Guest schmoo Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Hi all, I've read these forums quite frequently, but this is my first time posting. I know there that there is a list of vets recommended for greyhounds, but I was hoping someone could make a recommendation based on my specific situation. I have a very sweet but extremely fearful greyhound. She is terrified of the vet. Just as an example - last year she had to have two staples removed from a laceration on her side, and although she was heavily sedated, it took four vet techs to hold her down (she was thrashing so wildly and screaming the whole time), and she was so frightened she peed and defecated on the floor, and it took weeks for her to recover from the incident. We recently had another bad vet experience - she broke a nail at its base (the toenail that is farther up on the leg), and had to have it removed. In addition to having a similar thrashing/screaming incident, instead of just wrapping the leg at the site of the removed nail, the vet wrapped the entire foot (completely unneccesary) and wound medical tape tightly around the whole area. Not only is my grey miserable and unable to walk on the foot, now i need to go back to the vet and have the horrible experience repeated again in order to have the bandage removed. I am in desparate need of a good vet expereinced in dealing with extremely fearful dogs. I am in the Boston/Providence area and am willing to travel a good distance in order to to find the right vet who is understanding to and knows how to deal with a dog with this kind of behavior. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I don't live in your area but would your girl let you take the bandage off? If so, I'd just take it off myself. You might also ask for a medication that you can give her prior to going to the vet so that she will be medicated ahead of the experience so to speak. It might make things easier. 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...
Dawnnziggy Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I too have a screamer. We have found that the only way to keep him from screaming is for me to be with him. He recently had surgery. I had to stay with him until they had him out. I held his paw until he was asleep and there was no screaming. I don't know if you were there for her or if they took her away from you. Does your vet speak soothingly to her? My vet is very quiet and calm and I think that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Why don't you just take off the bandage and rewrap just the dewclaw that is still healing? Being in a different part of the country, I have no idea about a vet to suggest. But I wouldn't dream of taking a dog to a vet for a bandage removal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I would look for a vet who travels to your home. A friend of mine recently found on here, and while she charges a flat fee just to come to your house, her prices were generally slightly lower on all of her services, vaccinations, etc. so in the end, my friend didn't spend much more money. One of her two pups is the most bomb proof dog except when it comes to being handled in a vet's office. Xanax was somewhat helpful, but with the vet coming to her home, they were able to do the entire visit without issues. It may not solve your problems (sounds like her issues are more severe), but at home, with a short term anti-anxiety drug like Xanax or Valium on board, it may be much less stressful for all. Unfortunately I'm in the DC area so can't recommend someone specifically, but I would think in your area you should be able to find someone. As far as the existing situation, I agree, I would remove the bandage and rewrap as needed myself. A trick I learned with a foster who required frequent bandage changes after surgery is to unwrap the roll of vet wrap and reroll it in the opposite direction before using it. That stretches it out some and helps you avoid wrapping too tightly. 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...
Guest schmoo Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thank you all for your suggestions. Taking the bandage off myself would clearly seem like the best option, but unfortunately that is not possible. When I say that my grey's level of fear is extreme this is no exaggeration. I have worked dilligently with her for two years on behavior modification, but even with me she has fearful, aggressive responses (including biting, thrashing, screaming) if she is touched in an area or in a way she doesn't like. This is especially true for her feet -- I am rarely able to touch her feet, let alone clip her nails or remove a bandage. She is a very troubled dog (and yes, I have been to animal behaviorists, but her advancements have been slow, incremental, and she often has setbacks). As you can see, even small instances like a broken nail turn into huge problems for us. and it is frankly both emotionally and physically draining. Right now, I'm just looking for the most trauma-free solution for both of us, and it would be great to find a vet who is understanding of these types of situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Wow, yeah, she does sound bad. The closest I can relate is that I have a female Whippet who screams like the death if you touch her in a way she does not like, startle her, handle her feet, etc. I just muzzle her, turn up some good music, grit my teeth, and do what I have to do, when no one else is home to be annoyed by the squealing. But she's also only a 30lb dog. Still, cutting her nails can be a real hassle! We have no idea why she is this way. Though I did not raise her, the person who did has many other dogs, and they're all completely normal (as are all of my others). This one just turned out to be a fruitcake. Perhaps it doesn't even need to be wrapped. The above mentioned Whippet has torn out a nail, and I just sniffed the area and inspected for signs of infection for a few days, but otherwise left it alone, with no issues. Hopefully your pup is on the mend soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Ask for a tranquillizer to give her before you go to the vet. I assume she has had a thyroid panel done? Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I would second the homecare vet option. I have had this option for the last 8 years, not because of any fear on the part of my dogs, but because I got a great vet who I already knew and it is easier on the dogs to have things taken care of at home. A quick Google search turned up the following: http://www.athomevet.net/ http://www.ahousecallvet.com/about.html I am sure there are more. For me, the price is less than $25 higher than an office visit which is fine because of the local transportation charges that I no longer have to pay. For emergencies, we go to an amazing ER that is 26 blocks from home so just a short ride. Good luck. Your girl is very lucky to have found you (and you, her). