Guest bernadette Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Finally, Vinnie will be going in to see a grey-wise vet, the same that Greyhound Friends of NJ uses. Very close to home too, so that helps. I am trying to figure out if I will be able to take an extended lunch and meet my pup and the fiance there. Vinnie (as some have read) has been 'not right' lately... he is better, as far as the whining goes but he isn't my normal Vin. His walks start off ok but not long in, he is SLOW and at times will drag his back toes and yesterday, it appeared that he dragged in the front once or twice and maybe tripped over his own foot at one point. I have given him a Rimadyl (sp?) a couple of times after rough walks when it seemed clear he was in pain (like when he stops during the walk and doesn't want to move forward) but I don't know if once in awhile is much of a help. Inside the house, there is no 'slow'...he plays, he goes up and down the stairs. It really is the walking that seems to get him. He eats one or two meals a day, some days I have to hand feed him to coax him to start eating. I have started to add chicken broth to his food, doesn't seem to make a huge difference in his appetite. He does still want treats. I am anxious to see this vet and start whatever we need to to make my boy feel better again. Edited June 13, 2012 by bernadette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patsy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Holding all good thoughts for you and Vinnie! Quote Patsy and DH with the Humane Society specials, Linus & Jazz, in North Dakota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Good luck with your vet visit. 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...
Remolacha Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I am glad you found a new vet. Hope that he can find some quick answers to what is bothering Vinnie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Thank you. I hope, of course, for answers as well... he will be nine in August and I know with age comes some slowing down... it is just so hard to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) You're not too far from several vet hospitals if you need to eventually go to a specialist. Red Bank (which has a satelite in Hillsborough), VSEC in Langhorne PA, CARES in Langhorne, PA and U of Penn in Philly. They're all about an hour from you, but that's pretty good. Edited June 13, 2012 by MP_the4pack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) All sorts of good wishes for you and Vinnie. Edited June 13, 2012 by mychip1 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 bernadette Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) We do have a tick panel on the agenda, the receptionist called it a tick/heartworm test... I am assuming that this vet knows what she is doing but are all TBD covered by one test? ETA: We did see an animal communicator over the weekend at a local pet supply store... (won't you just do anything, take a stab at anything when your pet isn't 'right'?). She strongly suggested testing for Lymes. We shall see... Edited June 13, 2012 by bernadette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Here's hoping it is something simple and easily treatable. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Thank you so much. Tonight's was another tough one. he seemed uncomfortable on all limbs, was very slow walking and wasn't enjoying the time outside at all. He started off ok and that is normal, he does show interest in other dogs... But by the end of the walk, its just so sad. I did give him a Rimadyl when we got in. He was dragging, not long, drawn out drags, but I just had his nails cut extra short (to make SURE their length had nothing to do with it) and I could hear the dragging here and there- and I do believe he ia dragging here and there in the front now as well. I am worried about my boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Good thoughts for Vinnie. Hopefully it's nothing serious and can be treated with some meds. 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...
TwiggysMom Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 I am hoping you get good news for something easily diagnosed and treatable. Quote Wendy with Twiggy, fosterless while Twiggy's fighting the good fight, and Donnie & Aiden the kitties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJNg Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Your latest description of Vinnie's signs really makes me wonder about polyarthritis, which can be secondary to TBD. Here's a previous thread about this problem. I'd specifically ask the vet about polyarthritis if they don't bring it up first. The joint swelling/inflammation can be very subtle, and easily missed unless the vet is specifically looking for it. Quote Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbullwinkel Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 good luck. glad you are seeing a grey saavy vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 jjng, thank you for that info. I skimmed it, poor Cash sounded much worse off than Vinnie has been. I will absolutely bring this up today (appt is at noon). I noticed Vinnie yawning and squinting at me this morning... what concerns me also is how everyone comments on how good and quiet he is. With shots, poking and prodding... no reaction, he is so good... because of this, I know I just can't count on him telling me or being obvious when he is in pain or uncomfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 I love Dr. Marks, I would recommend her to anyone. Vinnie upon exam is definitely experiencing pain in his neck and his back end, more specifically the rear right. Two seperate issues the vet believes. Lymes/heartworm test is negative. Xrays negative... no arthritis or anything else. Possible narrowing in the spine but she isn't sure it's anymore than normal. Possible stenosis but of course we would need more testing- MRI. When turning his foot over (manual knuckling..?), he flips it right back. Treatment for now: limited activity, shorter and more frequent walks and Rimadyl (75mg twice daily). While I am glad he does not have arthritis or Lymes, it is so frustrating to not KNOW exactly whats going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Sending good thoughts. Keep us posted. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Because our greys travel all over the place, Lymes is not the only tick borne disease they can have. A sample should be sent out for the tick panel, not just lymes. The panel gets tested for Lymes, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rocky Mtn Spotted. and Valley Fever....if I recall correctly. In fact I believe Ehrlichia and Babesia are more prevalent than Lymes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 I'd have to go back over the ones that this test covered. She was not concerned about Babesia, we spoke about that specifically. I do trust her as she is the primary vet for Greyhound Friends of NJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 We do have a tick panel on the agenda, the receptionist called it a tick/heartworm test... I am assuming that this vet knows what she is doing but are all TBD covered by one test? The "tick/heartworm" test is the 4Dx snap test, which tests for heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. To test for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesia, etc, you need to send out a different panel to an outside lab. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 (edited) I think that's what I remember, thanks Lindsay. She said given his symptoms that that's truly not a concern to her... How I wish they could speak and we could understand them. Edited June 15, 2012 by bernadette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 This morning Vinnie was very stiff in his hind end walking, this may be from his examination yesterday (with his legs being stretched, manipulated)...? He actually turned us around to head home on his short walk- a first for him. He was very slow and stiff yet when we got home finally, he wolfed down his breakfast, (I added some extra goodies to entice him). Also, last night... while we were outside, I was brushing him with my hand, running it down his back and off his rear to get rid of some of the dead/loose hair... while coming off his rear end, his legs seemed to do that sinking out from under him again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 His hind end sinking makes me think LS. Did they do the exam for LS? If they aren't sure if they are seeing narrowing of the spine on the x-rays can they send them out for a second opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 That is what I thought as well, she did see SLIGHT narrowing on the xray but nothing extraordinary and of course, nothing but the MRI would say for sure. I did contact OSU and I will be in touch with Dr. Marks regarding what I observed last night and this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted June 16, 2012 Share Posted June 16, 2012 It might be helpful to read Dr. Suzanne Stack's paper on LS at greythealth.com. It contains a very good description of the technique used to diagnose LS. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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