Pele, My Love!

[hsifeng]

I took our greyhound to the vet today, she has been having an issue with her back legs acting 'stiff' for about two weeks now. I had been under the impression that she had pulled a muscle (this has happened before and I have been accused - by my vet -  of being paranoid for popping into the vets office every time one of my fuzzy kids acts a little weird). But this time the sprain wasn't healing up as I thought I should so I made an appointment.

Dr. Brewer took some x-rays, did some mobility, function and nerve sensitivity tests and has settled on a diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy, sort of like MS for dogs. While this seems to be most common in German Shepherd's, it is also found in other breeds. I am in the process of doing some research on the disease (I am not 100% sure this is the cause and have a few blood test I want Dr. Brewer to run this next week including one on Pele's thyroid and an inflammatory disease panel): In the meantime, hubby and I went out and bought a list of supplements that were recommended as well as the ingredients for a 'home made' dog food which will be much better for Pele's overall health. We are also looking into acupuncture and possible water exercise therapy.

The dog food was a pain to make but she loves it! It is portioned out into servings and is in the fridge and freezer - should last us about two weeks before I have to make another one.

The long and the short of it is this: Pele seems to be at what Dr. Brewer calls 'stage two' of the disease. She is having some fine motor control issues - tripping, crossing her legs up sometimes and not reacting well to the 'standing on the top of her foot test' - all of which are exacerbated by stress (which meant they were really acting up on a Saturday at the vet's office). The work that hubby and I are doing - exercise, diet and medication/supplements - can help to delay the onset of stage three. Stage three is the loss of deep nerve use and paralysis. She may well loose the use of her back legs and bladder, followed by the slow progression of the disease up her spinal column.

This is not a trip we are looking forward to, and not one that we think Pele would want to make without a fight.

On the other hand, we don't plan on pushing her past the point where her quality of life suffers. If she is up for a doggy wheelchair and a diaper then we will work with her on that, if not, we will have to let her go.

With any luck, the work will mean she is around for at least another few years - what we could expect from a regular greyhound lifespan.

I love this dog - I love her more than I have loved an animal in a *long* time. I could have done with better news at the vet, but we will deal with this.

Comments

[eponia2001.livejournal.com]

I am really sorry to hear this. Know my thoughts are with you and Pele.

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Thank you honey, I am still adjusting to this idea and still not 100% convinced that it isn't possible that is could be another illness masquerading as DM. Only time and a few more tests will tell.

In the meantime, little girl is curled up on the couch and sleeping.

I loves her...(hug)

[docryder.livejournal.com]

Hip displacia (sp?) is also common in purebreds, and produces similar symptoms. Basically, it means the muscles that hold the joints in the hips together are *congenitally* weak (if you are not familiar with this condition). Of course, as common as it is, I would expect the vet to test for that right off.

Good luck with your other treatments, and here's hoping he's wrong.

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Hip dysplacia (http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html) is actually pretty uncommon in greyhounds (given that breeders had no problem putting down any dog in the population that displayed this illness since they breed *so many* of them in a given year I am not really surprised to see those numbers so low). Thank you for thinking of it though, I will ask.

The most logical answer at this time is DM or a thyroid issue. Both present with the same issues and no perceptible pain - which would be a point in ruling out hip dysplacia.

Thank you for wishing us well, I appreciate your input!

[mmcnealy.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this! Kudos to you for taking proactive action and helping your dog to have the best quality of life that she can.

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Thanks honey, I appreciate the support. The work on this make take up a good bit of 'time' but it is well worth it!

Hug

[gryphonlsb.livejournal.com]

Love you guys

I wish there was something I could do to make this not be

If theres anything I can do, Ill do it

-jus sayin

Re: Hug

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

(hugs back)

Thank you honey, Pele is a terrific companion and we will concentrate on keeping her happy and healthy and try not to let the possible ending to this story cloud the time we've got with her right now.

[sstormwatch.livejournal.com]

{{{Hugs}}}
Positive thoughts to you all.

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Thank you honey, I appreciate the positive energy!

[halotrash.livejournal.com]

love to Pele, from me & my fluffchild. : )

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Thank you sweetie, I appreciate it: Give your fuzzy kid a snuggle from us!

Pele

[lumpyone.livejournal.com]

Oh how I miss Pele!! What a great dog she is and a wonderful companion. It makes be very sad to hear she is suffering this way, so anything we can do to help, please let us know.

One thing to do, if you haven't already, please talk to Jim with the Greyhound rescue. He might have some thoughts. I do know when we first got her, they had her on some medication for her Thyroid. We gave her the meds for a while and was even told it might not an issue because when they come off the track it sometimes goes away. I'm wondering if its not just that, like you are inclined to think yourself.

I know Pele is in good hands with you guys, as I've seen before how well you look after your "kids". I'm hoping for the best and give her BIG HUGS from us!

Re: Pele

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

Thank you Jeff, give Diana a hug from me.

We are in contact with Jim, haven't heard back much yet but I put the word out to him. I have a call in to our vet at well.

The support is appreciated!

*hugs*

Re: Pele

[hsifeng.livejournal.com]

BTW - She had her thyroid checked last year and it was in good shape. She is due for her annual blood work anyway so we are going to get a full panel run. Great minds think (and hope) alike...