I Don't Know What To Do! (Long Post)

[Guest Jaybird]

My five year old boy, Cash (AKA Windrock Ring of Fire) is not doing well and I'm getting scared. I'll give you just a brief run down of symptoms and test and if anyone has any other suggestions, please speak up!

 

He's always had separation anxiety, but never more than getting into the trash or other things around the house. Never destroyed anything or had accidents. He has gotten better over the years and lately we are able to leave him alone up to 4 hours without much problem as long as we doggy-proof well.

 

We had family visiting during Thanksgiving and at one time everyone left the house for about an hour. While we were gone, he ate holes in the sheer curtain of the living room and puked it back up. I kept a close eye on him and he never showed any problems with BM's or eating, so we figured he got it all out of his system immediately when he threw up.

 

The first Wed of Dec he didn't eat his breakfast. VERY odd behavior. Around lunchtime I got him to eat some cottage cheese which he promptly threw up. Vet checked him out and we kept him off food for the day and had some broth for dinner. Was better the next day and back to his normal diet.

 

Next thing is he starts eating less at meals. Not much, but my boy loves to eat! So we start thinking that he may be getting bored with his food. (Normal diet used to be 1c Blue Buffalo Weight Control for breakfast, 1/2 cup with some cottage cheese at lunch, 1c and a can of Mighty Dog for dinner along with some healthy scraps, treats when deserved.) Talked to the vet and he says that dog's don't tire of their food and not to change anything.

 

So another week goes by and he is still eating less and just not seems right. He is becoming lethargic and his breathing seems to be not as deep. He's drinking more water. I Take him in for a checkup and tests, looking like kidneys and liver problems. He also has a fever. No ideas as to why and the vet doesn't want to put him on antibiotics yet. One night he has a "coughing" (for lack of a better description) fit and I rush him to the ER vet. She has experience with Greyhounds (an my vet doesn't have any except for Cash) and she hears a heart murmur and notes a sensitivity in his spine near his hind legs that is unusual. She runs a heartworm test (neg), takes X-rays of his chest, and does an EKG. Her diagnosis: abnormal heart, fluid in the lungs, enlarged heart, abnormal EKG, possible infection of the heart valves. She sends us to a new vet the next day for an Echo.

 

At this point I dump my old vet and transfer all of his care to the new vet that does the echo and has all the fancy equipment. The next day (Dec 23) we go in for the Echo, nothing seen unusual. New vet does not hear the heart murmur. Takes more x-rays and runs more tests. While waiting in the office, he has another coughing fit and then she hears the heart murmur! More tests...lots of antibiotics...

 

So, as of now, he is still fighting his fever. He is fighting, period. But we have no idea what is wrong with him. All the tests are coming bag negative for bacterial and fungal infections. He has lost interest in most food and will only eat food that I make for him and he prefers to be hand fed. (Have I mentioned that he is spoiled?) He looks better, his breathing is still not where it used to be, he still is lethargic but will move when prompted. Still wants to go for car rides and be with me. He is back to whining for food when someone is eating or if he wants some attention. Some eye ooze. Lost about 5lbs. ANd now he seems to be weak in the hind quarters....seems shaky walking up and down stairs, hesitates when jumping into the car or onto the people bed, doesn't seem to want to lie on the floor. Doesn't want to get out of bed in the mornings (used to get up at 6am and now won't get out until around 9). We are on three different antibiotics and our appetite is ok. Will go out to use the bathroom and enjoys short walks to the park where I let him mosey around and sniff. No zooming, no walking fast. Has lost most interest in other dogs and cats.

 

We are still waiting on some test results and have just sent off for an immune panel and Bartonella test. The popular tick tests all came back neg too. Next week we will probably have another Echo on the heart and maybe an ultrasound on the kidneys. (His heart sounds fine at the checkups until he has some stress)Most other tests that they can run now will not be 100% accurate because of all the antibiotics in his system.

 

So now I am lost. He just seems so young...we've only had him for 3 years. He was such a vibrant and goofy boy and now he is not himself. Thanks for letting me share this and even if no one has any ideas, it was good for me to get it all typed out for reference.

 

[Batmom]

Do you have a copy of his bloodwork that you can post?

 

Which tick disease tests were run?

 

Which antibiotics is he on?

 

Sorry to hear he is not doing well -- very handsome pupper -- and hope he turns the corner soon!

