I Suspect Osteo Plus Ivdd/lss -- Devastated

[gracegirl]

Thank you. I am not sure that I can wait until Friday:) If it is cancer, there won't be a point in meeting with the neurologist on Friday. I guess I do need to breathe, and do a better job at taking things a day at a time.

 

Hi. We are pretty much in metropolitan Denver. It's a VCA hospital, and I believe they do have good quality equipment. This is (unfortunately) where we've had two other Greyhounds diagnosed with cancer. Our vet used to have a Greyhound, so we've like that he knows their specific issues. He's also very good about saying when to see a specialist. It's good to know about Dr. Couto as well. Thanks much.

If you are going to Alameda East, they should have the equipment you need. They also have specialists practicing at that location as well. I never had to go that route, we only used Al East for our e-vet because a good family friend is a vet in Centennial. Al East is where we had to put Grace down and they were really great with us through her emergency and cremation.

[Guest Allyson]

If you are going to Alameda East, they should have the equipment you need. They also have specialists practicing at that location as well. I never had to go that route, we only used Al East for our e-vet because a good family friend is a vet in Centennial. Al East is where we had to put Grace down and they were really great with us through her emergency and cremation.

Alameda East is where the neurologist is, but he is seeing Dr. Earl Wengren at VCA Wingate on Monday. I am really struggling tonight. I've seen him look at his leg where the lump is several times. And, when he was eating, I just really noticed that his back is swayed and he looks so bony. He also got pretty aggressive with our little dog, who in fairness was annoying him by hanging around while he was eating. Gilby also didn't eat as much tonight. It was a "good" day in the scheme of things, but I think that backing off the pred is starting to show, and I really suspect that his back issues are probably cancer, along with his leg. I honestly don't know how I can get through "this" again. I pray that I am wrong about his leg, but there is clearly something very serious going on. And, my DH does not want to do the MRI. Says it's because it serves no purpose since we wouldn't do surgery on Gilby at his age, but it's also about the money. I, however, would like the comfort of knowing what's really wrong. I guess that knowing that is is cancer will let me start to begin the grieving process by thinking through the "when." I've guess that I've already started this by asking Gilby to let me know what he wants to do. I absolutely just feel insane and so depressed. I am so sorry about Grace. It's just the hardest thing to go through. Thanks for your note about AE.

[Guest Scouts_mom]

I'm glad you are getting the x-rays on Monday as I disagree strongly with those who say that it can wait as long as your pup isn't in pain. You need to know as soon as possible if it is bone cancer. Dogs can hide their pain very well so it is hard to judge if they are in pain. Bone cancer is extremely painful and you must stay a step ahead of the pain. Your most important responsibility as a pet owner is to keep your dog comfortable and pain-free. Unfortunately there may not be anything that can be done about the cancer, but you must make his last days as comfortable as possible. He is depending upon you.

 

That said, I am so very sorry that your pup is not doing well. I lost my Scout to Osteo and it was a horrible experience, so my heart goes out to you and your family.

 

I just saw your last post. MRI's are very, very expensive unless you have insurance to cover it. So I see both your need to know what is wrong and your husband's concern about cost with not much gain for the dog. Has your vet mentioned doing an ultrasound? They are much less expensive and may show what you need to know. Whatever you decide, you need to start with x-rays--they may show you what you need to know.

Edited November 30, 2014 by Scouts_mom

[Walliered]

I really wish you and your Grey the best so please do not take this badly. But, I have been told bone cancer is very, very painful. I put Huck down 3 days after the x-rays.

[Guest Allyson]

Thank you. Since he's looking at the site periodically, that tells me he is having pain even though he's on 2 tramadols and gabapentin 3/day, along with still some pred, though we've been back off of it. We won't let this go long if the diagnosis is what I suspect. We will put him down soon as he's also dealing with the back pain. It's so unfair all that these kiddos endure. I've read where bone cancer strikes more frequently in previously injured limbs, and the lump is in his leg that was badly fractured and then surgically repaired, but he's always had a limp/arthritis. My husband has gotten very quiet tonight. I think he realizes, too, that the news will not be good and our time with Gilbs is short. It just sucks and I don't deal at all well with any of it. Again, thanks. I know that so many of you have gone through this and know.....

