LadyGrey Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 (edited) So 6 weeks ago is when it started. Sophie was not running in back yard and she was walking slowly and then teetering a bit. Also was not eating or drinking. so I took her in to vet. She gave her anti-inflammatory meds. No change, so I took her to e-vet late night a couple of nights later. Not eating, drinking, fever, and could not bend legs to poop and teetered a lot trying to walk. So e-vet gave her anti-biotics and pain meds for a week, and she got almost completely better. I had my Sophie back. that was Oct. 21st. So the past 3 to 4 days, she was walking slow again and yesterday, I noticed she was teetering again, and by the evening, the back legs went out entirly. Had to carry her everywhere. So last night took her to e-vet. Doc did x-rays and told me she has about 4 discs on her back that are closing into each other causing pressure on back legs not to function. So she has been on iv fluids, and strong anti biotic shots ever so many hours. I have to pick her up 6:30am tomorrow. Doc hopes her legs will start working by then, but no guarentee. I visited today, no change. Not eating. Lost lots of weight in last few days. Cant stand at bowl to eat and drink, so I would feed her in bed. Ate only little. All while she is panting and whining. So today, I told them to give her pain meds (not morphine based) to help with pain. Doc said this I would take her home tomorrrow with 8 weeks of strong anti-biotic. 50% success rrate with Greyhouds. Doc saw bacteria in the discs - this is the cause of the discs moving together. She will be on probiotic too. She is looked miserable in e-vet today. Any help, suggestions, or similiars??? Help, distressed mom. Edited November 19, 2017 by LadyGrey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 19, 2017 Author Share Posted November 19, 2017 (edited) Ok I just posted long message, and site would not let me post, here goes. So 6 weeks ago is when it started. Sophie was not running in back yard and she was walking slowly and then teetering a bit. Also was not eating or drinking. so I took her in to vet. She gave her anti-inflammatory meds. No change, so I took her to e-vet late night a couple of nights later. Not eating, drinking, fever, and could not bend legs to poop and teetered a lot trying to walk. So e-vet gave her anti-biotics and pain meds for a week, and she got almost completely better. I had my Sophie back. that was Oct. 21st. So the past 3 to 4 days, she was walking slow again and yesterday, I noticed she was teetering again, and by the evening, the back legs went out entirly. Had to carry her everywhere. So last night took her to e-vet. Doc did x-rays and told me she has about 4 discs on her back that are closing into each other causing pressure on back legs not to function. So she has been on iv fluids, and strong anti biotic shots ever so many hours. I have to pick her up 6:30am tomorrow. Doc hopes her legs will start working by then, but no guarentee. I visited today, no change. Not eating. Lost lots of weight in last few days. Cant stand at bowl to eat and drink, so I would feed her in bed. Ate only little. All while she is panting and whining. So today, I told them to give her pain meds (not morphine based) to help with pain. Doc said this I would take her home tomorrrow with 8 weeks of strong anti-biotic. 50% success rrate with Greyhouds. Doc saw bacteria in the discs - this is the cause of the discs moving together. She will be on probiotic too. She is looked miserable in e-vet today. Any help, suggestions, or similiars??? Help, distressed mom. Edited November 19, 2017 by LadyGrey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 Sorry, I have no suggestions or ideas to offer. Just wanted to say I am sorry that your girl is feeling so poorly. Quote 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...