[tbhounds]

Have you considered getting another opinion? I would definitely consult with Dr Couto at Ohio State. You mentioned he had an echo done-- did they scan his abdomen too?

[Guest Jaybird]

Do you have a copy of his bloodwork that you can post?

 

Which tick disease tests were run?

 

Which antibiotics is he on?

 

Sorry to hear he is not doing well -- very handsome pupper -- and hope he turns the corner soon!

 

I never thought of getting copies of the bloodwork, I think I'll do that on Monday along with getting a complete list of tests and results.

 

Have you considered getting another opinion? I would definitely consult with Dr Couto at Ohio State. You mentioned he had an echo done-- did they scan his abdomen too?

 

Probably a good idea. Once I get all the copies of everything you can bet I'll be contacting everyone that I can think of!

 

As for what he is taking....my understanding is that each type of antibiotic is geared toward specific things he MIGHT have.

Clavamox 375mg - 2 tablets 2x a day

Baytril 136mg - 2 tables 1x a day

Doxycycline 100mg - 1.5 tablets 2x a day

[JJNg]

Ditto to Batmom's questions with the addition of full details/timeline on the antibiotics used. How long of a course, dose, which ones were used alone or at the same time?

 

And are his echos being done by a specialist - cardiologist, or at least an internist? While there are some general practitioners who are excellent at ultrasound, I'd be wanting a 2nd opinion from a specialist at this point.

 

Are his coughing fits actually coughing? Just wondering since you wrote ""coughing" (for lack of a better description)".

 

What results was the vet basing it on when you wrote it was "looking like kidneys and liver problems"?

[Guest Energy11]

Sorry to hear your baby is sick!

 

All of those antibiotics can definitely ruin his appetite! Some dogs are unable to eat when they are on antibiotics. You can try giving a Pepcid AC (generic is fine) with the antibiotics, which might help possible stomach irritation (*unless it is contra-indicated). You can probably find this info online.

 

**If he is finicky too, I would try boiled chicken and white rice and maybe some plain yogurt.

 

I know you said a tick panel was done, BUT, many, many tick panels do not include BABESIA, which is common in these retired racers. Your vet can send a spun down blood sample to Protatek Labs in Arizona, and they will run a full greyhound tick panel, which includes it all. At least that is worth a try. I would also suggest an abdominal ultra sound, as maybe some of the curtain could be stuck in there, causing a partial blockage and the infection.

 

Good Luck, and keep us posted!

[Guest Jaybird]

 

And are his echos being done by a specialist - cardiologist, or at least an internist? While there are some general practitioners who are excellent at ultrasound, I'd be wanting a 2nd opinion from a specialist at this point.

 

Are his coughing fits actually coughing? Just wondering since you wrote ""coughing" (for lack of a better description)".

 

What results was the vet basing it on when you wrote it was "looking like kidneys and liver problems"?

 

I believe the echos are being done by a specialist. They have to call her in for the appointments. ANd I really don't know if it is coughing or not, but a few times he did throw up some phlem.

 

I guess the "looking like kidneys and liver problems" is just my interpretation. I can't really remember exactly what the vet said. But I just assumed if it was a simple infection we'd be better by now and not having so many tests run.

 

 

 

**If he is finicky too, I would try boiled chicken and white rice and maybe some plain yogurt.

 

I know you said a tick panel was done, BUT, many, many tick panels do not include BABESIA, which is common in these retired racers. Your vet can send a spun down blood sample to Protatek Labs in Arizona, and they will run a full greyhound tick panel, which includes it all. At least that is worth a try. I would also suggest an abdominal ultra sound, as maybe some of the curtain could be stuck in there, causing a partial blockage and the infection.

 

Good Luck, and keep us posted!

 

We did the chicken and rice and it worked for a while, now he won't touch it. And I made him some yummy peanutbutter/bananna/yogurt pops to help get some probiotics into his system. I'll be sure to mention Babesia to the vet this week.

 

Thanks again for everyone's support! I just need some friends right now.

[JJNg]

But I just assumed if it was a simple infection we'd be better by now and not having so many tests run.

Not necessarily. Some infections, such as Bartonella and other tick-borne diseases, can take a long time to resolve. That was why I asked for the full antibiotic timeline. When my girl was sick a couple years ago (suspected Bartonella but never confirmed), she was on azithromycin and doxy for 6 weeks but still relapsed a few weeks after stopping. Next course was 8 weeks of Baytril and doxy.

