On Saturday, we had Cornel's 50th Birthday Party! It was a test for Jesse as when we had guests previously, he was very nervous and unsociable. On Saturday evening however, he was brilliant. Apart from a couple of growls at the young girl there, he was fine and very sociable. He went to greet everyone, certainly wasn't glued to me, but moved freely and really enjoyed himself. He also tried to play with Snowy who my parents-in-law brought along, but Snowy doesn't understand how to play with dogs...
All four dogs have been absolutely brilliant on Saturday. They behaved well and had a grand time getting all the attention from all the guests! I am so proud of our four boys.
On Sunday, Jesse and I went to an obedience workshop with Kay Raven. It was very good and I got a few good tips from her. She uses a lot more luring and time-out for "punishment" for wrong responses whereas I use much more freeshaping and no punishment other than no reward. But it was a good day and it was very interesting to watch everyone and pick up some new ideas.
Unfortunately Jesse wasn't so comfortable around the other dogs and he did have a go at little Archie (7-week old puppy), but I cought him in time, so Archie didn't get hurt. But this is still an area that is obviously (so far) not affected at all by the thyroxine, so needs lots more work! But he is not coming to training class in the winter anyway, so there is no problem. He is absolutely fine on walks and in fact appears a lot happier with other dogs and has tried to play with some as well!
Monday, 24 November 2008
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Two weeks on Soloxine
Jesse has now been on Soloxine for two weeks! And touch wood, so far I have not seen a any resource guarding at all from him with our other dogs... something which used to be very common place before! (with the exception when we took him to my parents-in-law where he met their new dog for the first time and he went a little stiff when he had a ball and the other dog approached, but perfectly within reason).
He has not been aggressing other dogs on lead last week either, though he hasn't been to training class lately (where this was worst), so I can't judge this one just yet. I am aware that with most aggression issues, there will also be a learnt component to it all now, so additional work will probably be necessary. He seems to be more playful with some dogs we meet on walks, which is great of course.
He does not have any dandruff anymore, the coat seems a bit softer and shinier already... though the latter may just be wishful thinking as that certainly will take a bit longer to return to normal. I am certainly pulling out a lot less hair when I brush him though, less mats too.
His itching has eased off quite a bit, he still has itchy episodes, but he used to scratch almost non-stop, now it's just every so often (still more than normal, but nothing like before)! And he is on no further medication for that, so I guess that's working too.
Oh, and I almost forgot, Jesse was much less worried in the car on Sunday than he normally is. And as it went on, he seemed better and absolutely fine and settling on the way home! Has this to do with the thyroid issue as well? Who knows...
The whole thing is quite fascinating. It's like everything that's wrong with Jesse is gradually reversing... It's like a film running backwards in slow motion... This Saturday will be a little test for him as we are having Cornel's 50th Birthday Party, where quite a few people will come along including Janine and Thorsten's young kids. We'll see what his reaction is to that this time round.
He has not been aggressing other dogs on lead last week either, though he hasn't been to training class lately (where this was worst), so I can't judge this one just yet. I am aware that with most aggression issues, there will also be a learnt component to it all now, so additional work will probably be necessary. He seems to be more playful with some dogs we meet on walks, which is great of course.
He does not have any dandruff anymore, the coat seems a bit softer and shinier already... though the latter may just be wishful thinking as that certainly will take a bit longer to return to normal. I am certainly pulling out a lot less hair when I brush him though, less mats too.
His itching has eased off quite a bit, he still has itchy episodes, but he used to scratch almost non-stop, now it's just every so often (still more than normal, but nothing like before)! And he is on no further medication for that, so I guess that's working too.
Oh, and I almost forgot, Jesse was much less worried in the car on Sunday than he normally is. And as it went on, he seemed better and absolutely fine and settling on the way home! Has this to do with the thyroid issue as well? Who knows...
The whole thing is quite fascinating. It's like everything that's wrong with Jesse is gradually reversing... It's like a film running backwards in slow motion... This Saturday will be a little test for him as we are having Cornel's 50th Birthday Party, where quite a few people will come along including Janine and Thorsten's young kids. We'll see what his reaction is to that this time round.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Visiting parents-in-law with Snowy
Today, I decided to take Jesse with me when we went to see parents-in-law. I was confident enough to do it now since Jesse has not shown any aggressive behaviour at all since being on thyroxine.
