Rickiesmom Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 (edited) Yesterday morning Rickie was limping a bit. It happens from time to time - he's 11 and he has arthritis. By early afternoon I thought one of the toes on his left front foot looked swollen. DH thought I was imagining things. By dinner time there was no question and a couple of hours later the whole foot was huge, with one toe in particular looking especially bad. The underside was bruising and he wouldn't bear weight at all. Off to the e-vet. By the time the vet saw us (it was busy), the swelling was moving up his leg and the foot was weeping blood. X-rays showed no breaks or bone issues, vet felt it was an infection (x-rays showed no bone implicated, thank goodness). Under good light and using a magnifying glass, vet could find no trauma - not a cut, puncture, not even a scratch. The origin of this infection is a mystery. We went home at 1AM with Metacam, Tramadol, Baytril and Clindamycin. Vet chose not to culture - didn't think it was a good idea to stick a needle in the foot at that point, which would have been the only way to get a proper sample - taking from the weeping area on the outside of the foot would be too contaminated. Vet called early this AM to say the bloodwork looked OK - white cell count was a little elevated, but everything else was in proportion, so no sign of real toxicity, thank goodness. Rickie is at least starting to bear weight on the foot and it looks somewhat less awful than last evening, so the meds must be helping, however, we are heading into catch-22 territory - he needs food with most of these meds, but his appetite is gone. I'll call my regular vet in the AM to see if I can get something for his tummy. In the meantime, roasted chicken and vanilla Ensure are still OK. This is so small compared to many worse health issues many hounds are experiencing, but scary how quickly it appeared "out of nowhere". Edited July 28, 2009 by Rickiesmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest isntitgreyt Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Sending positive thoughts and prayers for Rickie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahicks51 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 This is so small compared to many worse health issues many hounds are experiencing, but scary how quickly it appeared "out of nowhere". Not at all "small." Bacterial infections can quickly get out of hand, and be severely debilitating- even fatal- if not acted upon promptly. I'm glad the clindamycin and Baytril seem to be effective. Glad to hear he'll still nibble on something- keep it up! Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamngrey Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 no idea but want to send prayers Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ohiogreymom Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Sending many prayers that the meds stop the infection and your sweet boy feels like eating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Poor Rickie! Glad to hear the meds seem to be working! Sending lots of good thoughts your way! :goodluck 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...
Guest greymama002 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 to Rickie and hope he continues to improve & keep his strength up. That is so scary when things appear so suddenly without an apparent cause! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Here's hoping he gets well and you can still get him to eat! I was going to suggest the vanilla Ensure, but I see you already are using that! :hope <----- for Rickie :grouphug <------- for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Has the swelling gone down? I think it's a good idea to have your regular vet look at him too. Hope he continues to improve for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Might want to give a Pepcid AC about 30 minutes before his meds, with a little Ensure or yogert, if he'll eat it. You can CRUSH the Pepcid and mix in the Ensure, if that is all he will eat. Poor guy! Yes, infections CAN really get out of control. Might have been a VERY small puncture wound on the pad/foot, dirt got in, etc., etc., .... Hope he feels better, and the meds sound like what he needs! Give him a huge hug for us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LynnM Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Foot infections are miserable! I'm glad this one is coming under control pretty quickly. Make sure you're rinsing it off several times per day (outside with the hose is perfect). Dilution is the solution to pollution! Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted July 26, 2009 Author Share Posted July 26, 2009 Has the swelling gone down? I think it's a good idea to have your regular vet look at him too. Hope he continues to improve for you. Thanks - I forgot to mention we have an appointment for Tuesday and if need be I'll move it up to Monday. Reason for waiting the extra day is to get the vet I like and trust the most. The swelling has definitely gone down somewhat though it has a ways to go. But given the quick progression to worse prior to the e-vet visit, it looks like things are heading in the right direction. I am cleaning the foot gently several times a day, initially with peroxide, now with witchhazel, and will give it an Epsom salts soak this evening and a couple of times tomorrow too. It's bitter-appled so he doesn't lick, and at night that is reinforced with a light sock. He is somewhat zonked with the Tramadol, which for now is helpful. Thank you all for your suggestions (I'll pick up some Pepcid) and well wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Has the swelling gone down? I think it's a good idea to have your regular vet look at him too. Hope he continues to improve for you. Thanks - I forgot to mention we have an appointment for Tuesday and if need be I'll move it up to Monday. Reason for waiting the extra day is to get the vet I like and trust the most. The swelling has definitely gone down somewhat though it has a ways to go. But given the quick progression to worse prior to the e-vet visit, it looks like things are heading in the right direction. I am cleaning the foot gently several times a day, initially with peroxide, now with witchhazel, and will give it an Epsom salts soak this evening and a couple of times tomorrow too. It's bitter-appled so he doesn't lick, and at night that is reinforced with a light sock. He is somewhat zonked with the Tramadol, which for now is helpful. Thank you all for your suggestions (I'll pick up some Pepcid) and well wishes. WE use the generic Pepcid here. Saves a lot. You can get it anywhere. Wal-mart has the best deals. Hope everything continues to improve! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Sending many prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Sending hugs to Rickie. Hope he heals quickly. I hate when you have no idea how. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 This is so small compared to many worse health issues many hounds are experiencing NOT when it comes to Rickie Ekko says. She worrys about her friend, and we're both glad to hear the swelling has gone down some. The Epsom Salt soak should really help as well, and the Pepcid should help his stomach. Mary, please keep us posted on how he's doing 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...
Guest eaglflyt Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 OH, I hope the antibiotics kick the infection out quickly. Infections can be scary to deal with. I'm praying he gets better quickly and has a full recovery. Shelly in OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TheUnrulyHound Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Hope Rickies foot starts looking even better tomorrow and I don' think that is "small" either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2hounds Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Oh sweet Rickie, stop scaring your Mommy! Quote 2 Hounds Design Martingale Collars | 2 Hounds Design Facebook PageAlisha, Bob, Livvie (the 2.5 year old!) plus Mia Bella, Tippy, + Wahoo and Diesel the crazy kitties (and missing sweet Iceman, Paradise, Bandit, Cujo & Sebastian) in Indian Trail, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 2greysinPA Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Prayers to heal this foot/paw quickly.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Flysmom Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Sending positive thoughts that the swelling will go down and that Rickie feels better soon! Having your Greyhound start to limp and his/her paw start to swell is a horribel feeling! Every Greyhound is important!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Good, healing thoughts coming your way from New Jersey. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Sending more healing thoughts for Rickie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted July 27, 2009 Author Share Posted July 27, 2009 Sending positive thoughts that the swelling will go down and that Rickie feels better soon! Having your Greyhound start to limp and his/her paw start to swell is a horribel feeling! Every Greyhound is important!! Thank you for the good thoughts. In the interest of full disclosure, Rickie is a whippet - should have mentioned that - I've posted about him so often that sometimes I forget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LadyChester Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 Sending healing thoughts to Rickie, and hugs to his Mom Hope he continues to improve!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.