Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Broken Legs are Serious Risks for Italian Greyhounds

Broken Legs are Serious Risks for Italian Greyhounds

We have two Italian Greyhounds (affectionately referred to as IG's). Dixie was two when we brought Yankee home. I read that IG's are happier with another animal and thought that another IG would be half as much trouble and twice as much fun. After a few days of establishing a pack order the two became great friends.
For those not familiar with IG's, they are about ¼ scale of the famous racetrack breed. In their finest form they look half-starved, even though it may look cruel to most pet owners, that's when they are the most active and truly happiest. A pound or two slows them down tremendously and even becomes dangerous.
They are fearless leapers. No matter how many times I try to explain to them Newton's Laws of Gravity, it does no good. Heart-stopping stories abound over the internet chat rooms about their Superman like tendencies. The extra weight increases the risk of broken bones.
They are also tremendous jumpers. In her hey-day Dixie could jump straight up over 6 feet high to grab a snack. At will she could jump flat-footed on to the dining room table, landing as soft as a butterfly with sore feet.
But more than anything, those long thin legs were meant for speed. Unfortunately, they can run faster than they can think. IG's become single focused when running. Twice I have nearly had a heart attack as they ran full speed into each other from opposite directions, tumbling like out of control race cars. Chasing after one another, they'd scrape the trees so close that bark literally flew off and misjudging turns, wiping-out in to brick walls and other immoveable objects was a common occurrence.
Well, one day the inevitable finally happened, Dixie went into a door facing and snapped her left leg. The break was clean through. Her little paw dangling 90 degrees from just below her knee told me everything I didn't want to know.
I did the best I could to immobilize it as my wife called the vet. As soon as we got there they took her back for x-rays. She was obviously in a lot of pain but had quit yelping after I first picked her up. In fact, she was the calmest of any of us.
My wife was crying because of the dog. I was crying because of the bill. If I would've known how much it was going to cost in the lobby I would have cried a lot harder. This was going to be a big payday for the vet.
The choices were simple, they could try a cast, but it would probably not set right because of the very tiny, toothpick-thin fibula. The vet recommended a titanium plate and screws.
The surgery alone would run $1,000. The total bill would actually end up over $1,800. I could have bought 3 Dixies and a lifetime supply of dog food for that much. My wife got mad because she didn't like my sense of humor, but I wasn't joking. I know the power of the purse, and I have no intention of getting hit by hers again so I relented.
The next morning they put in the custom made plate and screws. It was really tricky because the screws had to be big enough to hold things together, but small enough not to interrupt blood flow.
More painful (if you can believe that) than the vet bill, was the care and attention Dixie would require for the next 3 to 4 months. For the next three months she would have to be kept in a crate at all times.
For the first three weeks when we took her out to go potty we would have to hold on to her. No walking was allowed. It is absolutely crucial for dogs to find the perfect spot to relieve themselves, not any spot will do. Humans cannot fully appreciate this until they miss an entire showing of Monday Night Football.
A few weeks after the surgery we got a bit of good news, the leg was healing fine. She would still have to be crated, but we could put her on a real tight lead and let her stand on her three good legs to go potty. In about two to three week intervals after that she was allowed a little more freedom.
Slowly things got back to normal. The first month after she got full clearance to run was rather tiring. Each jump, every full trot run brought held breaths in anticipation of another vet trip.
It has taken two full years to get to where she no longer yelps or pulls up after a full run or sharp turn. She has lost a noticeable amount of her initial burst. She can longer track down Yankee from behind, but they still love to chase each other in the backyard and that gives us great pleasure. If you've never seen these gracious runners play at full speed then you cannot fully appreciate why we went to all the trouble and expense.
My wife loves to show Dixie's scar to anyone who comes by. She talks about the whole adventure like it was The Good Old Days. Out of fear that my wife will read this article I will state that if I had to do it again I would. But I won't like it.


