50 replies to this topic

[Javaluva]

In people, severe illness or extreme stress can also cause thyroid problems... My sister has problems and had mono just after she got out of college...  so the experiences some of these dogs go through could also trigger, I would think...

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Very true, Joni! Stress and other environmental factors can also trigger thyroid problems.

[dobeluvr]

Mandy,

This sounds too good to be true! I'm going to get Tiki tested at their next vet visit. Does she have to fast for it? Belle will be Tiki's inspiration.

I really appreciate you sharing this information with everyone. I know it's not easy to document all the detail. Good Job!!

And do you mean to say you've stopped running with the dogs? I hope you aren't too uncomfortable this summer. Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl? Did you ask?

Jane

[Javaluva]

Mandy,

This sounds too good to be true!  I'm going to get Tiki tested at their next vet visit.  Does she have to fast for it?  Belle will be Tiki's inspiration.

I really appreciate you sharing this information with everyone.  I know it's not easy to document all the detail.  Good Job!!

And do you mean to say you've stopped running with the dogs?   I hope you aren't too uncomfortable this summer.  Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl?  Did you ask?

Jane

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It definitely would be worth having Tiki tested...and even if she isn't hypothyroid, at least you'd know! I never would have thought Belle was until it was suggested to me by my obedience instructor who just happened to read an article relating hypothyroidism and behavior.

Yep, I haven't been out with the dogs for a while now as I'd attach all four dogs to a belt around my waist and off we'd go--can't do that yet! Doing it this way certainly saves on my arms and actually works better for me at keeping them all from getting tangled as they have a tendency to go where I want them to when we run...walking just gives them a chance for their sniffers to find neat things (and I've got two hunting breeds and two Dobes with high prey drive )! They're all trained to certain voice commands so do pretty well when we're out. Right now, I just can't keep up with them all and I hurt too much to go for long walks.

...and we're having a boy...Cameron Martin Palmer.

[dobeluvr]

It definitely would be worth having Tiki tested...and even if she isn't hypothyroid, at least you'd know!   I never would have thought Belle was until it was suggested to me by my obedience instructor who just happened to read an article relating hypothyroidism and behavior.

Yep, I haven't been out with the dogs for a while now as I'd attach all four dogs to a belt around my waist and off we'd go--can't do that yet!  Doing it this way certainly saves on my arms and actually works better for me at keeping them all from getting tangled as they have a tendency to go where I want them to when we run...walking just gives them a chance for their sniffers to find neat things (and I've got two hunting breeds and two Dobes with high prey drive )!  They're all trained to certain voice commands so do pretty well when we're out.   Right now, I just can't keep up with them all and I hurt too much to go for long walks.

...and we're having a boy...Cameron Martin Palmer. 

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I would think that if you were to put four dogs on your belt that you could be drawn and quartered.

My gosh, you have the name picked out! Any special significance? Is this your first?

Jane

[dobeluvr]

Tiki and Tango have their nail appt tomorrow so they are going to do a thyroid check on Tiki too. We'll see what it shows.

Jane

[Javaluva]

Tiki and Tango have their nail appt tomorrow so they are going to do a thyroid check on Tiki too.  We'll see what it shows.

Jane

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Jane,

Did you have Tiki tested? Any word on the results yet?

M.

[Javaluva]

July 5, 2005, five weeks into therapy:

Wow, BIG improvement in Belle's behavior when outside on leash! She actually displayed control and attentiveness. I brought her out for a few minutes yesterday while we had a holiday pic-nic and she was relatively calm and responded to me immediately whenever I said her name or asked her to come by either looking at me or coming right over to me--something she had a hard time doing in the past as she was more concerned with being stressed out. She was still a bit hyped, but it was completely understandable as there were kids running everywhere and new adults she had never met that she needed to introduce herself to. Something I haven't seen her do while outside on leash is to wag her little tail nub with excitement...she did it the whole time she was outside yesterday! Usually she's too preoccupied with nervousness, panting and pacing to show any emotion outside of those generated by stress.

One thing I've noticed in her over the past few days is a complete mellowness in her overall carriage. I'm not sure yet if she's not feeling well or if it's a result of the thyroid treatment (she's a master at hiding any hints of illness). She still has the appetite of a lion and is overall her same old affectionate self, she's just completely chilled out now. I'll be watching her to make sure she's not coming down with anything. If it's a result of the thyroid treatment, then I'm not complaining!

[dobeluvr]

Mandy this just made me smile Especially the part about the tail wagging out doors! I'm so hoping that this will bring peace to Belle and she can live a calm and peaceful life and that you will be able to be less stressed because she is!

Tiki had her bloodwork done Saturday and they sent it off to MSU. We will know in 1-2 weeks how it looks.

Keep up the updates!! They are just so informative and hopeful.

Jane

[dobeluvr]

Okay. They called and told me that Tiki has two numbers that are low normal and the doctor at MSU who was the best (he called him the "guru" but I don't remember his name), recommended no medication at this time but to retest in November to see if the trend is downward. So that's the news there.

He told me that to medicate a dog with thyroid meds who didn't need it could cause heart failure, liver/kidney problems, etc.

Just have to wait and see.

Jane

[Javaluva]

Okay.  They called and told me that Tiki has two numbers that are low normal and the doctor at MSU who was the best (he called him the "guru" but I don't remember his name), recommended no medication at this time but to retest in November to see if the trend is downward.  So that's the news there.

He told me that to medicate a dog with thyroid meds who didn't need it could cause heart failure, liver/kidney problems, etc.

Just have to wait and see. 

Jane

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Another thing you may want to do, Jane, is send your test results to Dr. Jean Dodds for her opinion. I think she offers free analysis services. I believe I listed her fax number above and other information. She's a specialist in the canine immune system and thyroid disorders. Couldn't hurt to get another opinion!

[dobeluvr]

Another thing you may want to do, Jane, is send your test results to Dr. Jean Dodds for her opinion.  I think she offers free analysis services.  I believe I listed her fax number above and other information.  She's a specialist in the canine immune system and thyroid disorders.  Couldn't hurt to get another opinion! 

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That's a thought, Mandy. I'll have Larry pick those up at their next appt which should be right around the corner here. Thanks for the idea!

Jane