Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Hypothyroidism - Like mother, like dog-ter
Bella has "sub-clinical hypothyroidism". When Dr. Dodman told us that this condition could be contributing to her aggression towards Jan, I nodded in understanding. Not that I also feel aggressive towards Jan, but you see, hu-mom has hypothyroidism, too, and can clearly empathize with how it can lead to making one feel pretty cranky a good bit of the time.
Among the human symptoms are fatigue, sleepiness, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, memory loss, weight gain, muscle aches and pain, stiffness of the joints and depression. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Now, imagine if you were a dog and couldn't tell anyone you felt this way?
But first, let's rewind a few weeks.
When Bella first attacked Jan, we immediately set up an appointment with our vet to rule out any physical causes for her bad behavior. Of course, she was a perfect, if shut-down, angel during the physical examination and according to our vets, her blood-work came back "perfectly normal". According to our vets.
Don't get me wrong, I like our vets. But vets have a lot of information they need to keep track of and may not always be the most up-to-date on every condition out there. However, having dealt with the condition myself, and experienced first-hand how shifts in diagnostic ranges can impact and influence treatment, I was curious to see Bella's actual results.
When I saw that her "T4" (the main thyroid hormone) came in at 1.1 on a "normal" range of 1.0 - 4.0, I actually turned to Jan and said, "I think she's hypothyroid".
Actually, she's sub-clinically hypothyroid.
Her levels are low but not below the diagnostic range. According to Dr. Dodman, this condition is a behavioral affliction in and of itself. Dogs with this condition "may become anxious or fearful, become more aggressive... may also appear hyperactive". Hmmm. Sound like anyone you know and love?
Dr. Dodman believes that dogs who are sub-clinically hypothyroid can benefit from a low-dose of synthetic hormone. Their T4 levels and behavior are monitored over time to check for improvements. The first re-check was 6 weeks after we put Bella on the medication and her levels jumped up right into the middle of the healthy range and have remained there ever since.
She's been on a very low dose of the medication for a year now and many of her other 'symptoms' have faded in that time including her itchy, flaky skin and dry brittle coat. I don't think Bella's ever going to have a normal constitution but overall, that has improved as well.
Score one for the humans.
While I consider everything we've done a contributing factor to Bella's overall well-being, this was an easy win and we'll take it. The moral of the story to me is: never stop questioning. If someone tells you your dog is okay but you think they're not, seek a second opinion. You are your dog's best advocate.
I know there's at least one other Bella out there in Blog-land who suffers from hypothyroidism. Is anyone else dealing with it, too? Do you have any advice you'd like to share? We are always interested in hearing your stories and tips.
For more information about hypothyroidism and behavior problems in dogs, see Dr. Dodman's Assessment of Hypothyroidism as a Factor in Behavior Problems.
Among the human symptoms are fatigue, sleepiness, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, memory loss, weight gain, muscle aches and pain, stiffness of the joints and depression. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Now, imagine if you were a dog and couldn't tell anyone you felt this way?
 |
| I know I look sad and pathetic but it's not really about hypothryroidism. You just can't see the bone I'm being so good about "leaving". |
But first, let's rewind a few weeks.
When Bella first attacked Jan, we immediately set up an appointment with our vet to rule out any physical causes for her bad behavior. Of course, she was a perfect, if shut-down, angel during the physical examination and according to our vets, her blood-work came back "perfectly normal". According to our vets.
Don't get me wrong, I like our vets. But vets have a lot of information they need to keep track of and may not always be the most up-to-date on every condition out there. However, having dealt with the condition myself, and experienced first-hand how shifts in diagnostic ranges can impact and influence treatment, I was curious to see Bella's actual results.
When I saw that her "T4" (the main thyroid hormone) came in at 1.1 on a "normal" range of 1.0 - 4.0, I actually turned to Jan and said, "I think she's hypothyroid".
 |
| Seriously, can I eat this now? |
Her levels are low but not below the diagnostic range. According to Dr. Dodman, this condition is a behavioral affliction in and of itself. Dogs with this condition "may become anxious or fearful, become more aggressive... may also appear hyperactive". Hmmm. Sound like anyone you know and love?
Dr. Dodman believes that dogs who are sub-clinically hypothyroid can benefit from a low-dose of synthetic hormone. Their T4 levels and behavior are monitored over time to check for improvements. The first re-check was 6 weeks after we put Bella on the medication and her levels jumped up right into the middle of the healthy range and have remained there ever since.
She's been on a very low dose of the medication for a year now and many of her other 'symptoms' have faded in that time including her itchy, flaky skin and dry brittle coat. I don't think Bella's ever going to have a normal constitution but overall, that has improved as well.
 |
| Oooooh my gawd, shut up and let me eat already! |
While I consider everything we've done a contributing factor to Bella's overall well-being, this was an easy win and we'll take it. The moral of the story to me is: never stop questioning. If someone tells you your dog is okay but you think they're not, seek a second opinion. You are your dog's best advocate.
I know there's at least one other Bella out there in Blog-land who suffers from hypothyroidism. Is anyone else dealing with it, too? Do you have any advice you'd like to share? We are always interested in hearing your stories and tips.
For more information about hypothyroidism and behavior problems in dogs, see Dr. Dodman's Assessment of Hypothyroidism as a Factor in Behavior Problems.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Saturday's Dog: Still Dill
Dill was my very first Saturday's dog almost one year ago.
Sadly, she is still in foster care and available for adoption. I'm going to let her foster mom speak to what a good dog she is and what a loving companion she would be for the right family:
"Dill is a sweetie and very affectionate dog with a waggly tail...
She’s great with kids and other dogs. No cats, she is just too interested in them. She is a great companion dog; she makes no demands on anyone, loves everybody and loves attention but isn't pushy about it.
Dill is ready to be your walking partner, encouraging you to share fresh air and exercise with her. She can be your couch partner, waiting to cuddle with you and watch an old movie...
It takes a special person to adopt a dog already in the twilight of her years. When we open our hearts to an old dog in need with lumps, bumps and graying muzzles, we know that our time together will be all the more precious.
Are you that special person? The rewards of loving a senior are great indeed. She will give back tenfold."
Because North East All Retriever Rescue requires a home visit before placing a dog, she is available for adoption only in the New England area. She does however, qualify for their "Foster-to-Adopt" program. You can read all about her and learn more about NEARR's adoption policies on the website.
In the meantime, would you please tweet her story and let people know she's still looking for a home of her very own? You can do so here or from her profile on the web site. Thanks.
Sadly, she is still in foster care and available for adoption. I'm going to let her foster mom speak to what a good dog she is and what a loving companion she would be for the right family:
"Dill is a sweetie and very affectionate dog with a waggly tail...
She’s great with kids and other dogs. No cats, she is just too interested in them. She is a great companion dog; she makes no demands on anyone, loves everybody and loves attention but isn't pushy about it.
Dill is ready to be your walking partner, encouraging you to share fresh air and exercise with her. She can be your couch partner, waiting to cuddle with you and watch an old movie...
It takes a special person to adopt a dog already in the twilight of her years. When we open our hearts to an old dog in need with lumps, bumps and graying muzzles, we know that our time together will be all the more precious.
Are you that special person? The rewards of loving a senior are great indeed. She will give back tenfold."
Because North East All Retriever Rescue requires a home visit before placing a dog, she is available for adoption only in the New England area. She does however, qualify for their "Foster-to-Adopt" program. You can read all about her and learn more about NEARR's adoption policies on the website.
In the meantime, would you please tweet her story and let people know she's still looking for a home of her very own? You can do so here or from her profile on the web site. Thanks.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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