Kerry Clabaugh runs http://www.bamabots.com, a website dedicated to robotic lawnmowers sales and education. Kerry is also interested in your experiences with robotic lawnmowers. He can be reached toll free (877) 383-6054




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Italian Greyhound Figurine - Cold Cast Resin - 3'' Height Review with Discount


Italian Greyhound Figurine - Cold Cast Resin - 3'' Height

Italian Greyhound Figurine - Cold Cast Resin - 3'' Height description


Italian Greyhound Figurine - Cold Cast Resin - 3'' Height
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Italian Greyhound Figurine - Cold Cast Resin - 3'' Height Features


  • Italian Greyhound Figurine
  • Cold Cast Resin
  • 3'' Height
  • 0.24 lbs

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Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Info plus Discount

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Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture

Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture description


This gorgeous Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture has the finest details and highest quality you will find anywhere! Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture is truly remarkable.

Italian Greyhound Puppy / Dog - Collectible Figurine Statue Sculpture Details:


  • Condition: Brand New
  • Item SKU: SS-Y-6992
  • Dimensions: H: 3 (inches)
  • Crafted with: Resin

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Sitting Italian Greyhound Figurine Review and Best Price

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Sitting Italian Greyhound Figurine

Sitting Italian Greyhound Figurine description


This cast resin statue of an Italian Greyhound sitting up and taking notice measures 2 inches by 3.5 inches.
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Italian Greyhound: Cold-cast Bronze Figurine 5.5 Inches Long Info with Best Price


Italian Greyhound: Cold-cast Bronze Figurine 5.5 Inches Long

Italian Greyhound: Cold-cast Bronze Figurine 5.5 Inches Long description



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Italian Greyhound: Cold-cast Bronze Figurine 5.5 Inches Long Features


  • Cold-cast Bronze Figurine
  • Guaranteed true representation of the breed
  • Designed by AKC-approved sculptor
  • Measures: 5.5 (L) x 2.00 (W) X 4.75 (H) inches

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Italian Greyhound Devilish Pet Figurine Info with Discount


Italian Greyhound Devilish Pet Figurine

Italian Greyhound Devilish Pet Figurine description


Picture your dog or cat, with a red cape, gold tone pitch fork, red horns sitting on a shiny 1 ½" diameter red disc. We take our hand painted Tiny Ones figurines and mount a set of tiny red horns on its head, attach a red cape and gold tone pitch fork or trident, then place this little devil on a shiny red disc making the cutest little devils around! Each Tiny One measures about 2" tall. These unique collectibles come individually packaged ready to give as a gift, or hang in your store.
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Italian Greyhound Devilish Pet Figurine Features


These unique collectibles come individually packaged ready to give as a gift, or hang in your store.

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Italian Greyhound Standard Figurine Info and Discount


Italian Greyhound Standard Figurine

Italian Greyhound Standard Figurine description


Approx. Size: 4" to 5" in The longest direction.

Each figurine in cast resin is carefully hand painted for that extra bit of realism. We boast a collection that offers The worlds most popular Dog breeds as well as its rarest! From Afghans to Yorkies, we've got The m all!
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Italian Greyhound Puppy Dog Collectible Figure H: 3 Preview and Discount


Italian Greyhound Puppy Dog Collectible Figure H: 3

Italian Greyhound Puppy Dog Collectible Figure H: 3 description


Italian Greyhound Puppy Dog Collectible Figure H: 3 H: 3 inches. Beautiful hand painted figure. Made of poly resin.
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Italian Greyhound Puppy Dog Collectible Figure H: 3 Features


  • Great collectible Animal Figure
  • Amazing Detail
  • Hand-Painted

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Italian Greyhound Original Dog Figurine (4in-5in) Info and Discount

Misc.
Italian Greyhound Original Dog Figurine (4in-5in)

Italian Greyhound Original Dog Figurine (4in-5in) description


Their distinctive differences in personality, stature,and presence come to life in our exclusive dog renderings. These stone resin sculptures will remind you of your four-legged companion every time you glance their way! Perfect for the avid collector! 217 breeds available!
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Italian Greyhound Original Dog Figurine (4in-5in) Features


