Arthritis In Greyhounds

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Lilly is only six and a half yrs old, but I suspect she has arthritis. Friday morning she was not her usual self and I took her to see the vet (having lived here just over six months, it was our first visit to this particular clinic). Blood tests revealed nothing majorly wrong (slightly depressed immune system, which could indicate a minor viral load). But she was/is clearly in pain. She was given a tolfedine injection (anti-inflammatory), which brightened her up again by the evening. Yesterday morning she was her usual lazy self but she has declined again overnight and this morning. She woke up in pain at around 3am...and has had a few incidents of yelping as she gets up or lies down. I've now rugged her and will ring the vet at 3pm when they open...

I think the pain is originating in her neck and low back. She went to shake herself earlier, but rather than the usually vigorous body-shake, she moved her head slowly from side to side, then stopped. She also had her tail tucked when I took her outside and her legs were trembling. (It wasn't particularly cold overnight either.)

Obviously, I'm going to relate all this to the vet and I'll be guided by his opinion and advice. But does this sound familiar to anyone with a GH in its middle years?

I've had elderly dogs before exhibiting the same symptoms that were diagnosed with arthritis. Anti-inflammatories were prescribed over the colder months and this helped. But the onset age was between 9 and 11 yrs.

[Nadia]

I'd be taking her to a good Vet Chiro.

[Rappie]

Lilysmum, it could be early signs of arthritis, but if Lily were presented to me with that history I would be doing a thorough physical exam and paying close attention to the lameness and neurological components of it.

Although there are a number of possibilities, with the absence of really significant changes in blood work it could be neck or back pain (stress from pain can also influence the white cells on blood work, and pain will cause trembling and the posture that you're describing). This episode may be related to underlying arthritis, but may also be an isolated change in the neck that has flared up now.

Let us know how you go at the vet. In the meantime, strict rest (with confinement if neccessary) and TLC.

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Double post - oops.

Edited May 21, 2006 by lillysmum

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

I haven't yet taken Lilly back to the vet b/c the symptoms have abated again. She did have a complete physical exam on Friday, in fact the vet did a very thorough job. He not only looked at the skeletal components particularly the spinal flexion, but the gastro-intestinal tract in case it may have been a toxic response, listened to her heartbeat and respiration (all within normal), bladder palpation to see if perhaps she was unable to pass urine (bladder was empty enough to indicate no problems there and she had passed urine that morning without incident), and just to be sure, he gave her tummy a good "going over" as well. He checked her legs, joints, ligaments, knees, wrist flexion, toes, etc, and again all was within normal. Her neck flexion was less than 100% but that was his only (slight) concern on examination - and a tiny possibility of mild dehydration which is why I got some electrolyte powder.

I reckon I'll get her back to him through the week though - he is a very good vet and many DOLers (and I think ARF?) use him. I don't want to see her in pain, but ATM with her rug on, she's seemingly symptom-free again. I also just took her out for a short walk and her gait and stance is normal. Perhaps the cold is affecting her demeanour and perhaps when she's rugged she doesn't feel so uncomfortable?

And she's getting plenty of TLC! How can I not spoil such a creature...

Rappie, thanks very much for your opinion. I appreciate it very much.

[Rappie]

Good to hear that she's improving!

I hope you didn't think I was making any kind of slight on your vet in my post above - I was really just "thinking out loud" as I've seen three cases of neck and back pain this week that have presented with neurological symptoms in addition to just being "off", that part of my brain is on high alert . I'm glad you have a vet that have faith in - it's a nice change to hear something complimentary!

It doesn't have to take much to cause a neck to be sore, so it may well be the case that the cold is affecting her enough to cause symptoms.

Edited May 21, 2006 by Rappie

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

lillysmum hope all OK with her, and Rappie nice to see you back.

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

No, of course not Rappie! Although I realise there are good vets and not so good vets...this one is a good one! I think increasingly vets are understanding that owners are often able to comprehend the management and diagnosis of their animals' ailments, and I appreciate a professional treating me as a "partner" rather than just a patient's handler.

I'm hoping it's the cold weather that's predominately responsible for Lilly's symptoms, but she will be going back through the week...I'm cautious for good reason. I know of a number of retired racers diagnosed with osteosarcoma, among other things, and her symptoms, while vague, could be an indicator of something more serious than a stiff neck. OTOH, it could simply be a stiff neck!

She *is* a very wussy dog with pain. So the slightest twinge results in the "greyhound scream" which obviously scares the heck out of me (and my neighbours must wonder what sort of torture I'm putting her through).

Thanks again Rappie, I'll keep updating the thread as things change (or not, as the case may be).

BTW - I have the utmost respect for most vets, it's a difficult job a lot of the time, eh?

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

OK, my mind is made up - I'll get her back to the vet tomorrow. I've just had the greyhound scream of death AGAIN...and all b/c Lilly changed position on the chair she was lying on. I helped her off the chair and onto the floor but she promptly went and jumped up on the lounge instead.

She looks genuinely puzzled as to what is going on. As I am. I know she's in pain...I just need to find the cause...then treat it. I am hurting b/c she is hurting. And I can't do anything about it right now.