It went very well. There were a couple of grumbles at the beginning, but nothing too serious. They were soon playing and getting on fine. I was also very pleased to see that Jesse was fine with Snowy even when food was around. He did stiffen up when he had a ball and Snowy got close, so I just took the toys away... That was fine though, nothing I would worry about.
Since being on thyroxine, Jesse has not been resource guarding at all and I am over the moon. We have also passed a couple of kids and Jesse took no notice at all, the same with a person that had a trolly...
His itching is also getting less, which I am really glad about. I nearly called the vet for a steroid injection, but of course, that would alter the test results so it would have been a problem as Jesse needs his first follow-up blood test just before Christmas!
It went very well. There were a couple of grumbles at the beginning, but nothing too serious. They were soon playing and getting on fine. I was also very pleased to see that Jesse was fine with Snowy even when food was around. He did stiffen up when he had a ball and Snowy got close, so I just took the toys away... That was fine though, nothing I would worry about.
Since being on thyroxine, Jesse has not been resource guarding at all and I am over the moon. We have also passed a couple of kids and Jesse took no notice at all, the same with a person that had a trolly...
His itching is also getting less, which I am really glad about. I nearly called the vet for a steroid injection, but of course, that would alter the test results so it would have been a problem as Jesse needs his first follow-up blood test just before Christmas!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Resource guarding
Wow, I was left speechless this morning when Flash walked up to Jesse's food bowl WHILST JESSE WAS STILL EATING and hoovered up the spilled food around it! Just a few days ago, Jesse would have taken his head off for this, or rather, Flash would never even have got as near as that as he used to stiffen up when a dog even just looked like he was going to come near the bowl...
Jesse is also hogging the fire a lot less already, in fact, he went and laid down behind Cornel's chair yesterday because it got too warm in the front part of the room...
Looks like the hormone replacement therapy really is working.
Jesse is also hogging the fire a lot less already, in fact, he went and laid down behind Cornel's chair yesterday because it got too warm in the front part of the room...
Looks like the hormone replacement therapy really is working.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Effects so far
Jesse has now been on Soloxine for a week. There have already been some effects, though of course the major stuff should happen over the next few weeks/months.
Drooping eyes: Jacqui and I both think that his eyes are less droopy. Jacqui also says that when she did TTouch, his skin around his head (and all over) felt a lot better and was totally loose and relaxed.
Aggression: touch wood, we have not had any aggressive incidents, but that may not be related to the thyroid as he has not had any episodes since those September ones. He does seem a bit less guardy around his food though and the dogs have been able to walk past him without stiffening of body or grumbling... Time will tell though.
He is still itching, I also think that the steroids are wearing off, so he is a bit more itchy again now. But the skin will take quite some time to recover.
Jesse loves to take the tablets and thinks he is getting two extra treats every day! LOL
Drooping eyes: Jacqui and I both think that his eyes are less droopy. Jacqui also says that when she did TTouch, his skin around his head (and all over) felt a lot better and was totally loose and relaxed.
Aggression: touch wood, we have not had any aggressive incidents, but that may not be related to the thyroid as he has not had any episodes since those September ones. He does seem a bit less guardy around his food though and the dogs have been able to walk past him without stiffening of body or grumbling... Time will tell though.
He is still itching, I also think that the steroids are wearing off, so he is a bit more itchy again now. But the skin will take quite some time to recover.
Jesse loves to take the tablets and thinks he is getting two extra treats every day! LOL
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Last lot of results
I talked to Mark again yesterday and the last lot of results has come back too... there are T3 antibodies too.
So from today Jesse is starting on Soloxine (0.5 mg). I will monitor his progress very carefully. I so hope that it is going to work for him.
And here are some pictures I took on Sunday; I thought it might give me something to compare his physical appearance after so many weeks of treatment... and of course, they are just beautiful pictures too.
So from today Jesse is starting on Soloxine (0.5 mg). I will monitor his progress very carefully. I so hope that it is going to work for him.