[gracegirl]

I'll keep Gilby in my thoughts. It sounds like you are doing right by him. I know how hard it is.

Edited November 30, 2014 by gracegirl

[Guest Allyson]

I'll keep Gilby in my thoughts. It sounds like you are doing right by him. I know how hard it is.

I sometimes don't know how we all keep doing it again and again. Dogs are amazing, there is no question. I guess that all we can do is just love and adore them the best we can.

[gracegirl]

I sometimes don't know how we all keep doing it again and again. Dogs are amazing, there is no question. I guess that all we can do is just love and adore them the best we can.

We do it again and again because the love of a good dog - no matter how long or how brief - is worth it 1,000 times over. I miss my Grace fiercely every day and she's been gone nearly two years. But I'd do it over again and again and again because she was worth it. My little Fenway who is sleep woofing on the couch next to me (while kicking me and farting) is worth it. Jackson the terrier is too.

 

It's hard. We understand. Always come here for support. It's immensely valuable.

Edited November 30, 2014 by gracegirl

[Guest Scouts_mom]

We do it again and again because the pain of losing them never cancels out the wonder and joy of sharing our lives with a dog.

Edited November 30, 2014 by Scouts_mom

[forevergrey]

Wishing you and your hound all the best. There is a possibility that it's not the dreaded osteo. When my boy was diagnosed the tumor was hard/bony. It's a very scary thing to go though but the sooner you know what is going on, the better. Your husband probably just deals with things differently and may not realize that his way of handling these things hurt your feelings or make you feel alone in your pain. Just talk to him and let him know you appreciate a measure of support and understanding from him. And everyone here will give you that support as well! Many of us have been there and know how you must feel. Osteo is my biggest nightmare when it comes to greyhound health issues. I have a slight nervous breakdown anytime one of mine appears lame. Having lost one greyhound to it-makes me paranoid about my current two hounds.

I agree-we do it again and again because we love our dogs, they make our lives complete no matter how long they grace us with their presence. I only had my heart dog (the one who died of osteo) for 4 years. It felt way too short but I would do it again, because these four years we had--were worth every moment.

[NeylasMom]

Alameda East is where the neurologist is, but he is seeing Dr. Earl Wengren at VCA Wingate on Monday. I am really struggling tonight. I've seen him look at his leg where the lump is several times. And, when he was eating, I just really noticed that his back is swayed and he looks so bony. He also got pretty aggressive with our little dog, who in fairness was annoying him by hanging around while he was eating. Gilby also didn't eat as much tonight. It was a "good" day in the scheme of things, but I think that backing off the pred is starting to show, and I really suspect that his back issues are probably cancer, along with his leg. I honestly don't know how I can get through "this" again. I pray that I am wrong about his leg, but there is clearly something very serious going on. And, my DH does not want to do the MRI. Says it's because it serves no purpose since we wouldn't do surgery on Gilby at his age, but it's also about the money. I, however, would like the comfort of knowing what's really wrong. I guess that knowing that is is cancer will let me start to begin the grieving process by thinking through the "when." I've guess that I've already started this by asking Gilby to let me know what he wants to do. I absolutely just feel insane and so depressed. I am so sorry about Grace. It's just the hardest thing to go through. Thanks for your note about AE.

Am I reading correctly that you backed off of the pred? If you feel its helping, which it seemed like you did, I wouldn't do that until you know more. Also probably time to start giving him more space of his own and making sure the other dogs don't bother him. Do you have an x-pen? That might allow you to do that without making him feel segregated.

 

I'm so sorry he's not doing better. I hope you can at least get some answers on Monday and im glad yoy have that appt since things seem to be getting worse. Oh, re: MRI, your DH is probably right. Not much point if you aren't considering surgery as an option. I'm a science person and the not knowing really kills me, but not so much that I want to fork over $2,000.

 

Hang in there.

