Rudy Is Suddenly Lame (Update Post #98)

[Guest k9soul]

 

Took this a bit ago. Please ignore my wreck of a house I've been in the middle between cleaning and running a bit of a dog hospital lately.

[Batmom]

I'd get those x-rays properly evaluated and then if need be see an orthopedic specialist.

 

 

 

ETA: I'm assuming his foot has been looked over very closely -- each toenail, each joint, in between the toes, pad surfaces, in between the pads?

Edited December 5, 2013 by Batmom

[Guest grey_dreams]

I would send all X-ray results to Ohio State GHAWP and/or Dr. Couto. I would do that before anything else. The consult will not cost much, much less than a trip to a city and a chiro exam, and it can all be accomplished via email/internet.

[Guest k9soul]

I'd get those x-rays properly evaluated and then if need be see an orthopedic specialist.

 

 

 

ETA: I'm assuming his foot has been looked over very closely -- each toenail, each joint, in between the toes, pad surfaces, in between the pads?

 

The foot and leg have been examined very closely. The only time he's shown a definite response to something was when I pressed on his back a bit near his shoulder blade. He lunged at me and bit my sleeve.

[Hawthorn]

Poor fella.

 

I'd definitely want a second opinion of some kind at this point - hope you can decide on a way forward soon.

 

PS: The chiropractor we saw treated humans too and was fine but I'm not trying to push you in this direction if you don't feel comfortable about it.

[Guest k9soul]

I would send all X-ray results to Ohio State GHAWP and/or Dr. Couto. I would do that before anything else. The consult will not cost much, much less than a trip to a city and a chiro exam, and it can all be accomplished via email/internet.

 

I know this is probably in a thread somewhere, but how would I contact him? I noticed on a Google search it says he retired.

Edited December 5, 2013 by k9soul

[Guest grey_dreams]

 

I know this is probably in a thread somewhere, but how would I contact him? I noticed on a Google search it says he retired.

 

There was a thread here about his new consultancy work with the Metzger Animal Hospital. There's a phone number in that thread.

 

Here is the link for the OSU Greyhound Health and Wellness Program Consultation Service

(http://greyhound.osu.edu/consultationservice/)

 

Here is the webpage for the Metzger Animal Hospital

(http://metzgeranimal.com/)

 

Please let the expert radiologists examine the X-rays you have. They have special training and expertise. Your vet may be excellent, but I would want radiological experts to examine the X-rays before I decided on a course of action. Rudy has been having problems for too long that pain meds are not helping. I know you are doing your best to help him, and hope you can get the second opinions about the X-rays soon.

[Guest k9soul]

Thank you very much for all the links and information grey_dreams.

[Guest k9soul]

Some people from my group are recommending TOPS. http://www.tops-vet-rehab.com/

[Guest grey_dreams]

Some people from my group are recommending TOPS. http://www.tops-vet-rehab.com/

That might be a great place - AFTER his X-rays get the all-clear from the radiological experts. Why would you not want to get the expert's opinions on the X-rays?

[Guest k9soul]

I'm in the process of gathering information and ideas, please don't start criticizing. I NEVER said I would not do the online consultation; however, the form to fill out also states: Please note that our veterinarians cannot diagnose or provide treatment recommendations for the pet by email or via telephone to owners/caretakers.

 

Also TOPS requires all x-rays and is a referral only facility as well. I have limited resources here, I live by myself, and I have to figure out the way I can get him help the soonest. I'm living on ramen right now so he can get care, and am struggling to the extreme with anxiety over this.

[XTRAWLD]

Is it just me, or does his ankle look swollen in that vid? Is there heat on the joint? Can you touch it and rub it without a reaction?

 

If your vet has even suggested chiro and those x-rays to date are clear - I'd just take him to see someone. I know it's an hour away, but even they can be your second opinion and if highly trained, can recognize if it is also something they can't handle. In my experience, they won't treat if they don't think they can make him better. 1 hour away, I know it can be pricey (our first chiro was twice as much as the second one we ended up switching to) so price varies, but you'll have some peace of mind and more answers if anything. I do not regret going for a second, and the biggest step can be just to commit and go, especially if chiro is unconventional for you.

 

He's definitely owie, and I agree with you, looks like it's getting progressively worse.

Edited December 5, 2013 by XTRAWLD

[Guest k9soul]

I can press on his wrist, push and pull, press his leg, his shoulder. No reaction. But when I pressed his back close to the shoulderblade he lunged at me. I haven't tried it since but that was what got a reaction from him. No warmth on the joint.

[XTRAWLD]

Ok. Good for checking. Poor boy.

 

It's very interesting to watch the chiro session. They manipulate the leg to move in different directions, sometimes you really don't think they should move that way, but they are stretching and putting joints and bones back where they should go. On three occasions, Ryder "popped". Not unheard of, but not as common. They said it was a good release, and he improved by leaps and bounds following those first visits. She even sorta gives him a big hug when he sits. It's quite cute, but she's pushing on his spine when he's sitting, easier for her to manipulate. He might be too tender his first visit, but the chiro will be a judge of that.

 

I'm sure watching him move around is not fun. Hang in there Rudy.

[Batmom]

FWIW, UW Madison is cheaper than most specialty centers. When we went, diagnostics (cytology, imaging) were 1/3-1/2 of what they'd've been elsewhere. Don't know what their current staff specialties are tho.

