Cynthia Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 (edited) I think you've found yourself a good vet! Don't expect anything too soon after the Depo Medrol injections, or you'll be crying the next day (voice of experience here :-) when he doesn't wake up his old self. Dr Stack's website says 48 hours for improvement but I was advised on my 'Katie' LS thread that it could take longer than that. She's doing better (not great) but is on prednisone as well. She has rarely had an appetite problem, it's just to cover all of our bases until we see a neurologist. My older guy (12 next week) is on prednisone for other reasons (unmentionable bad words), and has gone from 50 to 61 pounds in 4 or 5 weeks. A decent weight for the tiny one. I fed him 5 meals/2400 calories a day to get there. He's on 3 meals and I'd guess 1500 calories a day now to maintain. So yes, pred gives them an appetite. Hope your handsome boy does well with his injections tomorrow and that you both get some relief soon! Edited June 8, 2007 by Cynthia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Praying that all goes well for you and your grey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sbgreymom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 GREAT news! I got home from running some errands and was initially a little worried to find Beck on the floor looking somewhat uncomfortable. However, once I got him re-settled I was able to get him to come into the backyard and nap on his bed in the shade, his favorite spot. Better still, when I offered him a bowl of plain water, he drank it - first plain water in days And better than that... I grew back a few brain cells and stopped trying him on cooked food, and switched to raw type stuff, which he much prefers (we used to feed a mostly raw diet till the demands of my previous job plus mothering a toddler made it just insane, with 3 dogs). I offered him some raw hamburger and he almost took my hand off So I went back in and made a small batch of Fat Balls... went back out and he wolfed THOSE down. I can officially now say Beck has eaten his first actual meal in a WEEK... and I think I might start breathing again. Whether it's because we've started effectively addressing the pain, with the Tramadol, or because I've wised up and started offering him the right foods, or just that he's resigned himself to being disabled (you should HEAR the heavy sighs when he pees on himself)... I think we may be through the worst of it. We're in the process of redecorating our house with non-slip rugs ALL OVER... we have hardwood floors and tile, and have had several area rugs but slick spaces between. Now we're making it so he never has to be off rug. Hopefully that'll help his confidence. Any other advice from folks with mobility-impaired dogs? I.e. padding the corners??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sbgreymom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 I spoke too soon. Apparently Beck fell - well, he falls a lot, but apparently during one of his falls last night he injured his left front leg. He wasn't sore on it at all, but it was swollen - but I thought the swelling was residual fluids since they tend to give his fluids in the neck and shoulders. Stupid me. At about 4am he woke up in terrible pain, dead lame on that limb. So now I have a dog whose hind end has no support and no steering, who falls endlessly to the left when simply trying to eat or pee, and we're adding a useless front leg. And he's so painful he won't get up or even sit up. He just peed all over himself and the dog bed because I didn't understand the whines ("Mom, come carry me outside!") in time. My vet opens in 20 minutes, that's the only reason I'm typing this instead of sitting in the waiting room. I don't want to sound like a pessimist, after all the fight we've been through this week for Beck, but I wonder if this is where I stop? I guess it'll depend on what's going on with that front leg and how long the healing process will be... and honestly, considering *where* the pain/swelling are... whether it's osteo. Beck looks ready to give up, right now, but I know that's pain. Needless to say the FIRST thing I ask for will be more pain pills (Tramadol, I think it was) for him while he waits. Poor pup. Sorry I ramble... less than 3 hours of sleep last night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Good you can see the vet soon, poor Beck. Hopefully things look worse than they are. Carol Becker at Gold Coast Greyhounds makes wonderful harnesses for hounds that can be worn 24*7, and really help you get your dog up and moving when he needs to. I'll look up her e-mail address and PM it to you. Sending all positive thoughts for a good outcome and will be looking for an update soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 I wasn't able to PM you - think maybe not enough posts. If you like, e-mail me at: maryrickie123 at hotmail dot com and I'll send you the info. (Just replace the words with punctuation and remove the spaces.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Please give us an update. Sending prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CaroleWithRunningDogs Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 It's going to go greyt! Sounds like your new vet is much better about the whole thing - WANTING to learn, being open to maybe not knowing everything. Yep those stinkin x-rays do not come cheap. My vet was gone when Patch had his "attack" and the other vet took an x-ray only she didn't x-ray the right part of the spine! Of course I wasn't charged for the "correct view" when my greyhound specialist came back from vacation and took the correct exposure. But not only do they have to take a picture of the right place, they have to know what to look for! Waiting to hear your big boy is feeling 100% better and ready to holler 'where's the beef' (reference to an old TV commercial you're probably too young to know, sorry). Sounds like Beck is going to make it just fine! