rascalsmom Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 (edited) Yesterday, Ruby got hurt. She is almost 12 years old, and she tried going through our screen door. She was not running, and she hit it head-on. She went down instantly, and appeared to not be breathing...she was conscious, but not responsive. My daughter, who had CPR last year in 7th grade, was blowing into her mouth/nose....after trying to call our vet and not getting an answer, we put her in the car and took her to the e-vet. I thought she was certainly going to die right on our patio. By the time we got to the e-vet (30 minutes) she was breathing again, and her tongue was no longer purple/blue. They took xrays of her cervical spine, since it's her front legs that have been compromised. No fractures showed up, leading to thoughts of a disc injury. Her back legs seem pretty good, and she's urinating on her own. They started her on steroids last night. She spent the night there, and is to be seen today by a specialist, either surgical or orthopedic, since the neurologist is not in this week. Then, supposedly, they will be able to give us a more accurate assessment. The e-vet told us yesterday that dogs can bounce back from something like this, and that we'd probably have to use a sling to help her walk initially; also that we should know in a couple of weeks if she's going to start to improve. Any experience or advice with something like this? Edited April 11, 2011 by rascalsmom Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 No experience, but to Ruby and your family. I hope she is OK. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Wow! No experience, but I hope Ruby makes a fast and total recovery 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...
TheFullHouse Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Oh no! Prayers that Ruby is going to bounce back from this. Most cases like this that I've seen on GT, the pups have improved quite a bit with the use of steroids so hopefully getting her started on them right away will do the trick. 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...
ozgirl2 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hope the steroids help - they usually do! And don't be afraid to ask your vet to keep her on them longer if you think she needs them. My Cody had a back problem (bulgy disc) and she was on prednisone for 1.5 years Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 oh gosh :( no advice, just prayers!!! :hope Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyDoodle Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 (edited) Steroids were my first recommendation. PLEASE do not give NSAIDS while using steroids--it can be a deadly combination. I would investigate acupuncture and chiropractic. Someone from the city could tell you better than I could where to find the best folks. I have resources in Wheeling/Moundsville, but there are certainly specialists closer to you. Since you can't use NSAIDS, you might want to ask for a pain killer and/or a muscle relaxant. These will help with the discomfort and keep secondary issues from cropping up. Daisy has also run into the slider, developed a neck problem, which affected her gait, which caused a corn on an already wonky toe, which required a toe amp. You want to nip that cascade in the bud before it happens. I would use a harness from now on rather than clipping a leash to a collar. It will reduce the strain on her neck. For a week or two I would leash walk rather than being free in the yard, and restrict her to an x-pen. You want to keep her quiet so she can heal. Good luck. DD ETA Possible meds: Tramadol for pain, Robaxin, methocarbomol, flexeril for muscle relaxants; even Benedryl for the sedative effect so she'll stay quiet. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties. ETA2: If she stays on prednisone for more than a couple of weeks, make sure the vet gets you on an every-other-day dose schedule. Everyday use of prednisone can cause iatrogenic Cushings (I did this to my Bridge girl CoCo). Edited April 11, 2011 by DaisyDoodle Quote DonnaMolly the Border Collie & Poquita the American-born Podenga Bridge Babies: Daisy (Positive Delta) 8/7/2000 - 4/6/2115, Agnes--angel Sage's baby (Regall Rosario) 11/12/01 - 12/18/13, Lucky the mix (Found, w 10 puppies 8/96-Bridge 7/28/11, app. age 16) & CoCo (Cosmo Comet) 12/28/89-5/4/04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 I second the acupuncture and chiropractic. They has worked wonders on Phene. 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...