Edited May 21, 2006 by lillysmum

[kaywoman68]

Poor Lilly

Please let us know how she goes at the Vet's tomorrow! I'll be hoping things will work out for Lilly.

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Thanks KW, I'll be updating as I know more...right now, I just want her to be OK.

I had to take time off work on Friday...can't do that again so soon, so I'll have to get an after work hours appointment. I think the vet's hours accommodate that.

Hope the MPW was a good day! I'm so sorry that Lilly and I missed it but she wasn't feeling up to such a big day.

[olly]

Oh lillysmum! I really hope Lilly will be ok.

I've been through something very similar with Poppy - except she has an inherited form of arthritis. She would scream when lying quietly/not moving. After a long course of cortisone we are keeping it at bay using glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM supplements.

Fingers crossed you get a diagnosis soon and some relief for Lilly.

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Oh, what a day! Firstly, we have some 'news' of sorts regarding Lilly's condition: it's an inflammatory response most likely in her neck (vet thinks she's just got a bit of a disc problem that will hopefully resolve itself). She's on Rimadyl for 10 days and strict rest. No zoomies! Not that she's in the mood for zoomies ATM but once that med kicks in, I'll have to watch her closely.

The most horrible situation happened while we were waiting at the vet. A family brought in their beloved dog that had been attacked in its own yard, by another dog that jumped over the fence into their yard. The poor family was distraught...the dog was a mess...the outcome was tragic. The poor dog had been ripped apart on a major blood vessel and basically bled to death in front of the vet and family.

Needless to say, I was also upset, as was my lovely vet...he's such a nice bloke and I could see just how distressed the situation had made him. This poor family's teenaged son looked completely devastated, poor love. I just wanted to hug them all. :D

Back to Lilly - if all goes well, she should settle down in no time - there can be a recovery period of between 6 and 12 wks, so it's going to be interesting trying to stop her from zoomies for that long!

If she doesn't improve - or gets worse - we go to X-rays for a closer look.

Will keep everyone updated and thanks for the well-wishes so far!

[Rebanne]

I'm paranoid but I would be getting the xrays asap. My Sam presented with a slight limp which was treated much as you say. 3 weeks later I took him back and got him xrayed, he had osteosarcoma in the shoulder. A friend's hound cross had it present in her jaw. Lilly most likely has just done a bit of short term damage to herself but I couldn't sleep until I had her xrayed. But as I say I'm paranoid about that bloody bone cancer

[Mooper]

II reckon I'll get her back to him through the week though - he is a very good vet and many DOLers (and I think ARF?) use him.

Hamish at West Queanbeyan?

Yep, ARF highly recommend him. And Staffyluv takes Ollie to Hamish

So Lilly is in good hands, and it sounds like she's on the path to recovery.

So sorry that you and everyone else in the clinic had to witness the outcome of the horrible dog attack What a nightmare for all concerned! Do you know whether the owners are charging the owners of the loose dog? So many people seem to think that a loose dog is fine :D

I heard on the radio this morning that two dogs were frolicking around Beasley Dr and Athlon Dr near Phillip. One was hit and traffic was backed up for miles It sent chills down my spine, and all the colour went out of my OH's face. News like that affects all dog-lovers.

[kaywoman68]

I heard on the radio this morning that two dogs were frolicking around Beasley Dr and Athlon Dr near Phillip. One was hit and traffic was backed up for miles crying.gif It sent chills down my spine, and all the colour went out of my OH's face. News like that affects all dog-lovers.

We usually listen to CDs when I'm at work so I didn't get to hear this ;)

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I hope Lilly is feeling better!!!!

[7464]

Get well soon Lilly ;)

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Yep, I see Hamish! ;)

Anne, I too was/am worried about osteo - it's one of my biggest fears with GHs. I do feel it's just a disc problem or perhaps a touch of arthritis. Thinking back since we took Lilly in, she has only spent one winter in the ACT before, and that year we had her on a senior supplement even though she was quite young (3 yrs). It helped with her stiffness (very much a sign of arthritis!), so I'm really hoping that we are dealing with something relatively benign. I'll also get her back onto the supplement shortly to see what happens.

If things are not improving, I'll jump at the X-rays. I just don't want to put her through that if it's not necessary and so far, I trust the vet's advice and opinion. Lilly's neck flexion is not good and she's obviously resisting movement through the neck area on exam and in general.

Lilly had her first dose of Rimadyl this evening and seems to be a little more comfortable (and I hope she gets a good night's sleep tonight! )...and I'll keep updating as things happen.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and well-wishes very much - thanks!

[Mooper]

I hope Lilly slept like a babe!

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Mooper, if you mean Lilly rolled around, growled in her sleep, woke up whining (she was cold!), and kicked me in the ribs a few times, then yep! She slept like a baby!

She has a habit of starting off in her own bed but migrating to my bed through the night (as if I won't notice, or something?) and then taking over the bed altogether. Little brat! :D

She can't be too cold though, b/c she is now wearing her coat 24/7...and the heater is on low all night, "for the dogs".

I just don't know how I'm supposed to keep her "quiet" for the next six weeks...six days is challenging enough!