 

Hope the pending tests give you some answers and that Cash makes a quick and full recovery.

[Newgreymom]

Someone mentioned that part of the curtain could be lodged and that was my first thought!! Have they done an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound?

[Guest Geostar]

Oh dear.. My heart goes out to you! It's so very tough when our beloved fur kids are ill. I'm still waiting on test results for my grey due to her diarrhea. Just know that we are pulling and praying..every step of the way!!

=star

[Charlies_Dad]

Cash is a beautiful boy and I'm sorry you are both going through this. I agree with others who are more experienced, obtain the blood tests results and post them here, someone might see something. As for the echo, a Cardiologist should be looking at that so you may want to confirm that. You do have wonder about that curtain though as someone else posted. Is a piece lodged somewhere and causing issues? Wow, you've done a lot of testing with no direct cause yet, that must be frustrating. I would take the advice here and revisit the bloodwork to find out what was tested and what the results were. I hope you are able to find out what is ailing Cash as he is young boy.

[Guest HHHounds]

Prayers being sent for you and your sweet pup... It is always scary when medicine seems to be more of an art and we want it to be a science!

[Guest Jaybird]

Thanks again everyone. He had a good day yesterday and I am hoping he has another one today. He is definitely a fighter!

 

One question, does anyone know if Grey's have a lymph node at the base of the neck. Front. Between and slightly above the collar bones? I found a large grape size bump there that feels similar to the swollen lymph nodes the vet showed me on his hind legs.

[Guest june]

Someone mentioned that part of the curtain could be lodged and that was my first thought!! Have they done an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound?

 

This!

 

edited to add:

Sorry, I missed some posts. So sorry to hear about his lumps. Sending prayers!

Edited January 8, 2012 by june

[JJNg]

One question, does anyone know if Grey's have a lymph node at the base of the neck. Front. Between and slightly above the collar bones? I found a large grape size bump there that feels similar to the swollen lymph nodes the vet showed me on his hind legs.

Don't remember you mentioning swollen lymph nodes before. Have they been aspirated?

 

Is the lump you're feeling at the base of the neck right in the middle, or off to the side? They have a pair of lymph nodes in front of, slightly above, and to the inside of each shoulder joint.

 

All the signs you mention are very suspicious for tick-borne disease, and Bartonella is one that can affect the heart valves. But it sounds like the echo has not been able to confirm this - would definitely make sure they are being done by a cardiologist.

 

The good thing is that he's already on the antibiotics that are appropriate for Bartonella (which can be very difficult to confirm) as well as a couple of the more common TBD. Just make sure you do a long enough course of the antibiotics even if none of the testing confirms infection. I'd suggest at least 6-8 weeks.

 

Regarding the possibility of part of the curtain being lodge...other than the decreased appetite, is he currently showing any other GI signs? Such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain?

[JJNg]

One question, does anyone know if Grey's have a lymph node at the base of the neck. Front. Between and slightly above the collar bones? I found a large grape size bump there that feels similar to the swollen lymph nodes the vet showed me on his hind legs.

Don't remember you mentioning swollen lymph nodes before. Have they been aspirated?

 

Is the lump you're feeling at the base of the neck right in the middle, or off to the side? They have a pair of lymph nodes in front of, slightly above, and to the inside of each shoulder joint.

 

All the signs you mention are very suspicious for tick-borne disease, and Bartonella is one that can affect the heart valves. But it sounds like the echo has not been able to confirm this - would definitely make sure they are being done by a cardiologist.

 

The good thing is that he's already on the antibiotics that are appropriate for Bartonella (which can be very difficult to confirm) as well as a couple of the more common TBD. Just make sure you do a long enough course of the antibiotics even if none of the testing confirms infection. I'd suggest at least 6-8 weeks.

 

Regarding the possibility of part of the curtain being lodge...other than the decreased appetite, is he currently showing any other GI signs? Such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain?

[JJNg]

Edited to remove duplicate post since I can't seem to just delete it.

Edited January 8, 2012 by jjng

[Guest Jaybird]

Don't remember you mentioning swollen lymph nodes before. Have they been aspirated?

 

Is the lump you're feeling at the base of the neck right in the middle, or off to the side? They have a pair of lymph nodes in front of, slightly above, and to the inside of each shoulder joint.

