Do You Have Kind Words For Dr. Couto's Team?

[joejoesmom]

I thought it would be nice to compile a bunch of short messages to Dr. Couto's team. I'm sure they know that we appreciate them, but thought it would be a needed emotional lift for them (in these hard economic times) to hear exactly how they helped us. My Joe will be going in to give blood sometime next week. I thought that I would take in a copy of your responses for them to post on their bulletin board.

 

Jane

[grey14me]

What a neat idea! While I have no real personal experience, I've just heard so many amazing stories about the amazing work they do. I have also always wanted to hear Dr. Couto speak at one of the greyhound events. Unfortunately, by the time I heard that he was speaking in Solvang, it was too late to register and attend. My husband's company is based in Cincinnati and I told him if he ever had to relocate because of his job that I was willing...I never told him it was because I knew I could get such amazing care for my pup in nearby Columbus if I needed

[robinw]

Around this time last year Loca was diagnosed by a local veterinary radiologist as having chondrosarcoma. My vet sent her x-rays for Dr Couto for a second opinion. He said that they were normal and that the "tumour" was actually normal lung superimposed on her collar bone. My vet sent a second set of x-rays to Dr. Couto and once again he said they were normal. We met several months later at a talk in Guelph, Ontario and he remembered her! Loca is now a happy and healthy 13.5 year old with absolutely no health problems.

 

Here is Dr. Couto with Loca

 

Edited March 21, 2009 by robinw

[Guest IrskasMom]

 

 

Although I had never had the Opportunity to meet him in Person ( like at Dewey ), and never needed him ( or OSU ) for

any Health-Problems for my Boy , I am just forever grateful for the Work he and his Team does.

[joejoesmom]

Around this time last year Loca was diagnosed by a local veterinary radiologist as having chondrosarcoma. My vet sent her x-rays for Dr Couto for a second opinion. He said that they were normal and that the "tumour" was actually normal lung superimposed on her collar bone. My vet sent a second set of x-rays to Dr. Couto and once again he said they were normal. We met several months later at a talk in Guelph, Ontario and he remembered her! Loca is now a happy and healthy 13.5 year old with absolutely no health problems.

 

Here is Dr. Couto with Loca

 

 

I love this story. I am so glad that Loca is doing well. I'm sure that Dr. C really enjoyed giving good news for a change.

[rascalsmom]

I have not dealt with Dr. Couto directly, but I did do some email consulting with two of the other veterinarians there: Liliana Marin and Paulo Vilar Saavedra. This was when Buddy's kidney numbers were elevated, and our vet wanted him to go on a kidney diet. They suggested further testing, which I had our vet do....and their suggestion was that Buddy's numbers were a wee bit high, but certainly within "normal" greyhound range. Buddy did not need to go on the prescription diet, and he was with us for almost another year until lymphoma took him away from us.

 

Very nice to deal with, and very prompt in the communication!

[Guest Flysmom]

I heard so many, many praises about Dr. Couto and his team!

I called 2 weeks ago to get some advice on Fly and his leg. I was able to speak to Dr. Vilar. I was so flabbergasted that a busy vet would come and talk to me and listend to what I had to say. To top it off, he even gave me advice (as much as he could) and recommended my vet to contact him! (Sad to say, I supect the vet never called them...)

I never thought that anybody would do this - I really was expecting them to ask for my CC number first before I would be able to talk to somebody!

 

[MandysMom]

I've been fortunate that I haven't had to need to contact Dr. Cuoto or his wonderful team for a medical issue, but everything I've read has been touching. I appreciate all they do on behalf of our beloved greyhounds. I did get to talk to Dr. Marin at Greyhounds Rock on Saturday and was so impressed with her. She came over after giving her presentation, pet Mandy, and asked about her corns. I know vets are not "in it for the money", but the OSU team is exceptional in their dedication and service.

 

 

[joejoesmom]

I heard so many, many praises about Dr. Couto and his team!

I called 2 weeks ago to get some advice on Fly and his leg. I was able to speak to Dr. Vilar. I was so flabbergasted that a busy vet would come and talk to me and listend to what I had to say. To top it off, he even gave me advice (as much as he could) and recommended my vet to contact him! (Sad to say, I supect the vet never called them...)

I never thought that anybody would do this - I really was expecting them to ask for my CC number first before I would be able to talk to somebody!

Dr. Vilar was the one who took care of my sweet Joey when he sliced a 6 inch gash on his leg out chasing a squirrel in my wooded back yard. He was just wonderful. They even gave me a nice discount since Joe is a blood donor dog there. I know Dr. Vilar regularly works 12 to 14 hour days. I made him a birthday cake and got the whole waiting room to sing "Happy Birthday" -- I think he was a bit embarrassed.