  • Each figurine is carefully hand painted for that extra bit of realism.
  • From Afghan Hounds to Yorkshire Terriers, we've got them all!
  • Appx. 4in to 5in long x 2in to 4in tall

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Italian Greyhound Leather Dog mobile/Cellphone Charm VANCA CRAFT-Collectible Cute Mascot Made in Japan Preview plus Best Price

Electronics
Italian Greyhound Leather Dog mobile/Cellphone Charm VANCA CRAFT-Collectible Cute Mascot Made in Japan

Italian Greyhound Leather Dog mobile/Cellphone Charm VANCA CRAFT-Collectible Cute Mascot Made in Japan description


Ingeniously handcrafted genuine leather cellular phone charm by skilled craftmen. VANCA is a leading leather-crafts manufacture in Japan. It's creation is very unique and exquisite. They will grow even more beautiful with age and use!
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Italian Greyhound Leather Dog mobile/Cellphone Charm VANCA CRAFT-Collectible Cute Mascot Made in Japan Features


  • Very unique and cute. Highly detailed artwork.
  • Skillfully handcrafted in Japan with features of innovative 3D figurines tecnique.
  • Made with organically tanned finest genuine leather.
  • Using only eco-friendly materials including non-toxic stains.
  • Designed by awarded designer, Shigeo Tanaka.

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Italian Greyhound Tiny One Pendant Review and Discount


Italian Greyhound Tiny One Pendant

Italian Greyhound Tiny One Pendant description


Each one of our stone resin Tiny Ones heads have a gold tone eyelet carefully added right between their ears so you can slip this hand painted, unique, breed specific pendant on any chain! What a perfect gift for birthdays or holidays. CHAIN PICTURED IS NOT INCLUDED All items are individually packaged. Great item for that special someone!
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Italian Greyhound Tiny One Pendant Features


CHAIN NOT INCLUDED

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Italian Greyhound Dog Desk Set Review and Best Price


Italian Greyhound Dog Desk Set

Italian Greyhound Dog Desk Set description


These desk sets feature a stone resin figurine of your favorite breed of dog on a wooden plaque. Each set comes complete with a gold tone pen.

Size: Plaque measures 6" long x 4 3/4" wide
Figurines measure appx 4-5" long and 2-4" tall

Due to manufacturing requirements, please allow at least a week for this item to be shipped out to you.
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Italian Greyhound Dog Desk Set Features


  • Durable Hand Painted Stone Resin Figurine on a Natural Wood Mount.
  • Approximately 6 x 5 inches. Elegant Gold Tone Pen included.
  • The perfect Gift to help you or a loved one get through the work day.
  • This tasteful pen holder is a representation of everything you love about this magnificent animal.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Italian Greyhound Figurine Preview and Discounted Pricing


Italian Greyhound Figurine

Italian Greyhound Figurine description


The Italian Greyhound figurine is a wonderful sculpture of your favorite dog breed. Each Italian Greyhound collectible is made from stone resin and is hand painted. This Italian Greyhound collectible makes a nice gift. Approximate size on the Italian Greyhound figurine is 4-5 inches.
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Mini Bobble Head Dog Greyhound Review and Discount

Toy
Mini Bobble Head Dog Greyhound

Mini Bobble Head Dog Greyhound description


This unique hand crafted collectible?bobble head?is made with high quality resin. It is hand-painted.? You will be amazed by its fine details. This is a "must have" collectible for?animal lovers. So buy it now while supply last.??This cute bobble head can be placed in the car.? While the car is moving, so is this cute little bobble head.
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Mini Bobble Head Dog Greyhound Features


  • H: 3" in.
  • Made of Resin
  • So Cute & Fun
  • Brand New, Top Quality Collectible
  • Checkout Our Store for Complete 72 Super Cute Bobble Head Collections!

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