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 She actually sounds like me LOL (I have to laugh... or else I'd go crazy). I scream, thrash, fight, and have massive panic attacks if anyone tries to touch me, too. Even with human ability to rationalize it, I still feel like doctors are out to violate me. I can only imagine how a dog must feel who has my fears. Nothing works for me- no drug (and I can't be knocked out because I am even MORE scared of IVs/needles). You just have to find a truly understanding care provider. Most are intolerant and snotty, and that just won't work. So, in a way, I know how your poor dog feels. You might have to slowly try to work her up to mild handling, starting with the smallest touch where she doesn't mind it, and working up to more and more, without actually doing anything scary to her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) Pharmaceutical help may be required. Ask your vet about a Xanax trial. Edited to add--NOT ace!!. Has the OP been to Angell?? Edited June 11, 2012 by tbhounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daydreamer Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) I too know this grey and see at the park for 3 yrs now. I have seen her at the dog park and have seen this fear. Common suggestions of give it time, work up to it, etc. DO NOT work with this poor dog. I think this dog has been with its owner for something like 3 yrs now and nothing has changed. The owner has tried EVERYTHING and nothing seems to work. Again... Suggestions of Greyhound VETs in the area recommend is I think what schmoo is looking for. Schmoo If think if I remember correctly said that her grey was on zaxax 50mg for 65# grey most of time she has to bring the grey to the vet. Maybe she can try 3 or 4? Edited June 11, 2012 by daydreamer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daydreamer Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Has the OP been to Angell?? Angell?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest schmoo Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 It's true that I have tried xanex for my grey -- I prior to this last vet visit, I had given her one tablet (I believe a 50 mg dosage), but the effect seemed to be minimal. In a previous visit to the vet (the one in which she had to have staples removed), she was given tranquilizers before hand -- she was sedated enough that she had trouble walking, and yet she was still terrified enough that she put up a fight in which 4 people had to hold her down. She has also been on Prozac, which I will say has definitely helped to generally calm her, but has not done much for the bouts of acute fear and anxiety. I have not, however, had a thyroid panel done on her -- I have been to 2 vets that were supposedly experienced in greys, but this is not something that has ever been mentioned to me. This may be something I should push for, thank you for the suggestion. I will also look into the home care option... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daydreamer Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I assume she has had a thyroid panel done? Curious: How does TSH levels relate to fear/anxiety? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Also has it always been the same sedative? My Onyx had an adverse reaction to valium. She was completely freaked out after being given it. And she was not a freaky type of dog. It was in prep for a fairly large wound suturuing. Your girl might need a different sedative...and it should be given at home where she's relaxed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Don't have a clue but I know a thyroid deficient dog will have bouts of fear/panic for instance, when thunder starts. This is my opinion only but if I had a dog that has gone 3 years with no improvement, if her free T4 was under 1, I'd try thyroid meds. This is a not a fun existance that is being explained. I also would have already tried Chomicalm. I believe Angell is a vet clinic Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I believe Angell is a vet clinic Specialty hospital pretty well known for their work with greyhounds, including local groups (and incidentally their high prices, but that's kind of Boston for you anyway ). 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...
greyhead Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Don't have a clue but I know a thyroid deficient dog will have bouts of fear/panic for instance, when thunder starts. This is my opinion only but if I had a dog that has gone 3 years with no improvement, if her free T4 was under 1, I'd try thyroid meds. This is a not a fun existance that is being explained. I also would have already tried Chomicalm. I believe Angell is a vet clinic Burpdog is right. Hypothyroidism can have a variety of symptoms, some the opposite of what one usually expects (e.g., low weight rather than overweight), and situational anxiety is one of them, as is hypersensitivity to touch. TSH is not a perfect indicator of thyroid status, nor is T4. So one needs a full thyroid panel that includes the fT4 by equilibrium dialysis, especially for greyhounds. If they are to be medicated, it is at half the recommended dose for non-sighthound breeds. There's plenty of controversy about this subject, but the place to start is with the testing. As Burpdog said, this is not a fun disorder to have. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daydreamer Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) To goto Angell for a bandage removal requires to go through their surgery dept. which they didn't recommend. They won't see her normaly since she hasn't been there before. Edited June 11, 2012 by daydreamer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Has the OP been to Angell?? Angell?? Angell Memorial Boston, MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I wonder about doing more extensive thyroid testing on my psycho Whippet. Her behavior is NOT normal for her breed or even her direct family line. She has a hideous coat (thin and rough all her life, then when spayed at age almost six, fluffy and light colored and ratty), and is very touch sensitive. She tested thyroid normal, but I don't know how extensive the testing was. Sorry for the hijack... but it's definitely worth checking out, so thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Has the OP been to Angell?? Angell?? Angell Memorial in Jamaica Plain is one of the best veterinary hospitals in the country. It is certainly the gold standard in Massachusetts. Not sure you need a specialist, sounds like she needs to be sedated. Poor thing. Must be awful for her. Oh, you can check out Angell at www.mspca.org Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) Do you know any largish, strong, dog-savvy people? Put dog's muzzle on. Have large person wrap arms around each end of dog (so all legs are between arms and large person's body) and lift dog onto his/her lap. Person have his hands gripping the legs closest to his (person's) body. Then you snick in with your bandage scissors and remove the bandage. I understand the problem -- believe me, I do; BTDT (and none of these several similar dogs were hypothyroid) -- but you need to be able to remove a bandage. If you have one that's too tight, you can't wait to get it off. Sometimes you have to simply ignore what the dog is doing and do what you need to do -- no fuss, no muss on your part. That said, holding DOWN a dog who is terrified is a really bad idea. Lifting the dog up or holding the dog moderately still while dog is on her feet generally works better and is less traumatic for all concerned. Best luck. Edited June 11, 2012 by Batmom 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...
MaryJane Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 What town are you in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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