Fever, Loss Of Appetite, Loss Of Interest In Anything

[Guest janjohnson428]

I wanted to post about something I just went through with my grey, London, because I am pretty shook up about how badly this could have ended, but didn't. London (5 1/2 years old), a very happy, healthy, confident greyhound, suddenly had no appetite, when before she had a great one, and just wasn't acting like herself. I took her to the vet and she was immediately hospitalized because her temp was 107. After an overnite stay, they got her temp down, and I believe we were extremely lucky we didn't lose her then. Tests were run and nothing showed up as abnormal. In the next two weeks, she was hospitalized 2 more times because her temp spiked up to 105, and each time, after an overnight stay, it was back down. More tests were run, and still nothing came up as abnormal. We then did an x-ray of her belly, and it showed her spleen was enlarged but not too much. My vet referred me to a specialist for an ultrasound, which came back normal except for being enlarged, but as he put it, most greyhounds have a larger spleen than other canines, so he didn't think there was anything to worry about with that. I talked to him about how I had done some research and tat I thought TBD seemed to fit her symptoms, and he agreed it could be that, and we put her on doxycycline knowing that an antibiotic would probably do her good one way or the other. We also gave her one of the TBD tests, not sure which one, but it came back inconclusive. She responded well to this treatment, and had no more incidences of fever. A few weeks later, she was back to not eating, not acting like her usual happy active self and we took her back to the vet. The vet noticed a painful abdomen, we did an x-ray, and the vet sent me right back to the specialist to do another ultrasound because she said the spleen was very enlarged, and it would either need to come out immediately before it burst, or we were looking at cancer. The next ultrasound showed nothing different from the first one (these were taken about 2 months apart) and the xray must have been taken at a funny angle or something to make it look like it was enlarged. I was very happy to hear this, but London still wasn't getting any better. For the next two months, she lost more and more weight until I was afraid she was going to die. I had her in to the vet, and all they could come up with was that I needed to remove her spleen. I would not go along with that, because I was sure she would never live through the surgery. During this time, every day I would work on getting some food in her, oatmeal, jerky, anything I could get her to eat. She didn't eat much, but at least I got something into her. Then about 3 weeks ago, she just started eating again, and after a week or so of eating a lot, she put on some weight, and is now acting like herself again-looking for food, treats, love, walks, play, everything. I can't believe it, but I think whatever she had has worked itself out.

So I would like to ask you, would a TBD act like this, take awhile, and then work its way out, or do you think she just cured herself of an unknown something? And why would a vet keep pushing to have her spleen removed, when all I read indicated to me that an enlarged spleen was a symptom of something else, and not usually the problem itself? I am now so distrustful of my vet that I am afraid to take either of my dogs back there, even though I had been nothing but happy with them for the last 20 years we have been with them. I guess what I mean to say is be very careful about removing your dog's spleen, know why you are doing it and be comfortable with the decision, and don't be afraid to question what your vet wants to do. Any thoughts?

 

[spottydog]

There are some grey-owning vets on this site and hopefully they will see this and help you. Sounds scary. Best of luck with your girl.

[Guest janjohnson428]

Thank you so much

[robinw]

My bridge angel Phoenix had a TBD called babesia, which isn't treated with antibiotics. Some of his symptoms were similar to what you're describing, especially acting depressed.

[tbhounds]

I would run a more comprehensive vector borne disease panel to rule out babesia etc.... The intermittent abdominal pain could be referred from the spleen. Sometimes when the spleen becomes enlarged it can "fold over" on itself--that causes pain and will appear larger on a radiograph and feel larger when palpated.

[Guest june]

Very scary. I hope she is back to being her happy healthy self. I agree with others and would be doing more testing to see if you can find out what caused it. Much easier to do testing when she is healthy and back up to weight.

[macoduck]

If you post where you live we may be able to suggest a more greyhound savvy vet. Even if yours is, how comfortable will you be with any of their suggestions?

[Guest janjohnson428]

Thanks so much for the info. I live in Grand Rapids Mi, and you are right about the vet. Until this problem with London, I have been very satisfied with them, but am now trying to get recommendations on vets because I have lost that level of trust that I used to have with them. BTW I have only been a member for a day, and I have to say this site is filled with caring, informed people. I am so glad I found you!

[macoduck]

Janjohnson428, please email me. You don't have enough posts to send me a PM. After I've heard from you I'll detail my email address from this thread.

Edited April 14, 2014 by macoduck

[Guest carriej]

We lost Kowalla to some kind of spleen rupture/tumour/hemangiosarcoma... Still not sure; as it happened quickly.

 

Exact same symptoms, except he eventually went anaemic from whatever happened and we lost him within a week. He was 7.

[Guest janjohnson428]

Greyaholic-I just sent you an email-thank you so much. Grey Pup-after the first ultrasound on London's belly, just before the second ultrasound was when my vet told me her spleen had become huge, and that she either had a spleen filling with blood that could rupture at any time which would kill her if it ruptured, or she had a very aggressive cancer. The second ultrasound proved the spleen was the same size and the xray was just taken badly (thank heavens). I am so sorry for your loss, and you are right-it sounds like exactly what they thought was wrong with London. I see her picture and Kowalla was beautiful!

[Guest Knick1990]

Hi, I was wondering what vet in the Grand Rapids area you were using? I work at an office in Caledonia, where many of the vets have greyhound experience, and we have a greyhound adoption group that comes there for all of their dog's needs. If you want the name of the doctors or office, just let me know!

 

Kelly

[Guest janjohnson428]

Yes-please give me your name-I have been going to the Animal Clinic, which was the recommended vet when I got my first greyhound. Is yours the vet listed in the state by state vet list? Because I looked to see who was on it, and I am doing some heavy thinking on the subject. This is the only time I have felt let down by them in a 20 year relationship, but it was a big one. I am taking London in there tomorrow for a leptospirosis vaccine, and a heartworm test, and I was going to see how I felt after that.

[Guest Knick1990]

Well, I work at Southkent Veterinary Hospital. There's two offices, one in Byron Center, and one in Caledonia. Not sure how much experience the vets at Byron Center have, since I haven't worked there. I think it may be listed on the state vet list, but last time I looked at it, the vet on there didn't work at our practice anymore.

However, we have three vets at our practice that are well-versed in greyhounds. Dr. Bob Jackson, Dr. Mike Casemier, and Dr. Amy Green. Dr. Jackson is booked about 3 weeks in advance right now, but Dr. Casemier and Dr. Green have appts as early as Friday, and all next week. Our hours are 7-8:30 Mon, Tues, and Thurs, 7-7 Wed, and Fri, and 7-3 on Saturday. The rescue group Allies for Greyhounds uses our office for all their medical needs, including dentals

The office phone number is 616-891-9070, you can call anytime during those hours

 

Good luck!

Kelly

[Guest janjohnson428]

Thank you so much for the info. I will do my serious thinking now!