Hi Everyone
I had grace at the vets yesterday for her first check-up, and to arrange a date to have her spayed. I really expected everything to go smoothly, Grace appears to be in great health - certainly no signs of racing innjuries, and her teeth are remarkable. Sadly, all did not go well.

When we arrived, we had just been preceeded by a family whose two dogs had literally torn each other apart when left alone at home. The whole reception floor was covered in pools of blood, and a long blood trail led to the consulting rooms. Grace got one whiff of the blood, lifted her nose to the heavens and screamed blue murder. And she didn't stop until we were home again.
I've never seen her so completely stressed out, and she was unable to take any comfort or reassurance from me. It was very, very distressing.

Finally her appointment came (much delayed by those poor dogs), and she remained just as hysterical in the consulting room as she had been in reception. The vet was great with her, but after his initial exam he returned to sounding her heart again. And I was devestated when he announed that Grace has a serious heart condition - a form of valvular insuffiency.
Her heart rate was also very very fast, but he put that down to stress. sad to say the valular problem can't be put down to stress, and is a serious problem.

Then the real horror began to hit me, and the vet too - Grace hasn't been spayed yet, and her heart problems are going to make the procedure much more dangerous!!! I immediatley decided it was elective surgery, and we would just forget it and deal with her going in and out of season. However, the vet thought this was a very bad idea. He pointed out how large greys are, and that the blood loss during heat can be very significant, he felt that would put tremdous strain on Grace's already weak heart. Furthermore, the danger of pregancy, birth and feeding could prove fatal to Grace. He also explained the serious complications that could arise from not spaying - life threating womb infections and increased rick of mammmary cancer.

OMG the news was horrendous, and it seems every alternative is fraught with danger. During this long sad discussion, Grace contiued to howl and scream, and her heart rate was getting faster and faster, finally we had to finish the consultation outside. I felt totally inadequate, and struggled to find an alternative that wouldn't endager Grace's life. The vet was wonderful and very patient. He advised that if Grace were his dog he would arrange to spay her as quickly as possible. He's promised he has operated on many, many greys, and that extra staff will be in theater with her, plus she will have a specialist nurse with her throughtout her recovery. He seems confident that we are actually lucky to have found this heart problem prior to surgery, and that it would have been much worse if Grace had to be dealt with on an emergency basis.

I believe he has given me good and sound advice, but I still tremble at the thought. Grace is booked in to be spayed next tuesday morning. Full liver and kidney screens will be done prior to the op. She'll be given a mild sedative first which should facilitate more accurate monitoring of her heart - at that point, a decision will be made as to which anaesthetic to administer and what dose to give. Sadly, despite all the precautions, there are no promises that Grace will survive.

Please keep my beautiful angel in your heart and prayers.

I know have only had Grace a very short time, but she's came to mean the world to me. I dread next tuesday, I don't know how I'll be able to leave her knowing I may never bring her home, and every moment that passes I'm second guessing the decision.

Has anyone else had a grey with heart problems undergo surgery?
Do all the reasons the vet gave to go ahead with the surgery sound valid to you?

Hugs Katrine and Grace

Oh Katrine,

I am so sorry to hear your news ... poor Grace.

Not sure which vet you are using - we opted to go with Vetrica (in Rosyth) as they are Celia & Jimmy's vets and, as such, are very used to dealing with greyhounds.

I think you should take advice from Celia & Jimmy - having had so many dogs go through their Kennels, they may be able to advise you. They know their dogs.

The only thing I would say, and this is a purely personal opinion ... if Grace is never off her lead, and you don't have loads of people visiting with male dogs, then surely it is unlikely that she would ever become pregnant. Even if you do have people visiting with male dogs, then couldn't you keep Grace away from them during season? As I say, these are my personal thoughts.

Hugs to you both, and keep in touch,
Susan & Bootsie xx

advice about spaying your bitch,i have had a similar problem with my bitch she had aheart murmur. she had aterrible season, i took her to the vet he recommended spaying when they checked he out for thats when they discovered she had the murmur.all what has been said to you was said to me i decided to go ahead with the spaying that was 5years ago she is lying here next to me at nine years old still full of life.she also had another op later on

Hi Susan
Thanks for your very thoughtful message.

You'll be glad to hear that I have spoken at length with both Celia and Jimmy, and as always, they are a balm to all your wounds.