 

I believe that Dr Vilar, Dr. Milan and the others are partially paid out of funds for the cancer research and the wellness program. So the willingness to provide "free" consulting is allowed by all your donations.

[queenwinniesmom]

I think Dr. Couto is a saint! Not only are he and his colleagues unfailingly generous with their time, knowledge and resources, they are constantly striving for breakthroughs in the ongoing battle with cancer in Greyhounds.

Quite a few of my friends have benefitted from their expertise, compassion and generosity---everything from prompt consultations to donating chemo drugs for a client's treatment at their own vet.

He's also a wonderful speaker, using gentle humor and a down to earth style that draws people in, and engages them as he's also educating them and giving them hope. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice in 2007, the first time when he spoke at our Going Home Greyhounds reunion picnic, and I was able to introduce him to Winnie, who at that time had gone almost 3 1/2 years after her diagnosis and amputation. He was charmed by her (as most everyone was), and there were some tears in the crowd (including mine), as he told her what an inspiration she was. We talked about artemisinin and the studies OSU was doing on it. The next time I saw him, at his lecture at Dewey, we had lost our precious Winnie to kidney failure, not osteo. Though she was never treated by him, I always felt that he was kind of like a guardian angel, always there when he was most needed.

[carronstar]

Thankfully, I have never needed to consult with Dr. Couto but the stories I have read about him and his team are truly uplifting. I was very thankful that the link to donate was posted here on GT so that I was able to go and do so and in some small way thank him for the work that he and his team do.

[Guest VelvetEars]

When Jane was sick - stroke of undetermined cause, Dr C was gracious enough to consult with the vet here, and the vets at Mizzou. We were so grateful that we could build a team of folks who could pool their knowledge and ideas to hopefully come up with some answers. Anytime I hear him mentioned, it's usually in sentences with 'angel' and 'God-send' and 'amazing.'

 

I had met him and heard him speak at Bluegrass a few years ago, and I was so impressed by his down-to-earth manner and his obvious love for greys and their owners.

 

He and his team are always in my prayers.

[Guest ArtysPeople]

I was in to my vet for something totally minor just this week, and because I know she treats other greys in my area, I asked if she had ever worked with OSU and their chemotherapy program for ex-racers. (Knock on wood we'll never need it, but I thought it was good to ask my vet how she felt about working with outside consults, just in case.) She said she wasn't aware of it, but as we talked, I could see a lightbulb go off over her head. "That's where Dr. Cuoto is, isn't it?" she asked, her entire face aglow. She said she had heard him speak about blood-borne diseases and was completely, totally impressed with him and his obvious love for greyhounds. "I would be honored to work with them," she said. "He's my hero." I think that about says it.

[Tallgreydogmom]

Our boy Dennis with Dr Couto. Thank you for all the love your team gave Dennis and us.

 

Edited March 25, 2009 by Tallgreydogmom

[grey8greys]

I have never met Dr. Couto, but e-mailed him about my girl Flossie when she was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma of the rib, which is cancer of the cartlidge. First she was diagnosed with Osteo but a second set of x-rays. 3 months later showed Chondrosarcoma that is when I e-mailed him. He was very helpful and very quick on answering my e-mail. This all started back in Sept. Dr. Couto said the Flossie's type of cancer is not very common in Greyhounds and is a very slow moving cancer. Flossie is doing fine. I just keep an eye on her every move. I think it is wonderful for all that he does for these Greythounds and would love to meet him

[feemandvm]

Best vet I've ever had the privilege of working with and/or learning from. He is a brillant vet but an even better man and father. Really there isn't enough space to write all the good things about him. : )

 

 

 

 

 

[packmom]

A truly wonderful and giving person. Dedicated. Seemingly inexhaustable! Whatever it is you have to do, he makes you feel better about it. Even if it's the worst thing.

With Zinger and Dennis

[Guest multigrey]

If ever there was a man and/or a cause that could unite all adoption groups across this country....it is this man and his OSU team. I cannot fathom the hours he has given total strangers who are terrified that their beloved greyhound is dying. It is beyond belief that he has come forward to help all of us....no questions asked, no payment expected. The comfort he gives each of us as he talks to us is as valuable as the amazing medical expertise he has.

 

He is helping me right now with a little greyhound brood named Oreo who started to bleed heavily into her tissues after some minor sugery last week. None of the vets around here knew what to do with her. Thanks to this wonderful man, Oreo will be able to continue her journey to that perfect home after ten years of waiting.

 

How wonderful it would be if we, the greyhound community, could band together and both financially support and promote Dr. Couto, his awesome team and the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at OSU. Maybe an email to either Burpdog or Hope for Hounds can get us all started in the right direction.