[Guest k9soul]

I'd probably prefer to go to Madison before Chicago, if it came to that. It's another option to keep in mind, thank you.

[Hawthorn]

But when I pressed his back close to the shoulderblade he lunged at me.

 

FWIW this is where Sunny was painful when he was examined by the second-opinion greyhound vet (poor boy screamed and nearly gave me a heart attack) and the chiropractor found this painful spot very quickly too, even though our (then) regular vet had missed it during several examinations. I've been a big fan of second opinions ever since.

[gryhnd_adoptee]

I read more than I post here these days, but have first hand experience with my Kare Bear and a chiro. Over a year ago now, Karey slipped while running in the yard, and afterwards was reluctant to do stairs or the couches any more. A trip to the vet and a full set of x-rays resulted in a diagnosis of a vertabrae which looked a little closer than it should be to another about half way down her back. Rimadyl for 10 days and she was better, but never "best" again. It was then that someone I know recommended an animal chiro for her.

 

Armed with the x-ray information at her first appointment, I didn't even get to tell the chiro where her x-rays showed a problem before he diagnosed the area just by touch alone. He did a bit of very gentle manipulations all along her spine diagnosing all the hot spots that were in need of adjustment from her head, all the way down to her hips. I go to a chiro for myself too, and my chiro did the exact same thing to my back as Kareys chiro did. They are so very well trained in what they do, that they can tell where the problems are through feel without you even telling them where it hurts.

 

While I always have Rimadyl on hand if she has bad days, I do not have to use it for as long as Karey goes for regular adjustments. If it's really bad, it usually means two or three treatments, each about two weeks apart, then typically every 2-4 months afterwards to keep her spine in line. Karys chiro fell very ill this past summer, so she was unable to keep up her regular schedule, and I ended up at the vet during that time with her holding up her rear leg. Now that he is better and back to doing adjustments, Karey is doing much better once again. It is the misalignment of her spine which causes pinching of the nerves, resulting in mid to lower back spasms and sciatica of her lift hip which is why she holds up her rear leg when she hurts. If you've ever had sciatica yourself, you know first hand the pain that can be involved with it.

 

As long as you have the x-rays done, it's certainly worth a trip to a chiro to see if they can help Rudy. They are very experienced in what they do, and will give him a good feel over and let you know if it's something they can help him with or not. I love Kareys chiro. He has kept her off pain meds with simple adjustments which is something I am all for

Edited December 5, 2013 by gryhnd_adoptee

[Guest k9soul]

Thank you very much, gryhnd_adoptee, for your input. This all happened after Rudy was racing around on fresh/wet snowfall and I really think he slipped or did something then. I have the x-ray of his spinal area but not the wrist and elbow so I want to get those tomorrow (I thought they were on the disk today but they weren't). After that I will have all his imaging and be ready to take the next step. I just want him to feel better again, with all my heart.

[Houndmommy03]

I haven't read all of your posts so just ignore this if it doesn't apply to your situation. My first greyhound suddenly started limping and initially vet thought it was a pull or disc issue and gave meds. Didn't help or get better. Then did xray but didn't see cancer. Vet also did biopsy - negative. This started in late October . By early December she still wasn't better so I drove 2 hours to the vet our adoption group used hoping they might see something on the xray. He said it might be osteo but he couldn't say for sure. At that point I started digging on the internet, found Greytalk and then Dr. Couto. I sent him the xrays and he confirmed it was osteo. Having said all of that, I'd recommend a consult with Dr. Couto. It might actually save you money. Again, sorry if I'm totally out in left field with this post. Hope your hound feels better soon!

[Acadianarose]

Poor baby. That is pathetic. I hope they figure out what's wrong soon and he can get some relief.

 

Does heat or ice help?

[juliemac]

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. If you decide that you want to see a chiropractor/kinesiologist in Chicagoland, I have a fabulous couple in Winfield. He (Dr. Carl DeStefano) is an applied kinesiologies & chiropractic neurologist, and travels worldwide to teach techniques to veterinarians. His wife, Dr. Dena Jersild, is a vet & animal chiropractor. They've just lost one of their two greyhounds (at 17.5yo), and their second boy is over 16yo. They will work closely with your existing vets if you like.

 

I have worked with both of them with my hounds, and can recommend each of them highly.

 

Please PM me if you'd like any of their contact information.

 

And if you find that this is far from home (not sure where you live exactly), I live about 20 minutes south of their office and would welcome you & your pups stopping by to give the dogs room to stretch their legs (or for you to spend the night if you need it).

 

Julie, Riley & Baby

[Guest k9soul]

I thought I would give an update on Rudy. He's doing well. He ended up going to TOPS where he was thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed with a right biceps tendonitis and digital flexor tendon avulsion on the third toe of his right foot. He received laser therapy and has been on supplements, primarily Ligaplex I and gelatine.

 

He's off all pain medications now and I see no discernible limp around the house. I have a short video clip that I know does not really show much but it surely shows a big difference after the last video I posted. We will try short walks soon and see how he does with that.

 

 

Thanks again to everyone for all the support and advice.

[Acadianarose]

Well that is certainly much better than the last video! So glad he is feeling so much better!

[galgrey]

Great news!