Greyhound Health Mystery

[greyhound_daddy]

I own a 7 yr old male greyhound (retired). He's been in excellent health, has had all regular shots and exams. 6 months ago, out of the blue, we went blind. His retinas were fine, they suggested it was optic nerve degeneration. A couple of weeks ago he became ill: labored breathing, vomitting, diarrhea. His weight dropped from 72 lbs to 61 lbs. The vet diagnosed a respiratory infection, prescribed antibiotics and sent him home. This past weekend, vomitting again, "snorting" (quick breaths in through his mouth), diarrhea, tremor (similar to a Parkinsons tremor), tenseness in his abdomen, lost 2 more lbs. Took him to the emergency vet clinic. He was dehydrated (from vomitting), enlarged kidney & liver (by palpating), tense abdomen. They ran a complete CBC and health profile. They believe it's pancreatitis based on the elevated levels of Amylase. They have prescribed antibiotics again, and meds to deal with the diarrhea. He has perked up GREATLY since his recent infusion of fluids and meds, however I'm not convinced that pancreatitis is the sole cause of his illness (tumor). The vet at the Emergency noted that after the comprehensive exam and blood workup that most of his bloodwork showed normal. No fever. No elevated white count. ANY suggestions of where to turn next would be greatly appreciated.

Below is the results of his electrolytes.
BUN 15.0 mg/dL
CREA 1.7 mg/dL
PHOS 5.0 mg/dL
CA 11.0  mg/dL
TP 6.8 mg/dL
ALB 3.0 g/dL
GLOB 3.8 g/dL
ALT 79.0 U/L
TBIL 0.5 mg/dL
CHOL 219 mg/dL
AMYL 653.0 U/L
GLU 119.0 mg/dL
Na+ 155.0 mmol/L
K+ 4.4 mmol/L
Cl- 116.0 mmol/L

CBC Results:

RBC 8.54 M/uL
HCT 63%
HGB 22.9 g/dL
MCV 113.8 fL
MCH 26.79 pg
RDW 15.2%
RETIC(%) 0.4%
RETIC 29.9 K/uL
WBC 7.19 K/uL
NEU% 63.4%
LYM% 22.5%
LYM% 22.5%

[ginger899]

I don't mean disrespect by what I'm about to say, but if I don't say it, I'll bust!
Dump that treadmill idea. Go find a nice place to WALK with your dog, and if you can, a green space where you can let the dog have a proper run.
There never has been an improvement on "taking your dog out for a decent walk". (I'm sure he'll thank you for that, and it will do you a lot more good than walking those empty miles)

[JessicaG99]

My Family And I Own 2 7year old Female Greyhound and the only problem that i am having is the fact that i want my 76 Ib. Dark Brindle Female Greyhound to try to walk /w me on a treadmill and once she saw the treadmill open she just became so paranoid and she wanted no type of phyzical activity with the treadmill she and i both have this

problem with the fact that she Refuses/Reject that she is so not interested in trying to walk on her own on the treadmill once it starts running if you have any advice for me: what should i do in the mean time i am only encouraging Mocca to try to walk /w me on the treadmill?  Jessica Gould jesslynelizabeth_gould***@****

[peekawho]

If you could post this on the Veterinarian moderated forum, Dr. Cheng will answer you.  

link:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/112

[greyhound_daddy]

The tremor noted during the Emergency room visit was pegged to his being severely dehydrated. Other notes from the visit were:

Cyantoic/pale violet nose/throat
Slight lung congestion
Apical Murmur on right side more than left 2-3/6
Abdomen tense and painful when palpated, enlarged kidney/liver

[greyhound_daddy]

MONO% 10.6%
EOS% 3.2%
BASO% 0.3%
NEU 4.56 K/uL
LYM 1.62 K/uL
MONO 0.76 K/uL
EOS 0.23 K/uL
BASO 0.02 K/uL
PLT 262.0 K/uL
MPV 7.75 fL
PDW 15.9%
PCT 0.2%

Note, after the most recent round of meds: antibiotic (Cephalexin 500 mg bid), pain med (rymadil), and anti-diahrrea (Ensorb), he is mostly back-to-normal as far as his behavior is concerned.