[Batmom]

When we found Batman's mass (malignant histiocytosis), Dr. Couto reviewed his x-rays, responded to several more emails of mine, and spoke with me by phone about the disease and treatment options. Kind, patient, straightforward, and above all gracious. I never got the feeling that I was interrupting a busy and important man's day, but rather that I was speaking with someone who cared deeply about my dog. Even though I *was* interrupting a busy and important man's day, and he had never met me or my Batman!

 

My vet has also talked with another doctor (unfortunately I'm not sure who) in Dr. Couto's group about one of my dogs' bloodwork. He got the same response -- straightforward, gracious, and helpful.

 

From my point of view, Dr. Couto and his group are an unusual resource for greyhound owners and vets, and one that I am personally thankful for.

[Maddiesmom]

Thankfully, I have never had to with Dr. Couto or his team directly but I have heard many great praises, compliments about him and I look forward to meeting him at Mountain Hounds this year. I just want to say "Thank you from the bottom of my heart" for all that he does for greyhounds, their owners and the greyhound community. We appreciate all you and your staff do for us in an effort to combat greyhound cancer.

[duncan41]

90 days after our first Greyhound, Nikki, adopted us in 2005, she was diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma. I knew nothing about Greyhounds, Lymphosarcoma or the challenges ahead. Nikki didn't respond well to chemo and my mentor suggested that I contact Dr. Couto for a second opinion. I remember sending the email and wondering how long it be before I received a response.........days?..........weeks? No, I received a response within 24 hours! Dr. Couto also consulted directly with my Vet about Nikki's situation which was a relief because by that time, I was so overwhelmed with all of her symptoms and meds, that I was totally lost.

I was fortunate to hear Dr. Couto speak at Sandy Paws 2008. What an amazing man! How lucky are Greyhounds to have such a man to champion their cause let alone provide the support, comfort and guidance to their owners and caregivers as well as a support system for the Veterinarians who treat them?!

If ever there was a program that was deserving of total commitment from the Greyhound Community, it is the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at OSU.

[Guest jerrybird]

I too am thankful for OSU's expertise. My lad was being taken care of by a competant specialist but I was concerned about the treatment protocol. Dr. Marin reassured us and kept in touch via e-mail. I cannot thank them enough.

[HopeForHounds]

When we found Batman's mass (malignant histiocytosis), Dr. Couto reviewed his x-rays, responded to several more emails of mine, and spoke with me by phone about the disease and treatment options. Kind, patient, straightforward, and above all gracious. I never got the feeling that I was interrupting a busy and important man's day, but rather that I was speaking with someone who cared deeply about my dog. Even though I *was* interrupting a busy and important man's day, and he had never met me or my Batman!

 

My vet has also talked with another doctor (unfortunately I'm not sure who) in Dr. Couto's group about one of my dogs' bloodwork. He got the same response -- straightforward, gracious, and helpful.

 

From my point of view, Dr. Couto and his group are an unusual resource for greyhound owners and vets, and one that I am personally thankful for.

 

Right on the money as usual Marilyn.

 

We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr Couto and the OSU GHWP behind us. I cannot stress enough how important it is to support them financially. Hope for Hounds continues to raise awareness and money for the cancer research they do. I am also speaking to greyhound groups whenever I can to share the message that the OSU Team is there for us and to also brainstorm ways we can raise money for the program. In a few days I will start a brainstorming thread to see how we can come together as a united group to do this.

 

This thread is an awesome idea. I don't think people can be told enough when they do so much above and beyond their job.

[Guest vthounds]

Dr. Couto and his team were such a tremendous help to both of my Girls. Ellie was diagnosed with OS in November 2007; I'm in VT but I heard about him so I just called to see if he had any advice - he and his assistants were amazingly helpful. He looked at her X-rays, offered advice regarding treatment, and helped out in just so many ways, even though we've never met. About a year later, Katie's bloodwork and behavior was odd and my vets were puzzled; again he stepped in and agreed to look at test results and offer his expertise. So approachable, so knowledgeable, and such a treasure to the greyhound community. Katie passed in January (2 months shy of her 15th birthday), but Ellie is still truckin' along...

 

Debbie with angel Katie, Ellie the wonder-tripod, and Dingo

[joejoesmom]

My sweet Joey injured himself again! This time he did it on a Saturday night, so I couldn't take him to the OSU blood donor group for lower cost treatment (they work M-F). I had to take him to my regular vet. Well $400 and 6 stitches later, he will be just fine. He just gets so into the running that he forgets to look where he is going and runs into things. This time, he lacerated his muzzle, thankfully not quite all the way through to the inside.

 

The reason I am posting it here is that he will not be able to give blood until he is healed and off antibiotics -- so this gives you even more time to post any stories you have. I won't be going into to OSU for at least two weeks.

 

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm sure it will give a great emotional boost to the whole OSU Health and Wellness Team.

 

Jane