Guest UESBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 (edited) We took William to run on the sandbar for the July 4th weekend, and after a good run he started limping. We figured it was just a tweeked or over-exerted muscle, gave some asprin, emailed the vet when we got home. The vet was away on vacation, sent one email saying he suggested Metacam, and I should order it and have them call his cell. I had a few other questions, emailed him, never got a reply, so I just went ahead and ordered 32 ml or Metacam this Monday. It hasn't come yet, but William has been getting around ok with only the occasional limping on a walk, so we thought he was getting better. Last night when I got home from work, he was holding his paw up off the ground, so it was clearly not getting better, so we took him to the ASPCA hospital for an emergency walk-in. The vet checked out his leg, moved it around, touched different spots, checked out his paw pads, and he didn't make any indication that he was in pain other than holding up his paw not wanting to walk on it. She suggested x-rays, and said if it was cancer, it'd clearly show up in the films, and also suggested a lyme disease test since he had a few ticks on him while on vacation (we took 3 off while thy were just walking on him- none actually "stuck" for a feeding). The xrays came back, and were pretty good for not putting him under or giving sedation, which I was glad they did. No sign of anything out of order, and she said his muscles feel normal. She also did standard bloodwork to make sure everything is ok to give him meds, and perscribed previcox, half of a 227 mg tab per day, which we're giving today with breakfast. We'll hear back today about the blood work, and likely tomorrow about the lyme disease, but assuming that the lyme comes back negative since they didn't actually stick to him, what else could it be? We have a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon first thing Friday morning, but I'm just wondering what else they could find that xrays, poking and proding, and bloodwork wouldn't find? Has anyone else had limping issues where the diagnosis/source weren't initially very apparent? What did it turn out to be? Edited July 17, 2009 by UESBrindle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 No experience or suggestions here, but good thoughts for William...feel better soon, handsome boy. --Lucy Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 One of ours turned up lame like that. We were just walking down the sidewalk and he went tripod. Foot was warm and swollen. Vet couldn't find a thing. No x-rays though. He wanted to give him time on the meds. Previcox for one week and he was okay. Off previcox and he started limping after walking on some grass and stopping suddenly. I was messing with his foot and hear an audible joint crack. He has been fine ever since. I think he just dislocated the outside toe or jammed it or something. It's been 10 days and he seems to be fine. I would think that the x-ray would show a joint misallignment, but could it have popped back in and is now stretched and sore? Just a thought. Paws crossed for you! Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 THAT is a tough one! I am GLAD the x-rays came back clean. Let's hope the Pervicox (good medication) works. Prayers for a quick recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 No experience with this, but sending and for beautiful William! Please keep us posted. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 1. Foot 2. Soft tissue injury (strained muscle) For the foot: Get a flashlight and a magnifying glass and go over every square millimeter. In between the toes on top. In between the pads on the bottom. Part the hair at the base of the toenails and look for any swelling or redness. Grasp each toenail and wiggle it gently. Grasp the toe and wiggle it gently from side to side. Gently squeeze each toe from the sides. Gently press each pad. Examine pads for redness (worn pad; insect bite; bruise), dark spots (bruise), pinholes (could be a corn starting), hard spots (could be a corn in existence). If it's a soft tissue injury -- hard to diagnose. Sometimes clever person or vet will be able to detect by moving the limb thru its full range and finding the "ouch" spot. Other times, rest and anti-inflammatories are about all you can do. Good luck -- hope your pup is 100% again soon. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UESBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Ok, will get out the headlamp tonight and look at his feet. I guess now is the time to buy a magnifying glass! The vet moved his whole leg around, bent it different ways, and William didn't give any noise or any sign that he was in discomfort, so we'll see how the anti-inflamatories go and if he's doing better. Even if he stops limping on the pervicox for a few days, I guess I'm just worried that when the course of meds is done, he'll either have healed/recovered, or will still be limping, in which case, we know what'll help it, but still don't know why. The vet said if he's doing better we could cancel the friday appointment with the ortho doc, but I don't think I'll have a clear indication in a matter of 36 hours to determin if it's helping enough to cancle the appointment, so I think we'll go regardless. Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Speedhoundz Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Did the vet x ray the entire shoulders? I'm not saying it's OS--there are so many other things it could be, like a corn--but my friend's grey had OS that went undiagnosed for far too long because the x rays were taken just below the affected area. So you may just want to double check to make sure the x rays went high enough on the legs/shoulders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UESBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 The vet did say to fast William before the Friday appointment incase the orthopedic surgeon wants to sedate and xray the scapula, so we'll see Friday I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lflaherty45 Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Glad the x-rays didn't show anything, maybe it is a slight sprain ? hoping it clears up soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Yes, Sunny had some intermittent limping on one of his front legs a while back, which the vet couldn't find a reason for. Eventually we took him to a greyhound specialist vet who found a problem in his neck which was treated with chiropractic sessions with success. I don't believe that this problem (a slight misalignment of one of the vertebrae) would have shown up on an xray. