Oakley ate something again..FML

[Chealsie508]

It's possible to have him evaluated, he has guarded me in the past, although that didn't make the list to the behaviorist bc it's almost never happened or nothing physical resulted from it..he is also very in tune to me so it's also possible he senses my stress/uncomfortability. It could very well be that off leash or without me around he would be fine

A pic and a video of my dog sitting: the only scuffles came over feeding time, and he got grumpy with her when she got near him while he was sleeping..but fairly normal and acceptable behaviors in my book..

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z383/chealsie508/445DCD8B-864E-4F3E-B691-384E675A898F-2157-000001AF9346033A_zps1674490d.mp4

[ownedbyspencer]

Worth a try. Since he's so protective of you, you might be surprised at how quickly his behavior changes when you're not in the equation. He's grown into a lovely boy.

LOL– Ava doesn't think I'm a resource worth guarding.

[Chealsie508]

Haha..they sure know how to make us feel "bottom of the totem pole"

[Chealsie508]

Anyone who can help me read this results a little better? Oakley had blood drawn and sent to Dr Jean Dodds to make sure his thyroid wasn't interfering with behavior. The doctor reported she doesn't think so based on the results but I noticed some results were low and one high..
What would cause a dog to have low T3 levels?

[ownedbyspencer]

I'm not an expert, but Spencer had a low T3 with normal T4 results. The vet told me that you can see a low T3 or Free T3 when the dog is sick, on meds or recovering from surgery. A sick or recuperating dog decreases production of T3, lowering those values for a time (or maybe permanently, if the dog has a chronic illness, like Spencer's). IIRC, T3 is more an indicator of the dog's overall health, while T4 is more thyroid-specific. So maybe this is the aftereffects of Oakley's surgery and/or medications? I'm glad his thyroid is okay. That's one less thing he has to battle.

[sonnyboy]

Sonny does suffer from a thyroid problem which did effect his behavior. We started with a .9 T4 level at which time his behavior was cranky and snippy and rather grouchy…..Dr. Dodman then started him on Soloxine and the next test he was up to a 1.1 with no behavior change. we found Sonny's level needed to be at a 2.2 before we saw a change in behavior and he was no longer Oscar the grouch and snippy which for me was the biggest concern because I was afraid his behavior would escalate to a bite. He's been great this last year on his meds. We retested 6 months ago he did drop to a 1.7 but maintained good behavior. we just ran another 6 month check friday and if there is any change lower then the 1.7 we will adjust to get him back to "his normal" close to 2.0.

[Chealsie508]

I was hoping thyroid was partly the culprit because it would explain the noted increase in behaviors..but Dr. Jean Dodds said his thyroid was good overall and his t4 was within range..yet his T3's were low..and I just don't know what to think about that. As far as being sick, on meds or recovering from surgery…I wonder how long after it can be affected?? Oakleys surgery was mid may and the last meds he was on was over a month ago..but I know he's had a rough couple months since..so I wonder if that could be true for him? I hopefully will get a call from his behaviorist or doctor to help explain the results...perplexing?!

[Chealsie508]

So just heard back from Dr. Dodds who said there's nothing to worry about with a low T3 as long as the free T3 is fine but truthfully, I'm not comfortable with that answer because his free T3 is at the very bottom number on the range..to me that's not good?

[DebraDownSouth]

The issue is that Dodds looks at all dogs, but breeds vary. Ask your vet about a trial of low dose.

[tanza]

@DebraDownSouth:

The issue is that Dodds looks at all dogs, but breeds vary. Ask your vet about a trial of low dose.

Dodds is pretty much a sighthound specialtist… So I would tend to believe what she is saying... I would retest in 3 months and see if the Free T3 is still at the same level.