I’ve got to agree with what others are saying - you know your dog best and if you’re not happy with what you’re hearing then I wouldn’t hesitate to look for another vet. Your current vet may be `the best in Paisley` but how many greyhounds do they treat - and are they the best for greyhounds?

It at least sounds like a good sign he had his head in the bag of food, so hopefully there’s a chance things could improve for him very soon.

Good luck and best wishes to Loki.

unfortunately loki was sick again last night.

allan is off with him today to our usual vet - just for insurance, as everything is covered directly there now - armed with a list of questions and all of the medications that they have prescribed loki, only for him to be sick again and we’ve been told to take him off of it (i know we’re insured - but with a £4k yearly limit and £1.5k already used up since Feb, any credit on the account will help us to afford the endoscopy and his aftercare…)

i spoke about 2 weeks ago with the locum from the vet school, who said that loki would really benefit from going there because of the equipment and specialist vets - however, the cost of an endoscopy there, including all initial appointments, etc - would amount to around £1000. it’s a bit of a trek for us - or around £20 in a taxi each time, although fingers crossed if i pass my driving test that won’t be a worry! - but i’d really like to look into it.

allan is also asking today about the facilities our vet has at their practice, as it’s always good to keep our options open. plus, although it shouldn’t be the only reason to stay at this practice - it’s open every night until 6.30, 2 nights until 8, and on saturdays, too - and they have always offered to keep him in their kennels for us on the day of the procedures, so we wouldn’t have to take any time out of work to take him….but we’ll see what happens…

i’ve also had a look around on the web for other local vets, and there’s one near to us that has really sporadic opening hours, but seems to be a small practice run by just a few people - so might be a good idea to check that out - i’m giving them a call at lunchtime.

will keep you posted as to how today goes with loki anyway x

I really feel for you Kate, but it sounds like you are tackling this well.  The fact that the locum from the vet school said Loki could benefit from the vet school (and they are the very best - cutting edge) would make me determined to get him there.

Have you spoken to your Insurance about covering the cost of transport?  You could explain to them this situation is only costing them money, and you are trying to get this sorted once and for all, and surely that argument would work.  Also there are pet ambulances who will collect your dog from home and take them up to the vet school etc. you could check into?

Is there no-one from the GAL committee could recommend a vet who knows greys in the Paisley area?  I’m sure they use a variety of vets on occasion?

Please keep in touch, Kate, cos you need support when your hound is ill.

allan saw one of two vets who have, put together, have been responsible for over 3/4 of loki’s appointments (when i stop to think about it) - they both came in to speak with him today, too - as they work as a team in a lot of cases.

they explained that the cerenia worked by relaxing the stomach muscles - so if there was an obstruction, the food would pass through- but as soon as the muscles are left to their own devices, when he’s off the medication, obviously the food isn’t passing. going by the lack of effect the usual medication for IBD has had, they were certain that this isn’t the cause.

they’ve suggested taking him in for a full biopsy - having spoken with his 2 previous vets in dennistoun, he has a history of having a ‘stray object’ in his gut - the vet thinks that the same thing could have happened. anything like cling film etc wouldn’t have shown up on xray/ultrasound, and given loki’s habit for eating things that are deemed inedible (pop socks, dish towels!) it seems it could be likely.

they recommended the biopsy as opposed to the endoscope, as they’re certain that when they probe inside of him, they’ll find this obstruction - which would require an operation anyway. alternatively, if it is something small, an endoscopy might not pick it up.

at the moment, he’s booked in for 8am next wednesday - and it will be the same 2 vets operating. he’s to stay in for 48 hours afterwards, and over those 2 days both vets will be available to carry on his aftercare.

i’ve spoken with another local practice who also have open surgeries, and they’re happy for an unregistered animal to go along for a check up. so i’ll pop in there with him beforehand, just in case, i think. the fact that he’s got the same 2 people (who i’ve met and liked, admittedly - and who were very good at phoning me when he had his ultrasound, and really good at explaining things…) does comfort me quite a bit, at least knowing that there are people who know my dog well enough to care.

poor wee soul. :( i’m not too happy that he’s going to have to face an operation at this stage in his life, but i guess 10 isn’t that old - and he’s a strong dog. and, if they find something and it ends the problem once and for all, then i know it will be for the best…

That sounds much more reassuring.  The fact that both vets spoke to your OH at least shows their concern (well done to OH), and you now have them committed to Loki and a plan of action, with some degree of indication of what they think it might be.

I wondered about obstruction which is why I mentioned I hoped he was pooing good.

My only question would be a biopsy is only to take a sample - are they intending to do a removal of object/operation depending on what they find?  Biopsy indicates they are removing a sample for analysis e.g. if it is inflammation of the gut.

I think you should be clear about “extent” because the last thing you want is two operations, but it kinda sounds to me they will open him up and if they can take action on what they see then they will?

I think you’re doing the right thing going along to the open suregery for a second opinion, although it does sound like both vets that are seeing Loki are doing their best to get to the bottom of things.

Branny is 10 as well and has twice had minor operations in the past year that have required general anaesthetics. The first time he was fine but took a few days to fully get back to being himself. The second time he was very unsettled the whole of the following night, so it’s probably as well for him that he’ll be kept in after so the vets can keep an eye on him.

Good luck to Loki for his op,
Malc

I’m glad to hear theres been progress with the vets today. It’s reassuring that you have two vets working with Loki, two heads are better than one! I know they have to explore every possibility, but it’s so frustrating when you know something isn’t working or the tablets that have been prescribed are masking the problem rather than curing it.
Roll on next weekend when Loki will be back to full health again.

(I think it’s still worth going to the open surgery for a second opinion.)