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Sending more positive thoughts to you and to Beck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devotion Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 prayers for You and Beck. Quote Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sbgreymom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 The awaited update, with heavy heart. Thank you all, again, for your support through this ordeal. From when I last posted to when I got Beck into the car to drive to the vet... his decline continued. We woke our daughter up (age 4-1/2) and let her know what was going on, and then my husband carried Beck to the car. Beck by this point could not roll to his chest or even lift his head, he was so stiff and/or weak. I'm still kind of in shock about how quickly he failed. But when I got to the vet I sat in the back of my station wagon with him while we waited for Dr. Lewis to arrive, and I could see Beck was just done. They gave him two Tramadol (!) and it barely did a thing - helped him rest a little better, but he still couldn't move. When the doc came, we talked, and he told me that in addition to the back issues and now the front leg/elbow issue, he had also found a serious heart murmur (not the mild kind) the day before that accounted for why Beck was panting so heavily all the time (a very recent development). All things considered - the limbs, the back, the heart, the ongoing refusal of food and water (ONE "meal" in 7 days?!), and worst, his obviously increasing pain - I made the only decision I could. Too many things were snowballing. Needless to say we've all got a bad case of heartbreak here. The two remaining dogs (Lab mixes, we call them Honorary Greyhounds) are moping and hubby and I can't seem to stop being sniffly. But I'm not hurting for Beck anymore. Beck had the heart of a fighter, and was a champion in his own right. He would have kept fighting this mystery thing as long as I asked him to. I'm so glad I didn't. He was a fast dog - he lived a fast life, full of bounce and wag, and when his time came, I guess he had to go quickly too. RIP - Reko Becktemba - 6/4/96 - 6/8/07. You were a dog loved by many, many people and will live in my heart always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Oh, I'm SO sorry you've gone through all this only to lose your sweet boy. It's so obvious how much you loved him, and how hard you tried to do what was best for him. To be honest, I didn't have a good feeling when I read your first post because it reminded me so much of when we lost our Buster (at the same age). The decline was so fast. But everyone's hopes were up, just like yours. You've been stressed in every way---physically, mentally, and emotionally. Take the time you need to grieve for Beck, but remember to take care of yourself too. Thinking of you with sympathy. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 oh no!!! i'm so sorry! my heart breaks for you and your family. Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerosmom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 I'm very sad to read your update. You really tried to do all you could for Beck, even switching vets. Your new vet sounds very nice and it's a great sign that he was willing to research. Quote Aero: http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?d=kees+uncatchable; our bridge angel (1/04/02-8/2/07) Snickers; our bridge angel (1/04/02-2/29/08) Cricket; Kanga Roo: oops girl 5/26/07; Doctor Thunder http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?z=P_31Oj&a...&birthland= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sbgreymom Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 oh no!!! i'm so sorry! my heart breaks for you and your family. Thank you... Also, you know, I meant to mention earlier... I met your Loca when she was in the racing kennel at Dairyland, I think. In fact, if I recall correctly, once upon a time I had designs on adopting her when she retired, and her trainer at the time had to burst my bubble and tell me she was too good to go straight to a home. So I'm really happy to see that the dog I'd once hoped to have as Beck's "little sister" is doing well and is happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 Tears here as I read your update. I'm so sorry. Please take comfort in knowing that you gave Beck a wonderful life and lots of love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 I am so very sorry. Run free now Beck. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 oh no!!! i'm so sorry! my heart breaks for you and your family. Thank you... Also, you know, I meant to mention earlier... I met your Loca when she was in the racing kennel at Dairyland, I think. In fact, if I recall correctly, once upon a time I had designs on adopting her when she retired, and her trainer at the time had to burst my bubble and tell me she was too good to go straight to a home. So I'm really happy to see that the dog I'd once hoped to have as Beck's "little sister" is doing well and is happy Thank you so much for your kind words. Reko dogs are very special, aren't they? Please stick around GT, OK? Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I am so sorry. Godspeed Beck! Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I am so very sorry - tears here with and for you. Godspeed Beck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devotion Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 may you all find the peace you deserve, you gave it to Beck. Run free big fella', you were so loved. Quote Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest longdogs Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 This is horribly similar to what happened to William and it must have been awful for you. We pulled William through but it was only by sheer luck I think. He collapsed three times and on the second occasion his eyes were literally glazing over. The loss of coordination and widespead joint pain was due to polyarthritis, itself a symptom. Dexamethosone pulled him back from the brink each time, then he had a long slow recovery on corticosteroids after spending many days in intensive care. He was in such a bad state I can hardly believe we've still got him. We were incredibly lucky and I am truly sad you and Beck weren't so fortunate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I am so sorry. He was a beautiful boy and I have no doubt you made his life a very happy one. See you on the other side, Beck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreyFox Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I'm so sorry. You did everything you could for Beck and made the final difficult decision with love. Take care of yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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