dmswartzfager Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Scarlett did a short zoomie in the little yard on Sunday and pulled up very lame on the right rear leg - not even touching it to the ground. She was soon walking on it again (albeit very gingerly), and I dosed her with Tramadol and a muscle relaxer. She seemed mostly fine on Sunday, but when I took her out for "last call," on the way back in, her back end started shaking very badly and she ended up sitting because she simply couldn't stand any more. I took her in to work yesterday, and we were eventually able to mildly sedate her and do some x-rays. The only remarkable thing on the radiographs was a massive spondylosis between her lumbar and sacral vertebrae. We gave her opioids in addition to what was in the sedative and I brought her home to give her Deramaxx, but she was still extremely uncomfortable, panting, and occasionally crying out, and while walking around the house, she was trying very hard to walk on only her front two legs. While she has been tending to limp more on the right rear, the pain is in both legs, and has been since she joined us two weeks ago. We ended up taking her to a referral/24-hour emergency hospital so we could get her more powerful drugs than what we have at work. She was examined by two doctors there, and they agree that she's more painful than she should be, but they can't decide if it's muscular or spinal (her thigh muscles are very painful, but her posture is that of a "back dog".) She spent the night there on fluids and IV pain medication, and she has an appointment with the neurologist today. They'll try to get her to see the internal medicine specialist, but she's fully booked, so it may not happen until Wednesday, if it's decided it's not a neurologic issue. Dr. Kortney also sent the radiographs to an orthopedic specialist group - she was supposed to hear back from them last night. Hopefully she left me a note, or will get in touch with me today, as she has Tuesdays off. I'm scared. If this isn't something we can fix... I'm terrified we'll have to send her to the Bridge. I can't bear to see her in pain, unable to walk more than 100 feet. Edited August 13, 2013 by dmswartzfager Quote Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH BrianRemembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14), Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest june Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 So sorry you are going through this. HUGS! Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charbess Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Scarlett did a short zoomie in the little yard on Sunday and pulled up very lame on the right rear leg - not even touching it to the ground. She was soon walking on it again (albeit very gingerly), and I dosed her with Tramadol and a muscle relaxer. She seemed mostly fine on Sunday, but when I took her out for "last call," on the way back in, her back end started shaking very badly and she ended up sitting because she simply couldn't stand any more. I took her in to work yesterday, and we were eventually able to mildly sedate her and do some x-rays. The only remarkable thing on the radiographs was a massive spondylosis between her lumbar and sacral vertebrae. We gave her opioids in addition to what was in the sedative and I brought her home to give her Deramaxx, but she was still extremely uncomfortable, panting, and occasionally crying out, and while walking around the house, she was trying very hard to walk on only her front two legs. While she has been tending to limp more on the right rear, the pain is in both legs, and has been since she joined us two weeks ago. We ended up taking her to a referral/24-hour emergency hospital so we could get her more powerful drugs than what we have at work. She was examined by two doctors there, and they agree that she's more painful than she should be, but they can't decide if it's muscular or spinal (her thigh muscles are very painful, but her posture is that of a "back dog".) She spent the night there on fluids and IV pain medication, and she has an appointment with the neurologist today. They'll try to get her to see the internal medicine specialist, but she's fully booked, so it may not happen until Wednesday, if it's decided it's not a neurologic issue. Dr. Kortney also sent the radiographs to an orthopedic specialist group - she was supposed to hear back from them last night. Hopefully she left me a note, or will get in touch with me today, as she has Tuesdays off. I'm scared. If this isn't something we can fix... I'm terrified we'll have to send her to the Bridge. I can't bear to see her in pain, unable to walk more than 100 feet. She is only with you 2 wks? Is she right off the track? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Oh no! I sure hope there is something that can be done for her. and Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl2 Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Hugs & good wishes!! If it's spinal, maybe acupuncture? Cody had a bad bulgy disc & pred & acu helped her for 1.5 years... (PS - I saw Brian last week at Rt. 1 & Paint Br. Pkwy light...) 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...
racindog Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Sounds spinal. I lost Cash to IVDD. I would RESTRICT ACTIVITY. I would also quit the Deramaxx. I am no vet but I think I would prefer to try some prednisone-more likely to be effective imo- and you can't do that since she's had the NSAID now. With rest and prednisone sometimes I know they can get "well" . Praying for Scarlett to make a complete recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Oh, no - I'm sorry! Scarlett could not ask to have better care, and I will send good thoughts for her, and for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Good thoughts for Scarlett. I hope you are able to make her comfortable. 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...