Seems Grace was checked by Vetrica very throughly when she had her vaccinations and NO signs of heart complications were found. So on Celia's advice I have an emergency appointment at Vetrica tomorrow afternoon, and hopefully we'll have a much clearer idea of Grace's heart status then. If given the all clear, I think I'll have Vetrica spay Grace, despite the distance.
Indeed, distance and lack of transport was the only reason I didn't go with Vetrica in the first place - it seemed logical to seek a local vet.

I was so upset yesterday I don't think I was seeing things clearly, but today much sharper minds pointed out that I was probably being fleeced by the vet yesterday. On top of the couple of hhundred pounds for the spaying, all the extras that were going to be needed because of the claimed heart condition, were actually totalling nearly another £500!!!

I suppose the money side of things is bad enough, but the distress the whole situation caused is unforgivable.

After our visit to Vetrica tomorrow, Grace and I are planning to pop in and visit Celia and Jimmy, and we're both so looking forward to seeing everyone.

Thanks again, much love to you and Bootsie (sp?)
Hugs Katrine and Grace

Hi Alex
Thanks so very much for sharing your experience, I'm so delighted to read that your girl survived both ops despite her heart conditions. Give her a very big hug from me and Grace

I just posted above in my reply to Susan, that I'd a long talk with Jimmy and Celia, and have an emergency appointment at Vetrica tomorrow afternoon. Seems there's a very good chance that Grace doesn't have a heart condition at all, at the very least we'll have a sound second opinion on the situation, which will make the decision much easier for me.

Hope you and your hound contiue to enjoy good health and much fun together.
Hugs Katrine and Grace

Hi again!

I think you are doing the right thing, seeking a second opinion from Vetrica. Bob & Emma are both excellent vets, and I would trust them 100% with our boy.

Please let me know how you get on tomorrow ~ I hope you get more positive news and come away feeling that, whatever you decide to do, you are doing your best for Grace.

Thinking about you both,
Susan & Bootsie xx

As soon as I read your message I was thinking "get a second opinion". With grace in such a distressed state it must have been almost impossible to listen to her heart properly. Fingers crossed for better news tomorrow.

The vets are great at rosyth
I got my girls spayed there
Crossing fingers for you and Grace

Mags

Keeping fingers crossed that all goes well with Grace's appointment tomorrow. Im not sure where you live Katrine, but I am in Kirkcaldy.
I travel through to Rosyth to work Monday to Thursday and would be happy to take and collect Grace for her spaying appointment if transport is a problem for you.
In fact, I would be happy to take her on a Friday too. It's my day off, but I usually spend the morning being lazy and watching TV.
Let me know if I can help.

Katrine,

If you went to the same vet as me for Eddie's tail... You probably have been ripped off.

It's a very good vet, very thorough and I trust their opinion. However I was charged £400+ to treat a cut tail... This involved NO operation just bandage changes and anti biotics.

For things like these I'd always seek a second opinion... If your struggling for transport to take Grace to the vet for spaying I'm sure someone on here would be willing to help you out!

Susan is right, I had Wisp in season and no male dogs got near her because she is never off the lead! Apart from that, if a male dog did come to your house, and you didn't separate them, u would be able to catch them before the "act" hit "full swing" haha. I also put diluted TCP on Wisps rump and this distorts the sent for male dogs following her etc. Wisp is a bit of a prude actually and any dog that did come near her she sat down! Haha.

Don't fret! She'll be with u a lot longer than a few weeks!

Go to vetrica, get a second opinion, and please, do not spend £500 getting her spayed! I've already given them £400 for a bleeding tail.

Lots of love an licks Jen Eddie and Wisp

Hi
Thanks Susan, Steve and Mags for your kind replies and good wishes. I'll certainly update everyone tomorrow evening.

Hi Trish
Many, many thanks for your kind offer, I'm blown away with such selflessness.
I live in Armadale, near Bathgate. No idea really where that is in relation to yourself and the vets. If it's too far please don't worry, I certainly don't want you going out of your way. Saying that, it would be wonderful at some point to get to meet you

I'll post an update on Grace tomorrow, and what decision we make about spaying her. Not sure if there's a facility on here for private messaging?

Thanks again for your very thoughtful offer.
Many Hugs Katrine and Grace

Hi Jen, Eddie and Wisp
My goodness - £400 for a tail wound - that's enough to make you faint.
It does sound like we were at the same vets, doesn't it?
One of the things that really confused me yesterday was how genuine and concerned the vet seemed, and no matter what alternative to surgery I suggested, he seemed to have a valid answer. The devestating part was that I could find no senario at all that didn't endanger Grace's life - it was a horrible position to be in.
Thank goodness for Celia and Jimmy, and tomorrow hopefully we'll get to the bottom of things. As Grace's mum I don't think I could make an informed decision without tomorrow's second opinion.
Thank goodness for the forum too, and all the people who have been so kind and supportive.