 

All the signs you mention are very suspicious for tick-borne disease, and Bartonella is one that can affect the heart valves. But it sounds like the echo has not been able to confirm this - would definitely make sure they are being done by a cardiologist.

 

The good thing is that he's already on the antibiotics that are appropriate for Bartonella (which can be very difficult to confirm) as well as a couple of the more common TBD. Just make sure you do a long enough course of the antibiotics even if none of the testing confirms infection. I'd suggest at least 6-8 weeks.

 

Regarding the possibility of part of the curtain being lodge...other than the decreased appetite, is he currently showing any other GI signs? Such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain?

 

The nodes behind his legs just showed up on Friday. The one on his neck is very close to center, just off to the side. Aspiration is on this week's to-do list.

 

They just sent off the Bartonella test. Not sure how long till we have results.

 

Other than the initial vomiting after eating the curtain and then once again in Dec, there has been no problem of it. No other symptoms of GI problems either. No diarrhea or unusual pains.

[Guest Jaybird]

OK, I have copies of the results but they are all Greek to me. What would you like to look at?

 

As for the curtain, all three of the vets I am working with think that has nothing to do with his illness. They are starting to believe it is Lupus.

[JJNg]

They are starting to believe it is Lupus.

Any way you can scan and post the complete results? Have the lymph node aspirates been done yet?

 

Lupus may be a possibility, but I would make sure all other avenues (especially TBD and other infections disease) are fully explored before making that diagnosis and starting treatment. As an autoimmune condition, lupus is treated through immunosuppression. If the diagnosis is incorrect, suppressing the immune system can make a patient with a systemic infection much worse.

 

I would also make sure a cardiologist was the one who did the echo and be absolutely sure there isn't a heart valve infection. Heart valve infections (endocarditis) can be very difficult to treat anyway, and immunosuppression would be very risky if there is any question about this. If Cash is doing ok at the moment, I'd give him more time with the antibiotics before jumping to immunosuppression, which I find very scary in any case.

Edited January 11, 2012 by jjng

[Guest Jaybird]

I'll have to figure out how to post the results I scanned.

 

I asked about the specialist and to do that I would need to travel about 5 hours, over the mountains, to see one. This isn't really an option right now. All the TBD's they tested for came back negative and any other ones left would be compromised by all the meds in his system.

 

He is doing OK. Some bursts of "normal" Cash behaviors. But he's a smart boy and I am having a VERY difficult and frustrating time getting his meds into him. And now last night he puked.

 

I'm just really worried since he's been sick for over a month now.

[carronstar]

No advice just prayers and good thoughts for Cash.

[Guest Jaybird]

OK, first set of test results:

 

page 1 - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1leTIQYieSHLZhQjhe_hTexFAJLCaKvFpeoUc2MgamVU/edit

page 2 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70ODA3NmIxOWUtNWY3Ny00YzQ4LWIyYTQtOWEzMmQ1NTFkYzRm

page 3 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70ZjM2NzZjZjMtM2JjZS00MDQzLTk2ZDMtMTA0ZTc2MjBhNmFh

 

I'll get more up later as I find the time today.

Edited January 11, 2012 by Jaybird

[Guest Jaybird]

another set

 

page 1 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70NjY5ZWE1N2YtZDM0YS00ODAzLTlhYzItZmY5NWZjNDEwNTE2

page 2 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70MTE1YmUwMzYtOGRhOS00YjJmLWEwMDMtZDZmN2VlNmQ0ZjYy

[Guest Jaybird]

another

 

page 1 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70MGExZGYzYjgtZmM5OC00NWNjLTg3YmItMDliNzAxOTM4Nzdi

page 2 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70NDA5Mjk4NWUtMjI4Mi00Y2Q0LWI3NzgtMzVhOWM3MzAxMGMw

 

and another

 

page 1 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70NjljNDg5YjAtZmNjNi00ZjUzLTlhMWItM2E1NzZjYmNhZmMx

page 2 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70ZWRiYTE2OTItNmNmMC00NWU0LWIxMTEtZjlhNGZiZmJmY2Uz

 

last set

 

page 1 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70Zjg4YWM2MGYtMjk2OS00MDdlLWEzMzQtNWU4ZDA0YWQzZjA0

page 2 - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B53nzusZAc70OTdhMGU1N2ItNGM3MS00YmViLWIyOWYtZjU1NWY0Y2E5NWEx