Guest mhall Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Emily is having some sort of problem with her left back leg/hip. A few times over the summer/early fall she developed a small limp after an unusually long walk/wiping out while running in the yard. It always went away after a day or two of rest, so we didn't worry too much about it. She starting limping again, badly, on Monday. Based on how she's moving the problem seems to be in her hip. She really doesn't like bearing any weight on that leg, and is having difficulty getting up the few stairs to our apartment and lying down/standing up. I really hate seeing her in pain She's seen the vet, is scheduled for x-rays at the beginning of next week (soonest we could get her in without leaving her there all day due to our work schedules) and has started taking metacam. We also have her on glucosamine and chondroitin. Questions for y'all, as I know I will be on tenterhooks until we get x-ray results back: -Is 4 too young for osteosarcoma? I'm getting a bit freaked out because the location and symptoms are exactly the same as they were for Tarmac. - 4 seems young for arthritis though too. Do some racers get arthritis fairly early on? - Is it possible that an old, undiagnosed racing injury is acting up? I know she did take a pretty bad spill during one of her races. - How long does metacam usually take to start working for something like arthritis? We haven't seen any improvement after two days. Answers to my questions/good thoughts/any ideas about what this might be are appreciated! I'm trying really hard not to worry too much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomDoggy Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I don't really have answers to your questions. Lots of "maybe"s. It's impossible to not worry, but at least know you're not worrying alone. Quote ~Aimee, with Flower, Alan, Queenie, & Spodee Odee! And forever in my heart: Tipper, Sissy, Chancy, Marla, Dazzle, Alimony, and Boo. This list is too damned long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Sorry Em is feeling badly. Unfortunately, Osteo knows no age boundries, but, dont' think that way now. The Metacam IS a good painkliller (NSAID), and should start working 35-40 minutes after taking it. Looks like you are doing all the right things, and yes, I'd suggest the x-ray, just to put your mind at ease. If there is an old, underlying injury, no, four isn't too young for arthritis. Sending love, hugs and prayers your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Paul had a soft tissue injury (how I don't know) at age 4-1/2, shortly after we adopted him. Two weeks on deramaxx and he was fine. Hoping your issues with Em will be similar. I was very nervous too. 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...
carronstar Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ScottH Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Thinking of you & Em. Scott, Noreen, Argos, Kota & Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Unfortunately osteo can happen at any age. Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers it's not THAT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I'm sorry hear Emily is limping. To answer your questions, there are many things that can cause a limp. Yes, unfortunately Osteo is one of them but I agree with Dee, let's not think of that now. Metacam works wonders for our pups and should take affect quickly. It could well be an old racing injury and it could be other things. Pain control is a good first step and we'll cross our fingers the x-rays show nothing serious (I wish you could get them sooner just to calm your nerves). Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnsliz Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 My Finn was diagnosed with arthritis in his wrist when he was only 3.5 years old. It is possible. Hoping Em's issues are simple and treatable. Quote <p>Finn, Wink, Birdie, Snap and SmokeyJG Quicknfast 7/25/99-5/16/08, JG Quickwink 7/25/99-9/22/13, Iruska SweetDuv 7/19/03-11/9/16, Delbar 6/11/11 and Catahoula Smokey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Prayers for Em.....strength for you. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kar Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Hope Em is ok. Thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 -Is 4 too young for osteosarcoma? I'm getting a bit freaked out because the location and symptoms are exactly the same as they were for Tarmac. Unfortunately, no. Very glad you're getting x-rays soon. Holding Em in my prayers for it being nothing serious. Many hugs to you, too... not knowing is so very difficult. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 If the metacam doesn't seem to help perhaps you should call your vet and ask for tramadol. That way your pup can be more comfortable until you get those x-rays done. Fingers crossed for you, I can only imagine the fear you are feeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mhall Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 You are all great - thanks for your good thoughts, prayers, and for worrying along with me! I am trying really hard to operate under the assumption this is nothing serious, but it's hard when the symptoms seem to so closely mirror our previous experience with osteo. Paul had a soft tissue injury (how I don't know) at age 4-1/2, shortly after we adopted him. Two weeks on deramaxx and he was fine. Hoping your issues with Em will be similar. I was very nervous too. My Finn was diagnosed with arthritis in his wrist when he was only 3.5 years old. It is possible. Hoping Em's issues are simple and treatable. These stories are reassuring. I do tend to think it's something more insidious/chronic than a soft tissue injury since she was having some problems over the summer. I would be okay with arthritis though - at least that is manageable! Pain control is a good first step and we'll cross our fingers the x-rays show nothing serious (I wish you could get them sooner just to calm your nerves). We would have gotten her in sooner, but decided Em's fear of the vet trumps our fear of the unknown. If we did it this week, she would have to remain at the office all day. She's scheduled for first thing Tuesday morning and I will pick her up just as soon as the sedative has worn off enough for her to walk (we're pretty darn sure she'll need to be sedated). She'll get her third dose of metacam tonight. If we don't start to see improvement by tomorrow, we may ask for a script for tramadol. Oh, in case anyone is wondering about the possibility of tick borne diseases causing the limping her group did a tick panel on her this summer. It was negative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Many prayers for your baby! Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Passion was limping this summer after our lake walks. I'd rest her a day or so and we'd walk again. Then she'd start limping again. My vet was at my house and noticed the limp and said I need to bring her in. I of course freaked out thinking "C". Did the x-ray and turns out she had a soft tissue infection which was starting to get to the bone. She was on antibiotics for 4 months and they did another x-ray and it was gone. She did limp the entire time in Dewey but she was stepped on so I'm thinking her foot is also going to be a little sensitive. Try not to freak out, it's hard not to, I know Quote Kari and the pups.Run free sweet Hana 9/21/08-9/12/10. Missing Sparks with every breath.Passion 10/16/02-5/25/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mhall Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Well, it's been 4 days and the Metacam isn't working. Called the vet this morning. She juggled around her appointment schedule so we could bring Em in for x-rays on Monday instead of Tuesday, and I'll pick up a script for Tramadol when I get out of work. I'm worried. Our vet is worried. It's gonna be a long weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Long shot-----did you check for corns???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mhall Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Yep, we've gone over her foot numerous times with a flashlight checking every little nook and cranny. Foot is fine. It seems to be a hip problem/upper femur based on how she's walking and how she reacted to the vet manipulating her leg. Appreciate the suggestion though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Diablo Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 for Em. sending positive toughts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Heehoo Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Ditto what everyone above said & yes unfortunately cancer doesn't know any age. It could be an old muscle injury from racing. Keep us posted, you're both in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest peacehound Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 My girl Peace has had a limp on and off ever since I adopted her as a bounce three years ago. Sometimes it goes away in a couple days but has lasted up to a month on and off. It is so, so scary having a hound that limps. Best of luck to you and your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Arthritis can occur very young at the site of an injury, even one that may have appeared healed. Sadly, four is NOT too young for osteo, but it IS fairly unusual that young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BleuDog Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Healing thoughts to ALL of You....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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