Apart from the obvious question - does Grace suffer from a heart condition? I'm also very interested to find out what the real danger to her would be (if she does have a heart condition), in letting her go into season. I was so shocked to hear the season itself would be so dangerous for her to undergo, as would pregnancy etc.
I'll be asking too how a racer could manage with such a serious cardiac complication - Grace is only recently retired!!! The vet yesterday said that the fact she had been forced to contiue racing and training would have made the condition much worse - hence the seriouness of her situation now. At the time, under such pressure, I accepted that answer. But today, with a clearer head, it doesn't seem reasonable. I think if Grace were so ill she would have collapsed under racing/training conditions. I think too, had that been the case that Vetrica would defenitely have picked up the signs and symptoms.

Anyway, we should all know by tomorrow.
Hugs Katrine and Grace

Good luck tomorrow Katrine and Grace.
Our very best wishes,
Celia and Jimmy.

Thanks Celia and Jimmy

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow

Hugs Katrine and Grace

So sorry to hear of your predicament,we had our dog,Susie,spayed at Vetrica in Rosyth too and found them most excellent with both Susie and her worried parents!
I also think the second opinion is required as that seems an awful lot of money to charge and why has this murmor suddenly been found??
Celia and Jimmy give the best advice as I have only had Susie for a month now and for the first few weeks thought Celia and Jimmy would put my phone number down as a pest caller!!
Our thoughts are with you and will think about you both today,Im sure it will all be fine.
If you need to talk,this forum is great as the people here are all about their dogs and give great advice to us new owners.
Much love
Jackie n Susie xx

Hi Katrine

Just read this thread about Grace.

Just wanted to say thinking about you Grace lots. Hopefully your second opinion will be better from Ventrica.

We would be the same if anything happened to one of our 3. I was also thinking about how the vet could detect the murmur just by auscultation when she was so distressed.

Thinking of you and lots of love.

Elaine (Dundee)

Hi Everyone

Grace was seen for a second opinion re her heart condition today. We travelled over to Vetrica as suggested by Celia and Jimmy.
The vets examination was top class, and he handled Grace wiithout any hysteria at all, indeed as she was asleep by the time he finished.
Sadly he confirmed what the other vet had said - Grace has a grade 3+ heart murmer. He also confirmed the potential dangers of her going into heat, and any possible pregnacy. It was very distressing news, I'd fully expected a clear bill of health.
The fact that the valvular problem was not congenital, and was not present earlier this year (april) when Vetrica examined and operated on Grace, is really very alarming. However, the vet did assure me that she defenitely hadn't progressed to cardiac failure.
So, weighing up all possible sides of the senario, we decided to go ahead and have Grace spayed on mon at Vetrica. Not doing so, could lead to many very serious problems down the road. If she progressed to stages 4, 5 or 6, or indeed heart failure, then surgery would be too great a risk. But the ongoing season, increased risk of womb infection, and mamary cancer are all enormous risks too.
In short, spaying isn't really elective surgery for Grace, it's essential.
So I'm praying she will pull through on Monday and recover well from the op.
After that, it'll be a case of monitoring her heart throughout her life, and dealing with what develops. She may contiue at grade 3 and not face many problems at all. Or she may progress to heart failure fairly quickly.
What ever the future holds for my beautiful Grace, I'll love her and nurse her through it. She's my family now, and I have no regrets at all about having adopted her. I've cared for many sick animals over the years, and of course you wish that they were healthy, but in some ways it's a true priveldge to have their full trust and welfare in your hands - like a very precious gift. Grace is my gift, and no matter what the future holds she will always hold my heart.

As planned, Grace and I visited with Celia and Jimmy this afternoon. Despite the upsetting news I had to deliver, we had a wonderful time together. I know they are both saddened by the news, but I think they could see the bond between myself and Grace, and hope they have no regrets in having entrusted this beauty to my care. As always, they were a tower of strength and wisdom, and I know how lucky I am to not only have Grace, but also to have Celia and Jimmy's support.

Many thanks to all the lovely people of have responded to this thread, and all the help and advice. If I haven't answered you personally please accept my apologies - it's just exhaustion and worry, but each entry is greatly appreciated.