And here are some pictures I took on Sunday; I thought it might give me something to compare his physical appearance after so many weeks of treatment... and of course, they are just beautiful pictures too.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Jesse's reading by Marie
Initially wanted to start with reading Troy next... then found an insistent calling towards Jesse. Realised as I began that Troy has to be the last that I read.... almost as though he is slightly separate from the others in some way... obviously not in the way he is cared for or anything, just that he does different things... has a different family role that set him apart. I am told firmly that he is your husband's dog.... (sorry I know he's yours too)
So.... Jesse... an 'american' cocker spaniel... and I find the word 'american' emphasised in my mind as though it is the answer to a question. Jesse thinks very well of himself. He has status... always has done.. seeing an image from the past of him being 'protected' from another dog barking at him.. ;... as he is 'bustled' out of reach of the situation it is as if he is saying...'No..no ..let me explain....hear me out. I'm very important you see. I'm the... ooh struggling for a word here... something like..owner's or boss's or leader's dog. He looks at the others in your pack and recognises that they too are of the same 'pack' as he and so no issues there.... That approach to others tho... as if he is constantly saying 'No' to them. A sharp no. He often wants others to behave in a certain way.See's his as the 'first family' and expects others to behave as such. Would accept a bowed submission as ideal. There's an issue around playfulness in others as though it has unsettled him... put him on edge. Image of an on leash dog close to your legs and then another further away bouncing.... it is a tense situation.
Flashing image of plain white fish broken into pieces. And a feeling of discomfort in bottom of chest/top of abdomen.... heavy meals don't sit well with him... almost as tho he gets indigestion after them not greatly tho just like us saying... 'oops ate too much there'... he knows this feeling and doesnt like it so is sensible. I'm reminded that a too full tummy makes it difficult to curl nose to tail...'not quite as comfortable'
Image of a hand reaching down to stroke Jesse and the reminder.... 'gently please'.... .I see his domed head lower slightly and my attenion is drawn to it's right side tho I can't see anything wrong... like there's been or will be an irritation... not current tho
For some strange reason I see a glowing circle around his bits.... as if there have been issues relating to this.
Jesse does obedience. He had a natural affinity for this when v young. A trick that he doesn't like doing.. finds it a bit embarrasing .... Jesse has an excellent sense of smell and uses this to great effect in his life. Not only can he 'find' he can also smell out emotions in others... he can smell fear at 50 paces! I get an image of Jesse with humour showing a situation where he surprises a bigger dog by being able to 'smell out' his insecurities leading to a surprise reaction. As tho the bigger gog expected Jesse to be scared and he wasn't cos he could smell out where the bigger dog was coming from. ie nervousness diguised as bravery.
Feeling on the whole that Jesse is a 'valiant' little guy. Often misunderstood by those who don't know him. He ctually is very big hearted and just wants the wold to run the way he knows it should be.
Strange but I always end a reading with trying to listen for a piece of music that would suit the dog I'm reading for... I have absolutely no idea why but Jesse gets 'Pat-a-cake'!!
And my reply to Marie:
Thank you so much for this reading.
It is actually very interesting to read! It's hard to give comments on the individual sections, but here's a few overall ones:
Troy is a bit apart and is supposed to be my husband's dog... and I think he would like it to be as well. However, my husband hasn't been taking care of him for the last three years or so, thinking that one or two walks a week or even no walk for a couple of weeks is sufficient... So I have taken care over for Troy mostly, hence probably Troy's pointing out that he is hubby's dog! I think Troy feels quite sad about that. Troy is also our top dog and has therefore always been a little on a different level... In addition, he is getting older and is not so interested anymore in interacting with the others too much! He loves his peace and quiet now.
Jesse is a funny boy and many things that you say are true... He has food allergies and when on commercial pet foods, he used to get upset tummies. I think he is fine now though in that respect. However, he has just been diagnosed hypothyroid which I think would account for a lot of his emotions! He is indeed quite careful around other dogs and rarely plays with them, though he is not aggressive off lead at all because he has space. On lead he can be very aggressive... This is possibly down to his thyroid issue! Both his half-brother and sister are extremely aggressive towards other dogs... As mentioned Jesse isn't, though he doesn't related to most too well... before he was neutered he wanted to hump them all, now he just says hello sort of cautiously and goes his own way...
There's an issue around playfulness in others as though it has unsettled him... put him on edge.