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 (edited) Give my buddy William a big hug and kiss for me (and his lady love). I know that when Scarlett pulled a "paw up, can't walk" it took her vet (not Andy) nearly 45 minutes of examining her leg and really kneading her shoulder to find the knot that was causing her the pain. Once he found that knot and worked on it, and she had a course of meds, she was fine. You know how to reach me if you need anything. If Andy doesn't answer emails (can be an issue if he is on holiday) call him on his mobile. I have never had a problem getting him to return a call. If need be, tell me and I'll call! Edited July 15, 2009 by carronstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 (edited) How old is William? Fletcher has started the intermittent limping/holding up paw over the last few months. My vet did xrays, twice, to get the shoulder in. No "C" (Whew), no corns, no spinal or neck problems. We tested for TBDs and Valley Fever (both neg). There were some slight indications of arthritis in the shoulder and elbow, so I started him on glucosamine and Metacam as needed. That seems to have taken care of it, except he will still hold up his paw for a little while after tear-assing around the yard . Fletcher turned 7 in March. Wouldn't hurt to test for Valley Fever, and be sure the whole neck/spine thing is checked out. Good Luck! edited to add, I see you are in New York, so don't bother with the Valley Fever test unless William was ever in the Southwest or CA Edited July 15, 2009 by Remolacha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UESBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 William turned 5 in May. I'll make sure to ask about all of the spine, shoulder, neck area Friday when we go to follow-up. I also called DBF on my break, and he said even though he gave William the meds at breakfast this morning, he's still hopding up his paw. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to kick in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I'm sending lots of good thoughts for William on Friday :goodluck Let's hope they figure out what is causing his limping. Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 My Andy did that and we went to the vet, clear x-rays, nothing. Physical exam was perfect and we all just shook our heads trying to figure out what it was. Three weeks later a tiny corn appeared on Andy's toe. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UESBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I checked out a corn website, and am wondering, to those of you who have seen one in person, does this look like the begining of one? Also, what's the course to take if it is a painful corn? since it's not even above the pad yet, but still making it very uncomfortable for him to walk? Would the best thing to do be to nip it in the bud and have it hulled of shelled? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Looks more like a little puncture or foreign body than a corn, but it could be a corn. As a first step, wouldn't hurt to soak his foot in Epsom salts (at your drugstore; directions on the box; you mix up with warm water) 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a day. I usually wait till pup is lying down, soak a washcloth in the Epsom salts, wrap dripping wet washcloth around foot, put foot with washcloth inside 2 plastic bags, deliver tummy rubs for 5-10 minutes. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlackandBrindle Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I agree with Batmom. Although Sadie's 'corn' or whatever it was looked like that in the beginning. Convinced it was a foreign body I soaked it every night for about a week. One night when I had just soaked it I was fooling with it and it peeled right off but she stopped limping. I heart epsom salts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 (edited) Epsom salt for sure, it's a great healer. Already been said but it doesn't look like a corn, looks like maybe a pucture from a thorn or something like that On the NSAIDs, usually it takes 3 days to see improvenment Edited July 15, 2009 by cbudshome Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Suze is 5 years old and has been limping in the right rear more on than off for the past 3 years - started shortly after she and her sister Fuzz adopted us. Have had two sets of xrays - the second one last month with no abnormalties showing up in either set. (Whew!) Changed Vets just last month and the new Vet (who did the 2nd set of xrays) thinks it's because Suze has what she called "soft pads". There are portions of her pads that do not have that "pebbly" or toughened texture - they are extremely smooth and soft - especially the pads on her back paws. She now wears TheraPaw boots on both rear paws and I have noticed an improvement in the last several weeks. She had been limping while walking on the tile in the house, but isn't any more. I will keep William in my prayers. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I would think that it's more than likely a foreign body in the toe--they don't usually get that painful that acutely with a corn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiliDog Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Healing thoughts and big hugs coming your way from all of us in Montreal! Quote Donna & The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds Adoption Squad; Buffy and Rik T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIGreyLady Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I hope William's paw feels better soon. He's a good boy Quote Mimi- mom to Burdette (KB's Burdette), Sophie (LL's Stupid Is) and bridge babies Kelsey (Kelso's Logo), Sterling (Cold B Tiger), Fritz, Tasha, Chloe and Molly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracegirl Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Just now seeing this...hoping cousin William has a good day today. Unfortunately I don't have any advice to offer. But I do have cookies! Quote Poppy the lurcher 11/24/23 Gabby the Airedale 7/1/18 Forever missing Grace (RT's Grace), Fenway (not registered, def a greyhound), Jackson (airedale terrier, honorary greyhound), and Tessie (PK's Cat Island) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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