Edited November 30, 2014 by NeylasMom

[Guest Allyson]

Again, thank you. I have been sobbing most of the night. Gilby fell backwards when he went potty tonight. Weaning him off the prednisone has worsened things. I don't know what this means, let alone the lump on his leg, and I can clearly can tell he is limping more. I know it's dawning on my DH that the time is likely very near. We talked about how we will go forward if cancer is the diagnosis. We'll get a Dairy Queen, let him drink out of the pond, and take him on a short walk if he can handle it, and have the wonderful mobile vet come to the house. Hopefully time will be on our side and he will get through tomorrow. He's been getting lots and lots of hugs and kisses, and I just tell him how I love him so dearly

 

Oh, how I have loved each dog. We have no human children, and the dogs are everything to me. The pain is unbearable right now, but when I look in Gilby's face, I do know how much he has blessed us with his everything. I also know that Emma and Rudy will provide comfort when Gilbs is gone. I worry more about how they will deal with him being gone. I know they are all worth every moment, but at times like this it just seems too hard.

[Guest Allyson]

Am I reading correctly that you backed off of the pred? If you feel its helping, which it seemed like you did, I wouldn't do that until you know more. Also probably time to start giving him more space of his own and making sure the other dogs don't bother him. Do you have an x-pen? That might allow you to do that without making him feel segregated.

 

I'm so sorry he's not doing better. I hope you can at least get some answers on Monday and im glad yoy have that appt since things seem to be getting worse. Oh, re: MRI, your DH is probably right. Not much point if you aren't considering surgery as an option. I'm a science person and the not knowing really kills me, but not so much that I want to fork over $2,000.

 

Hang in there.

Hi. Yes, we started to back off the pred per the neurologist's instructions. Starting last Friday, he was on 1.5 tabs per day for five days, then for the past three days he's just had one tab in the morning and none at night. He's continued to be on Gabapentin and Tramadol 3 times per day. He fell backwards tonight when going to the bathroom, and stumbled some on his way outside.

 

We are keeping our little guy away from him as much as possible, and our other Greyhound knows something is up and is keeping to herself. We do not have a joyful home right now, although I keep telling myself that the three of them are here and to appreciate it.

 

I don't know what to do about the pred because so many people say to get him off of it, yet it does seem to help him. I just don't know what all of this means.

[NeylasMom]

Ah, I didn't realize the vet had instructed you to do it. Don't know what to tell you there because its impossible to know whether its the pred or if he has cancer, the cancer progressing. Any chance you have a way to reach the neuro tomorrow morning or tonight?

 

If it were me and I didn't, I'd go back up on the pred with the thinking that if it was helping to keep him pain free then its the right thing to do and if not and its cancer it probably won't matter. But I'm not qualified in any way, shape or form to advise you. The one thing I'm not sure about is whether its safe to give pred and NSAIDs back to back and if its cancer you will probably want an NSAID on board for pain mgt. So really no help here, just thinking out loud so to speak.

 

I know its easier said than done, but try to live in the present for now. Treasure this time with Gilby and focus on spoiling him. You don't know for sure what Monday holds, or even what tomorrow holds, but he's withbyou right now. Hope you can both get some sleep.

[spottydog]

My experience with osteo in the leg is that it is a hard bump. Scritches for your Gilby.

[tbhounds]

How much gabapentin are you giving?? It can be given every 8 hours.

[Remolacha]

I just went through something similar with my girl Charley. I would keep the Monday apt, the sooner you know what you are dealing with, the better you will be able to plan and make decisions.

[NeylasMom]

Any updates?

[Guest Allyson]

Hi all, more thank you's to all of you. I spent a chuck of the day with a few girlfriends to try to focus on something else. I almost cancelled, but forced myself to go. Probably good for Gilby, too.

 

No real update. He's about the same, and doesn't seem worse. He's still eating, still napping soundly and peacefully, and doesn't seem to be in pain. He still looks at the upper portion of his leg from time to time, but he doesn't bite it or doing anything with it....just looks quickly and and then stops. I don't think most people would even notice (my DH hasn't). Intellectually, which if a far stretch for me lately, I assume there is some pain, but my husband thinks it's because I've paid attention to it. I have not touched it at all today, and will not. My DH declared Gilby "cancer free" this morning and claims the lump is gone. I think I can still see the same thing. Denial?

 

I didn't up the pred. We're supposed to be decreasing the dosage over the next couple of weeks, and if they want him on another med, I know they can't be mixed. We'll discuss all of this at the vet's tomorrow.