greysmom Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 So what is the actual diagnosis? Meningitis? Some parasite? Sounds like she still should be on some anti inflammatories, along with everything else. Also talk to the vet about a drug called Gabapentin. Its a human seizure drug that is being used for canine nerve issues with great success. It helpblock thé pain réceptifs and helps the nerves transmit signal to help improve feeling in the lower extremities. Its very safe to use and has a super wide dosing range so you can adjust it quite a bit depending the need. Greyhound experts recommend dosing every 6-8 hours instead of every 12 as greys metabolize it faster than other breeds. Once the swelling goes down she should recover pretty easily, though she may need some PT to help get her going. Purchasing a Webmaster Harness from Ruffwear will help you help her get around in the meantime. I'm on my tablet so I don't have access to my links, but you can Google the product easily. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 Because of the antibiotics being given I’m assuming your vet suspects Diskspondylitis? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 Have they given her gabapentin? Designed for pain in nerves impinged in spine/neck. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 My old girl had a similar sounding situation (except no bacterial infection) Acupuncture was a literal life saver for her. Drugs got her moving a bit short term, acupuncture takes a while to work, but she got back about 80% mobility, good enough for a decent quality of life. for Sophie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 19, 2017 Author Share Posted November 19, 2017 Because of the antibiotics being given I’m assuming your vet suspects Diskspondylitis? Yes!!! That is it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 So what is the actual diagnosis? Meningitis? Some parasite? Sounds like she still should be on some anti inflammatories, along with everything else. Also talk to the vet about a drug called Gabapentin. Its a human seizure drug that is being used for canine nerve issues with great success. It helpblock thé pain réceptifs and helps the nerves transmit signal to help improve feeling in the lower extremities. Its very safe to use and has a super wide dosing range so you can adjust it quite a bit depending the need. Greyhound experts recommend dosing every 6-8 hours instead of every 12 as greys metabolize it faster than other breeds. Once the swelling goes down she should recover pretty easily, though she may need some PT to help get her going. Purchasing a Webmaster Harness from Ruffwear will help you help her get around in the meantime. I'm on my tablet so I don't have access to my links, but you can Google the product easily. What size for my 58 pound girl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmswartzfager Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Be aware that if it is diskospondylitis, the average time for antibiotic treatment is 54 weeks, since treatment is continued until the radiographs are clear. The neurologists I work with use C reactive protein (CRP) to help with diagnosis and then to help them determine when to stop the antibiotics; generally our patients can stop antibiotics after about 4 months based on the CRP value. C reactive protein is a blood test - about 0.5 mL of serum is sent to Jorg Steiner at Texas A&M GI lab. A value of over 7.6 g/dL is considered abnormal, and indicates inflammation. The CRP is not specific to diskospondylitis (it can also be elevated in sepsis, steroid responsive meningitis arteritis, cancer...) but it does give a good indication that inflammation is present, and also when it's gone, which will significantly shorten treatment times versus waiting for radiographic resolution. Our neurologists also use a combination of carprofen, gabapentin, and tramadol or codeine for pain relief in the first week or two after diagnosis. I've attached a link to our information sheet on disko: http://bvns.net/conditions-treatments-2/disease-conditions/diskospondylitis/ 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...
juliemac Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 prayers for you and your sweetie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Be aware that if it is diskospondylitis, the average time for antibiotic treatment is 54 weeks, since treatment is continued until the radiographs are clear. The neurologists I work with use C reactive protein (CRP) to help with diagnosis and then to help them determine when to stop the antibiotics; generally our patients can stop antibiotics after about 4 months based on the CRP value. C reactive protein is a blood test - about 0.5 mL of serum is sent to Jorg Steiner at Texas A&M GI lab. A value of over 7.6 g/dL is considered abnormal, and indicates inflammation. The CRP is not specific to diskospondylitis (it can also be elevated in sepsis, steroid responsive meningitis arteritis, cancer...) but it does give a good indication that inflammation is present, and also when it's gone, which will significantly shorten treatment times versus waiting for radiographic resolution. Our neurologists also use a combination of carprofen, gabapentin, and tramadol or codeine for pain relief in the first week or two after diagnosis. I've attached a link to our information sheet on disko: http://bvns.net/conditions-treatments-2/disease-conditions/diskospondylitis/ She will be on antibiotics for 8 weeks. If she cannot move her legs at all after a couple of days and wont eat, I will make the horrible decision. There is no reason to keep her tormented like this. I have always been like this. It is redicuouls to keep a baby alive in torment and pain in a paralyzed position just for what? It is a hard decision, but a must. She is miserable. I am not as technical as you, but I am using unselfish compassion. Thank you all everyone for your replies so soon to me and my baby. I appreciate your prayers and love thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 (edited) I have no advice or experience with this, but did the vet get samples of the bacteria seen in the discs? How would bacteria end up in the discs? Is it like meningitis for dogs?Antibiotics and pain meds can each cause nausea and not wanting to eat. Is she on steroids, pred? Edited November 20, 2017 by seeh2o Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 She just went to Heaven in the wee hours this morning. Thank you for your message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyGrey Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Thank yoou again, everyone for your help and kind thoughts. Sophie went to Heaven in the wee hours. She was truly suffering and in pain. She is pain free now and her legs are perfect now. I am broken beyond belife. Thank you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badwolf Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Sorry sorry to hear that. Sending *hugs* to you at this time. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 So very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Sophie Run free and without pain. Quote 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...
XTRAWLD Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I'm so sorry. We never have enough time with them. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukasmom Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 So sorry you had to say goodbye. Run free sweet girl. Your Momma loves you so much she set you free. Hugs, Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I am so sorry this didn’t have a better outcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I'm so sorry. Godspeed, Sophie. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest well, Sophie. Quote Rachel with Doolin Doodle Dooooo, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our gorgeous, gutsy girlhounds Sweep and Willa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I'm so sorry. Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I’m so sorry! Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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