Burpdog Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 try acupuncture Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TINMANPDX Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Sending hugs and well wishes. Quote Theresa (Tess) Mom to Elliott (Sol Flasher) and Lea (PTL Lea) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Sounds very much like what my first grey Sugar had. She looked like she was trying to limp on both back legs at the same time. Prednisone helped her short term (at one point she could barely stand, never mind walk), but the thing that saved her long term was acupuncture. She got back about 90% of her mobility, and I think it might have been 100% if she hadn't been 12 yrs old with a heart condition. for Miss Scarlett edited to add, hers was spinal Edited August 13, 2013 by Remolacha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 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...
dmswartzfager Posted August 13, 2013 Author Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) We got a diagnosis today, after an ultrasound. She has clots in her arteries, blocking blood flow to her rear legs - enough was able to get by and around in order for her to walk short distances, but any demand from increased exercise caused her muscles to go into anaerobic metabolism and form lactic acid, which then caused the pain - like the "burn" you get from hard exercise. I'm about to go over and bring her home. The plan is to get her started on anti-coagulants and let the body deal with the clots. She will need to be kept very quiet for several weeks - only out to potty. The vets feel this blood clotting issue is a result of her kidneys - they apparently went ahead and diagnosed her with protein losing nephropathy - and hopefully if we can get that issue addressed, we can prevent further clots from forming. Edited August 13, 2013 by dmswartzfager Quote Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH BrianRemembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14), Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Yikes, glad you were able to get this diagnosed quickly and get a treatment plan. Hoping for a full recovery. 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...
GreyPoopon Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 that the treatment has her feeling great soon. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 So thankful that you were able to get a diagnosis, and can bring Miss Scarlett home for treatment. She is a wonderful old lady. Best of luck and please keep us posted. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 oh gosh sending prayers! 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Glad you know what it is now and that it's treatable! 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...
Kestrel Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Send tons of good wishes to her as she recovers, and to you! 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...
3DogNite Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) I know about this disease unfortunatly better than I'd like - and the treatment for my boy Lazer has been ongoing now for the last 2 years. He is on medications Plavix, Enalipril and Diltiazem. Supplements for heart, kidney, liver support. Even a couple Chinese herbal supplements and a Once a year Detox protocol to keep toxin levels as low as possible in his body. Essential Oils to work at the cellular level: basically helping to create "slippery" cells so they are less likely to stick and clot ---- Acupuncture helped and a lot of prayer! Lazer is alive and well,, walks 2 miles a day (when cool enough) and is a very happy boy!!! I hope Miss Scarlett is as lucky and that you find a vet who is willing to think about alternative therapies! PM me if you have more questions! good luck!! It is a long haul, but you and Miss Scarlett can do it!!! Lorinda Also I am wondering what the blood work up and urinalysis results were for their diagnosis --- UPC ratio etc.... ???? Edited August 13, 2013 by 3DogNite 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...
tbhounds Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Folks-I can not stress this enough-have a urinalysis run yearly along with your routine blood work. Never discount found protein in the urine. Protein loss = possible thrombosis. Loss of protein = loss of antithrombin. Antithrombin is an anti clotting factor. Run those U/A's! Sending best wishes to Scarlett (don't forget to check her blood pressure). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmswartzfager Posted August 14, 2013 Author Share Posted August 14, 2013 Also I am wondering what the blood work up and urinalysis results were for their diagnosis --- UPC ratio etc.... ???? Honestly, I haven't sat down and digested everything yet. Mildly elevated BUN made us check her urine... urine UPC was 2.3. Blood pressure is normal (at home, not at the vet), urine specific gravity is in the 1.040 range. I have heparin to inject every 8 hours (they're thrilled that I know how to give SQ injections ) for the next 5-6 days and we'll start her on oral warfarin in a few days. Tech appointment on Thursday to check the PT (one portion of the clotting pathway) and then an appointment with the cardiologist on Tuesday to check her PTT (another portion of the clotting pathway) and assess how things are going and see about tweaking her warfarin dose. We've been warned that we have a long road ahead of us, assuming we can keep her comfortable pain-wise. But as most of you folks know, I'll fight my hardest to help my dogs, but I also know when it's time to call it quits. I hope we do not have to call it quits for quite some time. Scarlett is currently sleeping on our bedroom floor (for some reason, she'll use beds in the living room and office, but not in the bedroom...) and has been resting comfortably since we got home, except when the thunderstorm rolled through. We'll need to get her up soon to go outside; hopefully that goes well. After Symbra's amputation, I repurposed a belly band and added straps to it to make a sling in case Symbra needed support (she didn't) so I've got that around Scarlett now and trying to help her move without too much exertion. But mostly, she gets carried any distance and I get my workout. Oh, and official diagnosis for anyone researching at home - aortic thrombosis (aortic thromboembolism). Quote Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH BrianRemembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14), Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 What was the Albumin? UPC is too high - I'm sure you know. it sounds like you have way more experience than I do... we did sub q fluids at home but I don't know about warfarin or heparin. .... Good luck to you and Skarlett.. Please let me know if I can help in any way. 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...
cometdust1 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 So glad to hear that your girl has something that is treatable!How do you check her blood pressure at home? I have never seen a dog have it's bp checked and would like to know how it's done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmswartzfager Posted August 14, 2013 Author Share Posted August 14, 2013 So glad to hear that your girl has something that is treatable!How do you check her blood pressure at home? I have never seen a dog have it's bp checked and would like to know how it's done. I cheat - I work at a vet hospital, and I'm one of the last to leave when we close for the week, and one of the first to arrive on Monday morning. So I borrow one of our blood pressure machines for the weekend, when no one will notice that we're down a machine. It's super-easy to use - just place the appropriate size cuff around a limb and press start. Also, I grew up in Effort, PA - graduated from PVHS in 1992. Quote Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH BrianRemembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14), Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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