Grace and I are planning a relaxing, fun-filled weekend. Promise updates as soon as possible, and photos if I ever figure out how
Hugs Katrine and Grace

Hi Katrine,

We are so sorry that you didn't get more positive news today.

At least you now know, for sure, what the position is - little comfort, we know. Bob is a super vet, and really knows his greyhounds ~ you can be sure he will do his best for you, and Grace.

Grace is lucky to have you ~ try and enjoy your weekend.

You will certainly be in our thoughts on Monday.

Keep positive.

Big hugs to you both,
Susan, Mo & Bootsie xxx

So sorry to hear the news from Vetrica confirming the first report on Grace,when you take her through on Monday all our thoughts will be winging their way to Rosyth for the rest of the day,hope you guys have a great weekend and I know it will be very hard but try and get yourself some sleep as the day will feel like the longest.
All our love
Jackie and Susie xx

Hi Katrine and Grace,
never give up hoping. Our Goldie was diagnosed with a heart murmur on her first checkup with us coming on for 4 years ago now. She has been under anaesthetic several times and despite being the oldest of our 3 dogs at 12 years of age is the youngest acting.
You are both in our thoughts!

Michele

Annie too, was diagnosed with a heart murmur when we first got her 8 years ago. She has had a couple of procedures since with no problems, a competent vet will know how sensitive greys are and take special care. God bless, hope everything goes well for you too.

Hi Katrine,

Hope you & Grace are holding up ok.

Just a thought - don't know what you are planning to do on Monday whilst Grace is at Vetrica, however, we are in Rosyth, and would be more than happy for you to spend the day here. I don't drive, but could meet you at the vet, and my partner, Moira, would be happy to take you home in the evening ....if this is at all helpful.

Susan, Mo & Bootsie xxx

Katrine, Our thoughts will be with you on Monday as well. I can appreciate what you are going through at the moment. I would think that with the knowledge and preparations at hand, thee is every chance of a happy outcome.

Sorry you did not get better news
Will be thinking of you and Grace on Monday

Mags

Hi Katrine - sorry to hear that it wasnt the news you wanted at the vets, but good to know that they can fit Grace in for her op so quickly.
What arrangements have you made for transport on Monday?
Kirkcaldy is on the east coast. About 30/40 minutes drive from the Forth Road Bridge. I am not too sure about where Armadale is, but think you may be near Livingston, which is another 40 minutes from the bridge. Depends on the traffic.
I am working at 10am on Monday in Rosyth and if you have no other transport I would be happy to come and get you to take you back to Rosyth and the vets.
Another member has offered to spend the day with you in Rosyth and ask her partner to take you home later.
Let me know if I can help.
Trish x

Katrine,
Sue (Grace) reminded me of my lurcher Charna, who also had a spiky haircut - you can see her photo under In Memoriam. She had a heart murmer for years but lived to nearly 12 and died of a neurological problem, not a heart problem. I also have a beautiful blind lurcher, Dylan, who has had a heart murmur since he was about four, and he's nine now and still fine. So please don't despair.
I was completely smitten by Grace when I saw her on the rehoming page but I'm absolutely forbidden to have any more hounds (I have four) so I was overjoyed when I read that she had been rehomed to someone who thought the world of her. I'm sure your love will help give her strength to survive for years to come. My very best wishes to you both,
Marion

Hi Everyone
Sorry I didn't get a chance to post an update yesterday, or to reply to the many lovely messages. The entire day was taken up with Grace - we played and cuddled from dawn till dusk. It amazes me that she could be so ill, yet still look like she's glowing with health. I wish I'd had her longer, because at the moment when she plays full on, and then collapses panting, I don't know for sure wether this is normal greyhound behaviour, or if I've allowed her to push herself too far. We came up with lots of new games - How many kisses will fit on Grace's head? Big Dog, she's
bigger than me LOL. Tickely feet, and Who has the waggiest tail?

She's adoring all the extra attention and fun, but does seem to get exhausted very quickly. Then of course, an abundance of kisses and cuddles are needed while she recovers. Grace is so totally adorable, and watching her confidence grow is a pure pleasure. Here's hoping we can continue with a wonderful weekend, and maybe even an early night on Sunday - one can only hope.

