family around her. On the way home I picked up an air mattress from my cousin that she brought when her dog had surgery this summer. I plan on setting it up in the front room by the front door, where we plan on taking her to go potty instead of the backyard. I'm very curious to see what her surgeon has to say tomorrow since he hasn't seen her since Saturday morning. Add Callie to your list Kelly, of dogs that refused poor Grammies Pot Pie. Here's a new picture of our little girl. The first one was taken yesterday and the second, today... side by side, I think there's a marked improvement. I have more pictures, but the files keep being too big so I guess I'm doing something wrong. I'm going to talk to her surgeon tomorrow regarding if she's on anti nausea meds, if they can give her something to get her strength up and maybe even something to give her an appetite (is there such a thing?). Thank you all for continuing to follow Callie's story, you are all giving me so much support which will help Callie if I stay strong for her and make informed decisions. and I don't even want to think of where we'd be without all of you by our side! xoxo, Kim

Just had a long reply typed on my cell and lost it when doctor called. I called myself at 1015am and was told doctor had an emergency so she was behind on her calls. I was able to ask nurse some questions though. Still no interest in food. Will stand in cage, but will not do the floors... slick linoleum though so that's not surprising. Does go potty outside on concrete, but I don't think she is walking per say. Urinary catheter is out, but they can replace it if needed. Not on any kind of supplemental nutrition, doctor doesn't feel like it's needed at this time. I'm going to go see her mid afternoon and take plain Arbys (doc was reluctant, but ok'd a tiny bit and will try the Merricks too. Nurse said she is panting a little from the meds they have her on today. I'm at work today trying to make up as much time as I can so I can take off rest of week for Callie. Thanks for pms and emails, will write from home later. That's all for now, will update after our visit. xoxo, Kim

We just got home. They put us in a room (Herman called it a mortuary room) and carried her out and placed her on a thin blanket folded into fours. They said she had stood on her own earlier in her cage/crate, put that she started to shake. Someone mentioned a lost look and that's exactly what she had. She seemed content at first, laid her head on her piggy I brought. I was kissing her face and giving her scritches behind her ears and under her chin. She let out a content sigh. Her bandages are bright pink with purple hearts. She wouldn't eat for us, didn't show no interest in any of the food I brought, whatsoever. Didn't even sniff it. You can tell she's lost quite a bit of weight, it seems as her fur is hanging on her at spots. She weighed around 68 pounds before she broke her leg and a female carried her out it looked like with very little effort. We stayed around 20 minutes and when she started to pant slightly, we said our goodbyes and someone came and carried her back. We took her pig up to the front desk and asked if she could have it in the back and she said yes, but it might get soiled. I said that's ok, I have a stash of them. I told her Callie uses it as a pillow to rest her head on. Herman thinks she probably needs to come home so her appetite comes back. She hasn't eaten anything since around 930pm Monday. Are they giving her anything for nourishment. When the vet that diagnosed her called to check up on her today, she mentioned taking Little Caesars just to get some calories in her. I was telling my friend this and asked what does Little Caesars have besides pizza that she would want me to give some to Callie. She laughed and said that Little Caesars is a canned dog food. I'm so glad I didn't march in there LC pizza box for Callie, they probably would of called the authorities to have her taken away from us. Is this normal, not showing any interest in food? Anyone who has been through this, when did your dog start to eat? I am going back tomorrow and taking a plain Arby's roast beef sandwich, which is just down the street from the hospital. She seemed to not be in any pain and laying peacefully. She kept readjusting her head, from side to side. We are supposed to go to a retirement party tonight, but it's not far and we already plan on not staying too long. I am going to go out in the car and try and call for a check-up around 830 or 9pm. I'll inquire about her eating and see what they say. I took a few pictures, to me she still looks as beautiful as ever, just with a few bandages. I'm so sorry we had to put her through this, I hope she forgives us. xo, kim ]

I'm devastated to read this about your Dude. We are now going through this with our Callie who broke her leg on Monday night and had her amputation on Thursday morning. I don't know how we would of gotten this far without all the love and support from the greyhound community. Although we still have a long, long road ahead, I feel so fortunate to have you all at our side in this journey. My heart goes out to your family.