From very young even within his litter, he used to barge in trying to separate his litter mates if their playing went over the top or they were aggressive. He has always had an issue with that and used to go completely biserk as a pup when our other dogs started playing together! We gradually resolved this issue by teaching him to grab a toy instead to take it out on that instead! It is working.
something like..owner's or boss's or leader's dog
Jesse is our baby, being the youngest (and the smallest); I still call him "puppy" eventhough he is almost 2 now. He is like a shadow to me, I move, he moves... he often falls asleep in my lap like a baby! Also, (unfortunately), my husband treats him totally different to all the others, Jesse can get away with murder and stuff is tolerated by him which he would not tolerate from the others! Although Jesse is my baby too, he is overall treated no different to the others by me.
Jesse is a happy little dog, but as you have picked up, he does have a strange relationship with his environment at times... I am thinking (and hoping) that this is largely down to the thyroid issue! I know from my friend who is also hypothyroid that this can run havoc with emotions.
Thanks again for the reading.
So.... Jesse... an 'american' cocker spaniel... and I find the word 'american' emphasised in my mind as though it is the answer to a question. Jesse thinks very well of himself. He has status... always has done.. seeing an image from the past of him being 'protected' from another dog barking at him.. ;... as he is 'bustled' out of reach of the situation it is as if he is saying...'No..no ..let me explain....hear me out. I'm very important you see. I'm the... ooh struggling for a word here... something like..owner's or boss's or leader's dog. He looks at the others in your pack and recognises that they too are of the same 'pack' as he and so no issues there.... That approach to others tho... as if he is constantly saying 'No' to them. A sharp no. He often wants others to behave in a certain way.See's his as the 'first family' and expects others to behave as such. Would accept a bowed submission as ideal. There's an issue around playfulness in others as though it has unsettled him... put him on edge. Image of an on leash dog close to your legs and then another further away bouncing.... it is a tense situation.
Flashing image of plain white fish broken into pieces. And a feeling of discomfort in bottom of chest/top of abdomen.... heavy meals don't sit well with him... almost as tho he gets indigestion after them not greatly tho just like us saying... 'oops ate too much there'... he knows this feeling and doesnt like it so is sensible. I'm reminded that a too full tummy makes it difficult to curl nose to tail...'not quite as comfortable'
Image of a hand reaching down to stroke Jesse and the reminder.... 'gently please'.... .I see his domed head lower slightly and my attenion is drawn to it's right side tho I can't see anything wrong... like there's been or will be an irritation... not current tho
For some strange reason I see a glowing circle around his bits.... as if there have been issues relating to this.
Jesse does obedience. He had a natural affinity for this when v young. A trick that he doesn't like doing.. finds it a bit embarrasing .... Jesse has an excellent sense of smell and uses this to great effect in his life. Not only can he 'find' he can also smell out emotions in others... he can smell fear at 50 paces! I get an image of Jesse with humour showing a situation where he surprises a bigger dog by being able to 'smell out' his insecurities leading to a surprise reaction. As tho the bigger gog expected Jesse to be scared and he wasn't cos he could smell out where the bigger dog was coming from. ie nervousness diguised as bravery.
Feeling on the whole that Jesse is a 'valiant' little guy. Often misunderstood by those who don't know him. He ctually is very big hearted and just wants the wold to run the way he knows it should be.
Strange but I always end a reading with trying to listen for a piece of music that would suit the dog I'm reading for... I have absolutely no idea why but Jesse gets 'Pat-a-cake'!!
And my reply to Marie:
Thank you so much for this reading.
It is actually very interesting to read! It's hard to give comments on the individual sections, but here's a few overall ones:
Troy is a bit apart and is supposed to be my husband's dog... and I think he would like it to be as well. However, my husband hasn't been taking care of him for the last three years or so, thinking that one or two walks a week or even no walk for a couple of weeks is sufficient... So I have taken care over for Troy mostly, hence probably Troy's pointing out that he is hubby's dog! I think Troy feels quite sad about that. Troy is also our top dog and has therefore always been a little on a different level... In addition, he is getting older and is not so interested anymore in interacting with the others too much! He loves his peace and quiet now.