Dear Susan
Thanks so very much for offering to have me over for the day on Monday. I'd love to meet you, Mo and Bootsie. But having someone in a wheelchair for the day takes a lot of planning - access to house, access to toilets etc.
The plans for the moment are as follows - a taxi is taking me and Grace to Vetrica on Monday morning, then bringing me back to Armadale, an entire day out would probably be too much for me healthwise, and I really do need to come home to look after my brother who is very ill. I don't think he'd manage a whole day alone, especially with the worry about Grace.
Some one very dear to my heart has offered to collect Grace and bring her home for me. I trust this person more than I can say, and know Grace couldn't be in more experienced, loving hands.
But hopefully sometime in the future, we will have a chance to spend some time together, maybe Grace and Bootsie can be best friends.
Thank you again, your offer has touched me more than I can say.

Hi Jackie and Susie
All your thoughts winging towards Grace on Monday warms my heart. Thanks for all your kindness and thoughtfullness.

Hi Michele
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story about Goldie. I'm delighted for you both.
I can't tell you how comforting it is to hear of others who have endured the same fears, and came out happy and smiling.

Hi Isobel
Delighted to hear Annie overcame her problems. I'm fluctuating between hope and dread, but the people like yourself and Michele are defenitely helping with the hope. Many thanks.

Dear Greg and Nicolia
I think you're Booker's mum and dad, is that right?
I've been making my way through your thread, sharing the joy and the tears with you all. What beautiful dogs they are.
I keep meaning to post on your thread, but just being brand new here, I didn't want to impose on your grief. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss, and I know no words can ever make up for losing your stunning big boy, but I hope in some small way, that all the love and warmth from the forum has offered you some comfort.
I know when I've lost beloved pets in the past, One of the hardest parts was that there was no "ceremony". And sometimes I felt like crying at the sky "does no-one else understand what the world has lost". Here, at least, many others understand your loss, and would gladly share your pain.
Please give Tula (sp?) and huge hug from Grace and me.
And thanks so very much for taking the time to post support from Grace, despite your own pain. You're a very special hound family.

Hi Mags
Many thanks for your warm wishes.

Hi Trish
I posted Grace's transport arrangements under my reply to Susan. Warmest thanks to both you and Susan for all your offers of help. It still astounds me how very thoughtful the people on this forum are - to make such offers and go out of their way for someone you've mever even met yet. Hope someday we do get a chance to meet. Many, many thanks for your kind offer.

Hi Marion
Thanks for sharing your lovely stories with me. Several other members have done so also, and each one is like a sweet gift of hope.
I'm not surprised you were smitten with Grace, actually she's much more beautiful in reality, and I hope to post some pictures of her over the weekend. Her little spikey hairdo is both cute and hilarious - I play with it all the time:). Needless to say, Grace figured if mummy can play with my hair, then I can play with hers. She spends a lot of time patting and
re-arranging my fringe, and the ponytial - well it's just a riot for her. With each day, and all the grooming and attention, Grace becomes even more stunning, and her mummy looks more and more like a bag-lady:) Such is the joy of hounds.

Much love and many thanks to everyone. Will keep updating you about Grace.
Hugs Katrine and Grace

Katrine,

Rest assured Grace is probably like all other greyhounds... VERY lazy! Don't worry about tiring her out. My two do one lap of our garden (very small) and you'd think they were in a coma afterward!

Very fast dogs... Equally as lazy!

Eddie and Wisp send Grace big doggy good luck kisses for Monday. They say she'll be fine and try not to worry yourself too much!

In saying that... When Eddie cut his tail you'd have thought his head had been amputated the way I was crying so I can only imagine how your feeling!

Keep playing with Grace, it'll keep her fitness up and you won't push her too far because she will stop when she can't be bothered anymore.

Lots of love and Licks (licks from the dogs not me!) Jen, Eddie and Wisp

Hi
Just opened a photobucket account, I'll try and share some photos of my sweet Grace.

http://s1281.photobucket.com/albums/a511/gracefuldays/?action=view¤t=008_zpsae9c96e2.jpg

http://s1281.photobucket.com/albums/a511/gracefuldays/?action=view¤t=grace022_zpsa0912574.jpg

http://s1281.photobucket.com/albums/a511/gracefuldays/?action=view¤t=grace019_zpsdfa8e4da.jpg

http://s1281.photobucket.com/albums/a511/gracefuldays/?action=view¤t=005_zps8ae3de6b.jpg

Hugs Katrine and Grace

Hi
I seem to have messed up, can't get any of the links to open and show the photos
Any ideas what I've done wrong?
Hugs Katrine and Grace