At 910am, Callie's doctor called. He said she's doing ok, but he has a couple of questions. Oh no. She still won't eat, but is drinking now. She still hasn't gotten up for them. First have we come to see her? I said no, we wanted to try and come today. He said why don't you, and maybe bring some tasty morsels with you. Second he can't find the protocol on the Ammacar?? He doesn't know how long to give it to her. I said I thought like 5 days --- DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS RIGHT?? He said he is going to make sure she has enough for 5 days if by chance we take her hope this weekend ... He is traferring her over to another doctor for the weekend, but will pick her back up on Monday if she is still there. When we come see her, he just asked that we call about 30 minutes before to make sure they aren't too busy with an emergency or something. I asked what kind of food could I bring and he said something bland, more so than fried. She doesn't really eat fried food, but maybe he was thinking more so like a hamburger or something. He mentioned chicken and rice I think. I am so nervous, but excited to see her! I am going to take one of her pigs (I have a stash because I thought Target was discontinuing them and she and Sammie love them) and rub it all over Pixie and Sammie, hopefully they'll let her keep it. Sammie uses her pig (the nose) as a pacifier. Callie uses it as a pillow and takes them outside all the time so our snow covered yard is littered with pink pigs. I'll let you all know how she is today... I think we will try and go mid afternoon. (I wonder if we could visit twice??) xoxo, kim

I called the hospital this evening to check on Callie. I was so nervous waiting for someone to come to the phone, I could of thrown up. The lady I talked with said that Callie is resting comfortably and looking at her right now. I think she is off the IV pain meds now, but still won't eat. She said that is to be expected somtimes in a hospital setting. I asked if we could come see her tomorrow and she said, probably so, but when the doctor calls us in the morning to ask. I said that when they called this morning, they said we could see her today, but I was afraid it would stress her out and then I told her about how bad she got when we left her for x-rays. She said that she had a bad night the first night, kept trying to get up. I asked before or after surgery and she said before. She said if the doctor doesn't call by 10am, to call them. I am going to take her one of her piggy toys (not sure they will let her have that though), but maybe if she can rest her head on it like she does at home. I'll rub it on Pixie and Sammie so she can smell them. I'm also going to ask if we can bring her something sort of food, so maybe she'll eat for us. Are they usually on a restricted diet for a bit? When we were done talking, I asked her if she would tell her that we love her and then I started crying. I hope she has a good night sleep and we can see her early tomorrow. How long can they wait if she won't eat? She hasn't had anything since a few treats Monday evening around 930pm. I also checked at work and I can go in Sunday and Monday (a holiday) and work so I can take off most, if not all of next week. After reading what you wrote Meredith, I started having second thoughts that maybe I should of went to see her. I am dreading leaving her behind and was so worried that it might give her a set-back. I feel a bit better after talking to the nurse and hearing that she is resting comfortably and looking around. I hope she gets a good night sleep. Thank you Suzie, I've been thinking a lot of your Miss Nellie and Maggie-Mae this week. I'm so happy to hear that Miss MM is going strong!! Thank you Kelly, depending on how she acts during/after our visit, I may take you up on that. She knows you! I'll update more after I talk to the doctor. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it will come to me later, probably in the middle of the night. xoxo, kim