 

When I got up this morning, Gilby was ready to go outside, was wagging his tail lightly and had his warty in his mouth. He is not his old self, but the mornings seem to be the best he is, and I am trying to appreciate him and just love him. He gets up on his own when I start making their dinner, and we let him sleep until he gets up to tell us he wants to go out. He actually just got up and whined a bit wanting to go out. He was wagging his tail again. Once out, he did his business and wanted to hustle back in as it's really cold (and he's definitely a summer boy).

 

Regarding the gabapentin, he's getting 300 mg every 8 hours. This, along with the 50 mg tabs of tramadol -- 2 pills every 8 hours. He's getting pred now just in the morning.

 

I am trying to take your advice and live in the present. I was reading an old Greyhound Magazine about senior Greys, and the vet/writer said something like, "Don't live in the past, regret the present, or dread the future." His point was like yours, to live in the present and cherish each remaining moment. I am trying, but it's so hard to do.

 

I just went through something similar with my girl Charley. I would keep the Monday apt, the sooner you know what you are dealing with, the better you will be able to plan and make decisions.

Please tell me about your girl Charley. Never fun, huh? We are keeping the appointment and need to know one way or the other. Thank you:)

[Remolacha]

I don't want to scare you, so I didn't go into detail. She had a mild limp for 2-3 weeks. It seemed worse when she first got up, but improved after she moved around a bit, so we (my vet & I) treated her for arthritis or a sprain/strain. She wasn't really responding to the treatment, so I made an apt with a specialist. She suddenly got much worse the weekend before Thanksgiving (before the apt with the specialist). On Monday, she slipped and fell, and broke her leg. We took her to the evet and the x-rays confirmed the break and also confirmed osteo in her leg, at the break, and in her knee. There was nothing they could do and I had to let her go. When she broke her leg, that was the most horrible thing I have ever been through, I hope no one else ever has to go through it.

 

I hope you get a good diagnoses

[Guest Allyson]

I don't want to scare you, so I didn't go into detail. She had a mild limp for 2-3 weeks. It seemed worse when she first got up, but improved after she moved around a bit, so we (my vet & I) treated her for arthritis or a sprain/strain. She wasn't really responding to the treatment, so I made an apt with a specialist. She suddenly got much worse the weekend before Thanksgiving (before the apt with the specialist). On Monday, she slipped and fell, and broke her leg. We took her to the evet and the x-rays confirmed the break and also confirmed osteo in her leg, at the break, and in her knee. There was nothing they could do and I had to let her go. When she broke her leg, that was the most horrible thing I have ever been through, I hope no one else ever has to go through it.

 

I hope you get a good diagnoses

OMG. I am so terribly sorry for Charley and for you. Gilby fractured his leg days after we got him from the track (we highly suspect that he had a fracture at the time, but it shattered when we got him), and it was horrible, but I am sure not as bad as when combined with that awful osteo. A lot of Greyhound parents go through a lot of terrible things with these beautiful creatures. It isn't fair, but thank goodness that many of them have such loving and compassionate people taking care of them after their track days. I am working very HARD to just take things a day at a time as so many of you have reminded me to do. He is a joy to me even when he's just resting on his bed and I am massaging him and seeing his eyes roll back in his head:) Again, I am so very sorry about Charley.

[Guest Allyson]

Hi all,

 

For a change, we got a piece of better news. Our long-time vet saw Gilby today and through feel and needle aspiration, does not feel that the lump on Gilby's leg is bone cancer, or even cancer. He did say to watch it and see if it changes. He also noted that it was not painful to Gilby. He thought that Gilby looked a little better than when we first took Gilby in a month ago. We are still on track to have a follow up visit with the neurologist on Friday.

 

I did notice that Gilby is still sinking his rear when he stands while eating, or while waiting for me to get his dinner, but he doesn't seem to be in pain. He also wore his "Help me Up" harness for the first time today. While his rear does not really need it, it was a huge help riding in the car as we had something to hold onto so that Gilby would not fall (he will rarely sit down on a car ride). I know that my husband thinks that today's visit was an "I told you so moment," but I told him how much I appreciated his support in taking Gilby in (even though he still wanted to cancel this morning)...I told him that hearing Dr. Wengren's comments, and just being able to talk to Dr. Wengren was huge for me...it gave me a few more "up" days than I would have had otherwise.

 

Again, thanks.