RE: thyroid/aggression
Hi Vicki, It is not sufficient to just measure the T4. A full panel needs to be done and Michigan State University or Cornell will do this for your vet and interpret the findings. It is potentially dangerous to boost a dog's thyroid level too high, there are diseases that can result. If your boy is aggressive you need to find yourself a behaviourist registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers who can properly evaluate him. Aggression is often misunderstood and may result from a multitude of causes. Can you describe specific incidents of his demonstrating aggression and the circumstances leading up to it and how you dealt with it at the time. What is his age, is he neutered, been socialised and obedience trained? Has he demonstrated shyness as a puppy and is now overly defensive? Are his joints sound? Many things to take into account so it would be best if we can steer you towards a behavorist skilled in dealing with aggression. Berners tend to be on the low side of normal and if he is truly hypothyroid and actually needing supplementation then you must start with low doses and test every two weeks until the right dose is established and then retest at least every six months. Rose Tierney
Re: thyroid/aggression
On Thu, 06 Feb 2003 11:42:25 -0500 Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Berners tend to be on the low side of normal and if he is truly hypothyroid Actually this is one of those issues I am questioning. I have been told that Bernese and other large and giant breeds tend to be on the low side of normal. These dogs also tend to have shorter lifespans. Does one have anything to do with the other? I do not know. Idiopathic thyroiditis may be ignored since all T3 T4 and cTSH normals are within the normal values (albeit may be low normal). It's only the TgAA that is elevated. The endocronology report on my bitch with this type of report came back saying she was NOT hypothyroid YET. By placing her on medication all her values are not mid to upper normal and the TgAA is back to normal range. and actually needing supplementation then you must start with low doses and test every two weeks until the right dose is established and then retest at least every six months. According to Dr. Jean Dodds (and I know not everyone believes in her findings) thyroid supplements for dogs that are hard to diagnose or such as the case above or one that is borderline or low normal can be done safely for a 6-8wk period following the standard dose recommendations. Once correct dose is established then yearly testing is recommended Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
thyroid/aggression
We have had aggression problems with our male Samson. One of the recommendations we have been given is thyroid replacement therapy to boost his thyroid to the upper part of normal or higher (his level is 1.3 normal 1-4). Has anyone experienced problems with use of thyroid medication? Other changes we have made are in his dog food (lower protein) he works for what he used to get just for being so cute. Thank you for any input. Vicki Fallin
Re: thyroid/aggression
The only problem I have seen is if the thyroid supplementation tends to be to high the dog seems a bit hyper. I recently lowered the dose of my girl on supplementation from .8mg to .6mg. I will test to be sure she is therapeutic in a couple more months. I have noticed that she appears adequately energetic without seeming nervous or hyper. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 5 Feb 2003 14:29:10 -0500 Vicki Fallin [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We have had aggression problems with our male Samson. One of the recommendations we have been given is thyroid replacement therapy to boost his thyroid to the upper part of normal or higher (his level is 1.3 normal 1-4).
