He is rated OFA Normal, everything is in range other than the Free T3 and Total T3 values which are both low. And amazingly, Dr Dodd has already responsed to my email. She said those low values are usually an indication of "some non-thyroidal issues" but everything else looked good (she even provided the normal sighthound ranges for all of the tests). So, I guess I'll have to figure out what "some non-thyroidal issues" may entail and if it's something I need to address. I guess I'll put a separate post about that.
Health Vent
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I just got off the phone with our vet, and while I feel good about our ultimate decision, I'm still kind of confused.
Cooper's thyroid levels came back normal. My vet spoke to two other vets, an endocrinologist and an allergy specialist, in trying to interpret the results and determine the plan of action. The endocrinologist (an MSU vet!) had the audacity to tell my vet that basenjis are no more prone to thyroid problems than other breeds, and that their levels are not normally higher than other breeds!!! And the allergist suggested that we do food trials, even though we have done that and the blood tests, and have come up with NO positive food allergies. And they both suggested a million other things we do, like using air cleaners, vacuuming often, keeping his food in airtight storage, etc.
So I told our vet that I wasn't convinced that Cooper does not have a thyroid problem. The treatment is reversible and cheap. We should see results quickly if that is the issue. So we're starting meds tomorrow!!!
I'm glad that my vet is willing to take my gut feelings and personal research in consideration. And while I'm glad she sought assistance from her colleagues, I'm dissapointed in their essential dismissal of our problems. I have a nearly hairless basenji who is very prone to skin infections and welts. Something has to be done!!!:eek:
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I googled canine hair loss and I got one other disease you should see if your vet checked for especially since another Forum member just had a dog recently diagnosed with Diabetes. Hair loss can be a symptom of canine diabetes and if the other tests are coming back normal, have they checked to make sure there is not elevated blood glucose?
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You do sound frustrated, if you are still feeling unsatisfied you could contact Dr Jean Dodds, she has done wonders for helping dogs with thyroids disorders.
Here is a website that has contact info, and how to send in samples if you want
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@WBL:
You do sound frustrated, if you are still feeling unsatisfied you could contact Dr Jean Dodds, she has done wonders for helping dogs with thyroids disorders.
Here is a website that has contact info, and how to send in samples if you want
[removed ad link]If you have the results (full panel print out and you should be able to get that from your Vet) you can just send that to Dr. Dodd's, she will read the results and give you a recommendation… Don't really think that she is all that much better then others, however she does see many B Thyroid results.
I have sent her results from MSU and she agreed there was no need for supplements at that time. -
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