MattB Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Hi, I'm writing out of desperation..... We've got a 10 year old greyhound who's been in great shape up until the last 6 weeks when she suddenly developed a limp in her front right leg. We took her to the vets who said 'arthritis' without any diagnostic tests and put her on anti inflammatories. After 10 days absolutely no improvement so she had an x-ray (dental work done at same time - some teeth removed) and said that although she did have arthritis this was fairly minor. The vet prescribed steroids at this point and said this would also help to improve her appetite. She's in a lot of pain and has lost a lot of weight, we're having to help her get up to go outside at the moment and this is very distressing (for all of us). We've had a lot of dogs (other breeds) who've got arthritis in their later years but this has been a gradual process, not like this which seems to have come on overnight. I'd appreciate any suggestions or sharing of any experiences others have had as we're at a loss and hate to see her in pain. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) How long ago did she have the xray? I would recommend another to rule out osteosarcoma. My hound Treasure had similar symptoms as yours. Nothing showed up on the first set of X-rays, and we did a second set a month later after the symptoms didn't go away. Those confirmed osteo. Edited March 8, 2014 by robinw Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Matt, I would suggest a second opinion ASAP. Also I would get the films off to Dr Coutu and/or have another set done and make sure to get as much of the shoulder area as possible. 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...
macoduck Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 http://www.coutovetconsultants.com/ <-- Dr Couto's site Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grey_dreams Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Another vote for sending the X-rays to Dr. Couto. He has the necessary expertise to read the X-rays. You can just email them to his email address. Also, as Robin suggested, you might have to take new X-rays after some weeks. If you do go that route, send the old and the new ones to Dr. Couto. Sending prayers for your girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Ugh-sorry to hear this. I would repeat the rads (you should get 2 different views) and consider stopping the steroids (I assume it's pred)--you may need to use a NSAID in the near future and there is a washout period between the use of the two. Sorry to say this does not sound like arthritis. Absolutely consult with Dr Couto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Sending good thoughts for your girl. 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...
MattB Posted March 8, 2014 Author Share Posted March 8, 2014 Thanks so much for all your responses, much appreciated at this horrible time. The vet dealing with her (Cait) is very nice and has some experience of osteosarcoma in greyhounds and in her mind this seems to have been ruled out but we will request more. I have e-mailed Dr Couto so thanks for that suggestion. It feels like time isn't on our side as Cait's pain seems to be getting worse and her appetite and mobility are decreasing. It's so sad and I can't believe this has happened so suddenly and I didn't realise that oseo was so prevalent in greyhounds. We originally thought it could be a pulled muscle or something along those lines as she has recently managed to squeeze past a child gate on our stairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Fingers crossed it's not what we all fear. Holding out positive thoughts for you. Please keep us posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Keep us posted, ok? Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwiggysMom Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 I agree with you that arthritis seems unlikely given the sudden onset. I would have thought injury (pulled muscle or otherwise) as a likely cause, but since this has been going on for weeks without improvement and with very limited activity, at this point I would probably go back for follow-up x-rays. I (and I know everyone else here) hope this doesn't turn out to be what we are fearing. 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...
MattB Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi again everyone. Cait has been back to the original vet and sent for a second opinion to a different practice. Sadly they have found a tumour around her neck area and there is nothing that can be done. The tumour became more apparent as she has lost weight. Ironically she's had a good couple of days, been a bit more mobile and been eating a more and looked a lot more like herself. She has been prescribed painkillers and we will give her lots of love until the time comes. Thanks so much everyone for your support and good wishes - I was trying to post a picture but this wasn't as straightforward as I thought. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I am so sorry to hear that. Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I am so sorry for the diagnosis. I wish you and your girl many more good days. 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...
robinw Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I'm so very sorry, Matt. Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Matt, I'm so sorry to hear the horrid news. If you want to post a pix, the pix would need to be on photobucket or flicker...some public place like that. Then it's easy to post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattB Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hey everyone. Unfortunately the tumour seemed to suddenly take hold and grew incredibly fast. Cait was put to sleep this afternoon. I just thought I'd share this link to one of the last pictures I took and thank you all so much for your thoughts and kind words. https://www.flickr.com/photos/120169833@N05/13248209903/ M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I'm so sorry you lost Cait. I have added Cait's name to the Bridge Angels list. Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I am so sad and sorry to read this. Take comfort in knowing that your sweet girl is at peace, pain free and running once again with the wind. G-d bless. 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...
MP_the4pack Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Oh Matt I'm so sorry. She was gorgeous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greyt_dog_lover Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Matt, I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times with your girl. Greyhounds are a breed like none other. May your grief be short lived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grey_dreams Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I'm so sorry for the loss of precious Cait Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I am so very sorry for your loss of lovely Cait. Fly with the wind sweet girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I am so very sorry. 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...
krissn333 Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I'm so sorry Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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