rascalsmom Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 I know of a veterinary accupuncturist in Beaver, PA, which is fairly close. I took Buddy to him when Buddy was near the end....he had LS. Thanks for all the good info, DD. I will definitely ask them about a muscle relaxer or something like that. I just happen to have two harnesses, which Buddy used. I will need something to use as a sling, as well. Maybe a towel would work for that? Still haven't heard back from the specialist. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyDoodle Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 If you need to make a road trip, or need a hand, I'm still here in SW PA for a couple of more days before I head back to NE. You might want to give Jim Radcliffe a call if you can't connect with a neurologist. Jim's an orthopod, but he's a greyt greyhound guy. Quote DonnaMolly the Border Collie & Poquita the American-born Podenga Bridge Babies: Daisy (Positive Delta) 8/7/2000 - 4/6/2115, Agnes--angel Sage's baby (Regall Rosario) 11/12/01 - 12/18/13, Lucky the mix (Found, w 10 puppies 8/96-Bridge 7/28/11, app. age 16) & CoCo (Cosmo Comet) 12/28/89-5/4/04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rascalsmom Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 Their neurologist will be back next Monday. I saw him with Buddy a couple of years ago. Thanks for the offer of help....if I have to get Ruby today, I will take my daughter to help. DH is, unfortunately, out of town today and won't be home till sometime tomorrow. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Oh, no, Melissa! That must have scared you to death! I wish I had some advice, but I've never experienced anything like this. I was going to mention the acupuncturist in Beaver Co. too. I think it could certainly help. Keep us up to date on how she's doing. And when you gently hug Ruby for me, please give the Rascal girl a hug too. Almost 12---wow! Where does time go? 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...
45MPHK9 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 No advice, Melissa. Sending hugs to Ruby and to you. Hope she is feeling better soon. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rascalsmom Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 I just spoke to the specialist. She says she thinks Ruby has a traumatic disc compression, and it 'may or may not' improve. No way to know. An MRI would show how bad it is, and if surgery is indicated, but the MRI is $1600-1800, and potential surgery is $2500-2800. And Ruby is nearly 12. We are not going to go that route, due to the cost for one thing, but also because I don't know that I'd want to put Ruby through that at her age. Our other option is to bring her home, and do physical therapy here--getting her up 3-4 times a day, doing range of motion exercises, keeping her clean and turned. She said some dogs show improvement in 1-3 days, some in 4-5 days, and that if a week goes by with no change, it's not a good sign. And there's no way to predict what would happen with Ruby. So that's it. Either she'll improve, or she won't. Of course the other option is to say goodbye to her. For now, she's going to stay there another night. I am in no position to bring her home myself and I can't expect my 14 year old to be a huge help. This is horrible. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Oh, Melissa...I hope she improves with physio and acupuncture/chiro. 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...
carronstar Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 (edited) No advice just hugs and good thoughts and prayers for Ruby. I think your DD should be named 8th grader of the year! Edited April 11, 2011 by carronstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Praying for Ruby! Try to think positive. These ol' girls can be tough and when the steroids pull out the inflammation she may bounce back pretty quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Oh, my. What a terrible accident. I hope she will feel better soon. 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...
BauersMom Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 (edited) I'm very sorry you are going through this. We did have a dog who had a similar accident - ran, head first, into another dog and was paralyzed. She has made a full recovery with only minimal neurological deficits. I really hope this is the case for Ruby, too. Edit - here is Maggie's thread, if it helps any. http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/226468-prayers-for-maggie/ Edited April 11, 2011 by BauersMom Quote With Buster Bloof (UCME Razorback 89B-51359) and Gingersnap Ginny (92D-59450). Missing Pepper, Berkeley, Ivy, Princess and Bauer at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Sending lots of prayers, Melissa. Let me know if there is anything I can do from this distance, OK? I have to wonder if she ran into the door *because* she was unsteady on her feet. 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 Annie Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Sending many prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 my best friend's dog slammed head first into a sliding glass door. broke her neck. they did a surgery fusing the neck at the break, and the dog lived a happy life,,, so normally, that if you didn't know she had been inured, you wouldn't know... Anyway,, before the surgery and during the rehab time my friend made a supportive neck brace for the dog to wear and i wonder if that would help Ruby. a flexible plastic with towels for padding, and velcro to hold tight around the neck. This really did help the dog!! just thought i'd put that out there,, if Ruby can stand with some help, perhaps the neck brace will help too until it can heal. good luck!!! Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Oh how awful for you and your girl...sending good thoughts that she improves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 My best wishes for your Ruby. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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