Heard from a nurse with an update at 955am. She said Callie's pretty much out of it still. She's on IV pain meds and pain patch. They're stopping the IV pain meds today and switching to oral. They want her to perk up some. She has no interest in food or water, but she said that's to be expected. She said we are welcome to visit today, but they prefer we come before 6pm as they have more staff. I told her about Callie stressing out when we left her for x-rays on Monday and she said we know her better than they do. We probably won't go today, and will maybe try and go see her on Saturday. I then asked if she was on Ammacar and she kind of hesitated and asked what? I said I don't know the full name, that's just the short name for it, but it helps with clotting. She said she didn't see it, but would certainly find out for me. I then asked her name so I know who I talked too. In less than 5 minutes she called me back and said Dr. A walked up literally as soon as she hung up the phone and added Ammacar on the orders, so she was going to give it to Callie as soon as she hung up. That worries me.... I specifically mentioned Ammacar in our consult and asked again if she was on it yesterday when the doctor called and was told yes. I hope it's ok if it was just started. I woke up a few times during the night, double checked my cell to make sure I didn't miss a call. Surprisingly I was able to fall back asleep with no problem. Will update when I have more info... xoxo, Kim

Meredith! I didn't think of it, but Callie also has a WWW harness with the velvet lining! I think they will give me some sort of sling to take home, at least they did for my cousin's dog. She said it was nothing fancy, but did the trick of supporting him in case he fell. I slept most of the night and I'm still tired! It's probably more mental tiredness, I was worthless at work today! Yes, I'm glad she is at the hospital so she can be monitored around the clock. I'll probably act like she is made of glass at home, that's how I treated her when we first adopted her. I thought she would break something every time she would run in the yard. I'm just really missing her now. I just kind of transferred back to this job so for some reason all my old pictures are on the work computer I now have. Pictures of Callie in Kansas City and Louisville, tons of pictures of her modeling for all the donations, some for the Hope for Hounds auction... I'll update when I hear tomorrow... I don't get on there from work, but can from my phone although my updates will be shorter. xoxo, kim

I laid down before dinner and just woke up! I would be fine with the pretty doped up part, but I kind of sensed the surgeon wasn't sure why when he said, "I don't think it is from the surgery or her leg removal, I think it's more from the drugs." Maybe I'm reading more into it than what he meant...I'm sure he was tired (since he gets there at 6am and does multiple surgeries without stopping). Thank you Jane for all you've written...right now it's a bit overwhelming and I'm afraid to start thinking ahead, I don't want to jinx her coming home! Our yard is hilly so not sure I want Callie out there at all (or at least for quite awhile). We only have one step up into the house from the front door and the front yard is flat and level. I do want to try and take off work next week, although it will be pretty much without pay. Hopefully they won't object. We can put in for an unpaid furlough, but it should be in 2 weeks in advance. That way you don't lose your medical leave accrual. I had a nice sling, but gave it away last year . My cousin had her dog at the same place over the summer for 2 separate surgeries, getting two torn ACL fixed, and I think she said they gave her a sling to use on Murphy when he was released. I know Leann from Rescued Racers said that they (the place Callie is) consulted with OSU when she had her dogs and also the fosters there. I have a question about OSU, they are backordered on the chemo drug I think?? Is this the drug that they would send to someone's vet? Should I join (pay) the OSU fees now? Would that mean that we would get the drugs sent to our vet for free or are there additional charges? Kind of confused about that! This place where Callie is, they have a separate rehab place one the lower level. That's where we were taking Kodi at for hydrotherapy and we sometimes saw dogs from the hospital upstairs getting some sort of rehab. I wonder if they would work with Callie...or maybe it's too soon or that's not something that is even done, she probably will instinctively know what to do on her own?? I'm very nervous about anticipating when she can come home, afraid I'm going to jinx her coming home. <---I think that's from past bad experiences with a dog or people where things didn't work out. I will update after the hopefully "morning" call. Thank you all for your love and support, Jane thanks so much for all this info and I may call you down the road. Herman is retired so that is a big help, but I still think I need to be here with her, at least the first week. xoxo, Kim p.s. Sorry I missed your text Meredith, I was , but glad you posted here. I didn't want to text you back and possibly wake you up.