SmolAliens Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 We have settled in with Giant over the weekend and he is a fantastic boy We knew what we were getting into re: special needs due to his epilepsy, but little did we know that the plot would thicken as soon as we had him home with us. He was refusing to put weight on the right hind leg, and I knew from the foster that there was some kind of little grumble in there but I was under the assumption it was muscular. Nope! We brought him to a local vet for an x-ray and he has a small tarsal slab fracture in the leg which set up a bit awkwardly and has extra bone growing over it. We are assuming this happened during his final (and only) race at Sanford Orlando on 4/26--he had a good career prior to this but crashed into a bunch of dogs during the race and was immediately retired. I'm a bit miffed that nobody seemed to notice he broke a bone, but at least we know now. He is on carprofen for now and it seems to be helping with pain. He is putting weight on the leg inconsistently--sometimes when we go out for potty breaks he is so excited to walk but he ends up hopping on the left leg in order to go fast (and I am not trying to make him walk quickly either!). The plan was to keep him on the NSAID and rest/no long walks for 2 weeks but my partner did some research on this kind of fracture and he thinks we should seek out a second opinion to see if he may need surgery. He is going to call a specialist vet today and have them take a peek at the x-rays. If he does need it, it should be a fairly simple fix and we have the ability to get some financial assistance through a program with that vet. If anyone else has experience with this kind of leg injury please let me know. Aside from all of this he is adjusting fantastically to our home and his behavior is amazing with both us and the cats, which is awesome. We just want to do what is best for him so that he can enjoy his retirement to the fullest--he is barely 4 years old so he certainly deserves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 Frankly, your adoption group should be paying any medical bills for this, especially since the foster person said something was off. 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...
SmolAliens Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 (edited) 28 minutes ago, macoduck said: Frankly, your adoption group should be paying any medical bills for this, especially since the foster person said something was off. We did get in touch with them and they are bringing this issue to the board as we speak. Not sure how far we will get with that as they are a smaller organization but partner is pushing for it. I feel horrible about it all but yeah, they did seem to drop the ball on it. The funny thing is, after Giant was brought into the rescue from the track they noticed something in the leg was off when he arrived, and had a vet prescribe him Tramadol...which lowers the seizure threshold. So he had a grand mal, and foster (who is a vet tech themselves) remarked that she may have seen him have petit mal seizures prior to that and didn't realize it, so university vet Dxed him with epilepsy and took him off Tramadol to put him on seizure meds. Apparently the leg seemed to get better during all of this but ~48-72 hours before he was to be driven to our home something happened and he started being bothered again, but this was ignored. So A, he has the leg issue which was never properly diagnosed or treated, and B, he may not even be epileptic. Ugh. Praying this all works out for everyone and we can all be on good terms again. Edited June 10, 2019 by SmolAliens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 That's a lot for a first time adopter to deal with from the get-go. Video Giant anytime you think he may be having a seizure or something similar. Keep a journal with the duration, what he was doing beforehand, what and when he was eating. Rosemary is a minor ingredient in some food and treats that *can* cause seizures in some dogs, so check your ingredient lists. I presume your group will refer to greyhound-savvy vets, but I'll check with friend in Ocala about who she'd recommend as a vet in your area. 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...
LaFlaca Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 I must say that I am so very glad that Giant has you and your partner as his family. You guys care! If you're looking for a superb veterinary surgeon (hope it doesn't come to that) and can make it down to Miami, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. David Wise. I can give you his contact info. if you want it. Giant... Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 Thank you. He has had no seizure activity since starting the Keppra, thank goodness. We have a few options for vets in the area but for now we are looking at having BluePearl in Tampa check out the x-rays. I know there’s another group of specialists closer to us but BP has the Frankie’s Friends program to help with costs and they do see greyhounds (the Frankie in the program’s name was also a retired racer). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 Should Giant require an orthopedic specialist, this vet is incredible! Steven Neihaus, DVM DACVS Capital Veterinary Specialists Jacksonville 3001 Hartley Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 (904) 647-7481 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...
SmolAliens Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 Thank you for the recommendation. Luckily it is a pretty straightforward fracture so we are hoping BluePearl can review the radiographs and go from there. If it were a more complex case I'd be calling up specialists in a heartbeat but we've had great experiences having other pets with specific care needs/differences treated at BP. According to my partner's research it would likely only need one screw, maybe not even that. He *is* putting weight on the leg again now that his pain is controlled but I worry about the joint setting improperly again. We could be having deja vu in a few weeks or months if he tweaks it out again without further treatment. That seems to be the mistake everyone else has made with him...and I find it pretty unfair to doom him to a life of only walking 50 feet from our front door and back for bathroom breaks since that seems to be a possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 This can become a very large financial undertaking for you as a new adopter. I don't think it is fair that the agency expects you to take on this burden besides adopting a dog with special needs. I hope that they help you out with some of the medical costs Good luck. You guys are doing a great blessing by adopting this boy. 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...