Jesse is a funny boy and many things that you say are true... He has food allergies and when on commercial pet foods, he used to get upset tummies. I think he is fine now though in that respect. However, he has just been diagnosed hypothyroid which I think would account for a lot of his emotions! He is indeed quite careful around other dogs and rarely plays with them, though he is not aggressive off lead at all because he has space. On lead he can be very aggressive... This is possibly down to his thyroid issue! Both his half-brother and sister are extremely aggressive towards other dogs... As mentioned Jesse isn't, though he doesn't related to most too well... before he was neutered he wanted to hump them all, now he just says hello sort of cautiously and goes his own way...
There's an issue around playfulness in others as though it has unsettled him... put him on edge.
From very young even within his litter, he used to barge in trying to separate his litter mates if their playing went over the top or they were aggressive. He has always had an issue with that and used to go completely biserk as a pup when our other dogs started playing together! We gradually resolved this issue by teaching him to grab a toy instead to take it out on that instead! It is working.
something like..owner's or boss's or leader's dog
Jesse is our baby, being the youngest (and the smallest); I still call him "puppy" eventhough he is almost 2 now. He is like a shadow to me, I move, he moves... he often falls asleep in my lap like a baby! Also, (unfortunately), my husband treats him totally different to all the others, Jesse can get away with murder and stuff is tolerated by him which he would not tolerate from the others! Although Jesse is my baby too, he is overall treated no different to the others by me.
Jesse is a happy little dog, but as you have picked up, he does have a strange relationship with his environment at times... I am thinking (and hoping) that this is largely down to the thyroid issue! I know from my friend who is also hypothyroid that this can run havoc with emotions.
Thanks again for the reading.
Friday, 31 October 2008
Further result
I talked to Mark yesterday and we have received the third result, which is T3. This is normal. We are now waiting for one more result and that's the T3 antibodies.
Mark might still talk to Jean Dodds, however, the T4 and antibodies are so clear, I am not sure it is necessary. It might still be interesting to hear though what her opinion is.
We should have the last result on Monday when I will talk to Mark again. I haven't got the tablets yet either as they are not ready... will sort them out on Monday as well when Mark is back in the surgery.
Mark might still talk to Jean Dodds, however, the T4 and antibodies are so clear, I am not sure it is necessary. It might still be interesting to hear though what her opinion is.
We should have the last result on Monday when I will talk to Mark again. I haven't got the tablets yet either as they are not ready... will sort them out on Monday as well when Mark is back in the surgery.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Jesse is hypo-thyroid
Mark called today as the first part of the results are back! It turns out that Jesse is indeed hypo-thyroid... I will talk to Mark again on Thursday, and then take Jesse in on Friday to pick up his medication!
T4 is really low (15.4... right at the bottom of the normal range... as Jesse is young it should be in the higher half which would be around 25 to 40). The T4 antibodies are really high.
It looks at the moment that Jesse has autoimmune thyroiditis...
T4 is really low (15.4... right at the bottom of the normal range... as Jesse is young it should be in the higher half which would be around 25 to 40). The T4 antibodies are really high.
It looks at the moment that Jesse has autoimmune thyroiditis...
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Thyroid Test
This morning, I took Jesse and Troy to see Mark yet again.
Although Jesse's skin has cleared up, he is still itching quite badly. To relief the symptoms immediately, Mark gave him a steroid shot just for the short term. At the same time, we took some blood (which Jesse was not impressed with at all...) for a thyroid test. We are getting a comprehensive test done here in the UK and then Mark will get in touch with Jean Dodds in the States to get her interpretation (based on breed, age, activity level etc) to give us an answer.
If of course Jesse is hypo-thyroid, then simple medication should do the trick. If he is not, then at least I can put that to one side and concentrate on another path to solve the issue (e.g. homeopathy).
We will know the results next week. I have sent Mark all the info about Jean Dodds and her articles that he needs.
Although Jesse's skin has cleared up, he is still itching quite badly. To relief the symptoms immediately, Mark gave him a steroid shot just for the short term. At the same time, we took some blood (which Jesse was not impressed with at all...) for a thyroid test. We are getting a comprehensive test done here in the UK and then Mark will get in touch with Jean Dodds in the States to get her interpretation (based on breed, age, activity level etc) to give us an answer.
If of course Jesse is hypo-thyroid, then simple medication should do the trick. If he is not, then at least I can put that to one side and concentrate on another path to solve the issue (e.g. homeopathy).
We will know the results next week. I have sent Mark all the info about Jean Dodds and her articles that he needs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)