MerlinsMum Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 (edited) Many of you know that Merlin has IBD and has had horrible flare-ups since March. He is now on 1000mg of Metronidazole (Flagyl) a day and WHAT a difference! His appetite has been wonderful, his energy is wonderful, his cheekiness is back with a vengeance. We haven't been able to catch a breath and celebrate, though. About a month ago, before his last flare-up, Merlin did zoomies in the yard and subsequently developed a limp on his front left leg. We thought nothing of it - it has happened before following zoomies, and in the past the limp disappeared after a week of no running and shorter walks. Except that, this time, the limp hasn't gone away. In fact, it's gotten worse - a LOT worse. We didn't talk about it in depth with the vet sooner because we had to deal with another flare-up a couple of weeks ago - his worst to date, as it took him so long to recover from this last one But last week I took him to our vet to have his leg examined - they were busy from an emergency so we rescheduled the x-ray for tomorrow. When she examined him, Dr. Katie was of the opinion that it was likely arthritis, and -- I know, it's crazy -- I am desperately hoping that tomorrow's x-ray will confirm that she is right. Two things give me hope: 1. I keep a journal of his medical issues (by the way, for any of you with iPhones, I use PawCard, which is free from the App Store - not sure if it's available on other platforms as well, but I LOVE it.), and looking through it, I noticed that he had the same issue with that same shoulder last November, than again in February. 2. Earlier this year he developed a protuberance on his left foot and we x-rayed it. Nothing there. But we noticed that he does NOT like us touching his left foot at all. He trembles sometimes when I'm squeazing it. What if he broke his toe or something? We thought it was his shoulder, because he stretches and then seems to feel better, but we could well be wrong. I don't know. The vet says that if it were cancer it would most likely have gotten worse, and it hasn't. Well, that was true of things until this last week. He used to limp every time he got up. Then he'd stretch, and he'd be okay on his walks. Over the last week, he drags and walks with difficulty and his limp is pretty much constant I just don't know what to think. I just need tomorrow to come fast and I need it to be over, because I NEED TO KNOW. I can't sleep, I have no appetite, I am one big messy knot of worry Please - I need lots of good thoughts. Keep Merlin in your thoughts tomorrow at 8.30am. My baby boy HAS to be alright. He just has to be. Thanks... Edited September 10, 2011 by MerlinsMum 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...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Many many prayers from us 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 RobinAZ Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Prayers for Merlin. I hope all goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Prayers & good thoughts coming for our favorite Wiz now through morning and beyond. It must KNOT be anything "serious." , , and for you, Merlin......and strength for your mama. 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 mbfilby Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Good thoughts from us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Hoping for clean x-rays. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Positive energy and healing thoughts from here for Merlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vers Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sending all good thoughts for your Wizard -- there are a lot of things it could be, and I hope getting it checked out brings you relief (yep, I am a professional worrier). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sending you and Merlin the best thoughts ever for a big nothing (or at the very most a touch of arthritis). Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IHeartDogs Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sending tons of positive thoughts and prayers for Merlin and you *fingers and paws crossed* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Oh dear! I can imagine how sick with worry and concern you are. MANY good thoughts for Merlin and you, and I'll be checking for updates! Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sending tons and tons of good thoughts for Merlin...and for you guys, too. Worry is hard. Hope you get nothing but good news! Quote Kendra, devoted walker of Henry (Tom Jones: Great Son x Lucia) Missing Badger (Vf Get R Done: Quicksand Slip x Ll Tee el See), 5/04 - 2/14, who opened our hearts and our home to greyhounds; Kenzie (Slatex Kenzie: Randy Handy x Slatex Chrisy), 4/03 - 10/14, who really knew what a good dog she was; Falcon (Atascocita Sabat: Dodgem by Design x Atascocita Barb), 9/10 - 1/20, who was grumpy and snarky but eventually a little bit cuddly, too; Grandpa Grey the Galgo Español, 2008 (?) to 2022, who made us feel lucky to be the ones to teach him about pet life; and Lucia (Larking About x Anastasia, 5/12 to 8/23), our first brood matron and the sweetest speckly girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 When she examined him, Dr. Katie was of the opinion that it was likely arthritis, and -- I know, it's crazy -- I am desperately hoping that tomorrow's x-ray will confirm that she is right. Going through something similar (Joe's exam is tomorrow); I very much understand how hopeful you are for a touch of arthritis! Joe has also gotten a bit gimpy after zoomies, then recovered in a day or so; this time it seems weird, so to the vet we go! Hubby's upset that I want it to be arthritis -- he hasn't read GT! Fingers crossed for the "good" diagnosis for both boys! Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FreddyGirl Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 The "crew" and I send our very best to you and the Wizard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 From one worrier to another; all the best for Merlin tomorrow. 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...
45MPHK9 Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Thinking all good thoughts for the Wizard, Kerry. 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...
brindlehound Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 I'll be thinking of your beloved Wizard tomorrow morning. Quote Carol, missing Magic (1/5/01 - 4/15/15) but welcoming Fuzzy's Joy Behar (Joy) into my life on 5/31/15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted September 5, 2011 Author Share Posted September 5, 2011 When she examined him, Dr. Katie was of the opinion that it was likely arthritis, and -- I know, it's crazy -- I am desperately hoping that tomorrow's x-ray will confirm that she is right. Going through something similar (Joe's exam is tomorrow); I very much understand how hopeful you are for a touch of arthritis! Joe has also gotten a bit gimpy after zoomies, then recovered in a day or so; this time it seems weird, so to the vet we go! Hubby's upset that I want it to be arthritis -- he hasn't read GT! Fingers crossed for the "good" diagnosis for both boys! Best of luck for Joe's visit tomorrow as well :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 boondog Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sending good thoughts for the Wizard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 When she examined him, Dr. Katie was of the opinion that it was likely arthritis, and -- I know, it's crazy -- I am desperately hoping that tomorrow's x-ray will confirm that she is right. Going through something similar (Joe's exam is tomorrow); I very much understand how hopeful you are for a touch of arthritis! Joe has also gotten a bit gimpy after zoomies, then recovered in a day or so; this time it seems weird, so to the vet we go! Hubby's upset that I want it to be arthritis -- he hasn't read GT! Fingers crossed for the "good" diagnosis for both boys! Best of luck for Joe's visit tomorrow as well :goodluck Thank you! Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 We'll all be with you, you know! :hope Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Hoping you'll be back here tomorrow telling us "much ado about nothing." Be well, Merlin! 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...
djsgreys Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 We will have everything crossed here for the wizard - and that it a whole lot of paws. Quote Deb, and da Croo In my heart always, my Bridge Angels - Macavity, Tila the wannabe, Dexter, CDN Cold Snap (Candy), PC Herode Boy, WZ Moody, Poco Zinny, EM's Scully, Lonsome Billy, Lucas, Hurry Hannah, Daisy (Apache Blitz), Sadie (Kickapoo Kara), USS Maxi, Sam's Attaboy, Crystal Souza, Gifted Suzy, Zena, and Jetlag who never made it home. http://www.northernskygreyhounds.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Mustering every good thought and well-wish that we can for the Wizard. 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...
Guest eaglflyt Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 I'm so sorry you're so worried and your boy is feeling so bad. I'm praying it's something small and treatable and that you will both have relief very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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