SmolAliens Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 17 minutes ago, Houndtime said: This can become a very large financial undertaking for you as a new adopter. I don't think it is fair that the agency expects you to take on this burden besides adopting a dog with special needs. I hope that they help you out with some of the medical costs Good luck. You guys are doing a great blessing by adopting this boy. Thank you. Depending on how things go with BluePearl and whether or not we can get funding from their charitable program we will likely keep pushing with the rescue. We may never know where the fault really lies here but the reality is that Giant is our dog and we will do whatever it takes to get him healthy, even if it means paying OOP. We've been down this road with a couple of guinea pigs and specialty care for them can quickly run into the thousands...for a pet who will live up to 3 times longer I think we are more than prepared to try just as hard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 PS: My sister lives in Orlando. While I am not sure where you adopted from, GOD's Greyts, Carol Beck, is in your area. She can be a good resource for help with your needs. She is very knowledgeable. 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...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 This is who Houndtime is referring to above: Carol Becker Rizzo with God's Greyts http://godsgreyts.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Eorq1YqHsEv5wngT95ml4VZyyJO5y-NYTg5AavrOQa6P1PylfLUG1y2A https://www.facebook.com/carolbeckerrizzo 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...
SmolAliens Posted June 11, 2019 Author Share Posted June 11, 2019 Hey y'all, we just got the radiologist's report. His third tarsal had a slab fracture but the issue is that it's healing incorrectly and fusing to the second tarsal. Recommended for surgery to fuse the joint. Anyone else have their grey go through this type of surgery? Would fusion limit Giant's ability to walk or run long-term? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 12, 2019 Author Share Posted June 12, 2019 (edited) Okay, and now for something completely different... I've been the one doing most of Giant's potty breaks as my partner is squeamish about ...he wears gloves to do, it, I do not. I thought I washed up well enough after coming back in, but apparently not as I developed a rash on my back where I scratched it the other day and it could be hookworm larvae! In *my* body!! Going to the doc today to see what's going on while we wait for more news from Tampa on possible surgery. This is turning into *quite* the saga... Edited June 12, 2019 by SmolAliens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaFlaca Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 24 minutes ago, SmolAliens said: Okay, and now for something completely different... I've been the one doing most of Giant's potty breaks as my partner is squeamish about ...he wears gloves to do, it, I do not. I thought I washed up well enough after coming back in, but apparently not as I developed a rash on my back where I scratched it the other day and it could be hookworm larvae! In *my* body!! Going to the doc today to see what's going on while we wait for more news from Tampa on possible surgery. This is turning into *quite* the saga... Greyhounds...they're not a pet...they're an adventure! Hope you're okay. Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 12, 2019 Author Share Posted June 12, 2019 Just now, LaFlaca said: Greyhounds...they're not a pet...they're an adventure! Hope you're okay. Haha, for sure. Yeah, I'm okay...just praying if it is hooks they're not resistant to the *human* meds... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaFlaca Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 1 minute ago, SmolAliens said: Haha, for sure. Yeah, I'm okay...just praying if it is hooks they're not resistant to the *human* meds... I have a feeling it's just a superficial infection. Is your partner telling you "I told you so" about wearing gloves for poop-patrol? Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 12, 2019 Author Share Posted June 12, 2019 I'm sure he will be, considering he's an RN... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaFlaca Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 2 minutes ago, SmolAliens said: I'm sure he will be, considering he's an RN... Oh, Jeez! You're doomed! Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 Well, no real way to be sure I've got the worms yet, but it's more likely I'm reacting to a new medication so at least there's that. As for our gentle Giant, BluePearl got back to us with estimates for further imaging and surgery. Just a little sticker-shocked, but we still have Frankie's Friends to help out and the rescue is looking into it as well. In the meantime, he's doing pretty well on the NSAID, not limping, just a little weak when trying to sit down. We'll have to see if the vets out in Tampa think he can keep using NSAIDs or if he needs the surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Decent news this weekend--the rescue is going to cover part of the cost for imaging. We are going to bring Giant to Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland as they are a bit less expensive but have great ortho docs there. The doc who reviewed his first 2 x-rays says that the fracture looks 'quiet' so it could just be an older break that healed wrong and just needs pain management instead of surgery. Will keep y'all posted as to what they say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaFlaca Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 That's good news. Please keep us posted. Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cello Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Affiliated Veterinary Specialists - or AVS - are wonderful! This is where GPA-GO has all their complicated ortho cases handled. They also use University Animal Hospital for the more simple ones. Dr. Privitte at University Animal is our own personal vet and we just love him. On a personal note, the specialists at AVS were able to keep our girl Lady alive for almost 3 years after a devastating diagnosis of PLE. I cannot praise them enough. Quote Molly Weasley Carpenter-Caro - 6 Year Old Standard Poodle. Gizzy, Specky, Riley Roo & Lady - Our beloved Greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, cello said: Affiliated Veterinary Specialists - or AVS - are wonderful! This is where GPA-GO has all their complicated ortho cases handled. They also use University Animal Hospital for the more simple ones. Dr. Privitte at University Animal is our own personal vet and we just love him. On a personal note, the specialists at AVS were able to keep our girl Lady alive for almost 3 years after a devastating diagnosis of PLE. I cannot praise them enough. That's so good to hear! Looks like we will be going on Wednesday. I'm hopeful for a good prognosis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmolAliens Posted June 20, 2019 Author Share Posted June 20, 2019 Good news yesterday! Ortho had a look at Giant's leg and said everything looks great. Their radiologist isn't even certain if the bone is fractured, and says it is just slightly arthritic. It's possible there could be an old injury which has long since fused already, and the limp was caused by a ligament issue or sprain. We're weaning off of the carprofen to see how he responds before we move forward--if the limp returns we will go back to AVS for x-rays and further examination, otherwise if he seems good we will be able to slowly work him up to short walks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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