Lincolns constant staph infections....mystery possibly solved.

[Buddy16]

For years my dog has been suffering skin issues. This last year has been constant skin infections. Antibiotics helped but then it came back after antibiotics stopped. I did some research and came across something called Autoimmune Thyroiditis. He fit the constant pyoderma, some digestive issues, eye problems and low WBC/platelets. He also has some behavoiral issues. He all around fit a thyroid issue.

The previous vets ive been to, laughed at me when I mentioned a thyroid issue. They refused to run anything more then a Free T4. Their reasoning was because hes not fat or lazy that he doesnt fit the text book case of thyroid issues and therefore his thyroid is fine. Deep down I knew he had a problem. I came across a new vet when he needed stitches, ive been going back. I mentioned thyroid and the vets didnt agree but they were at least willing to test it and read what I printed and and heard my opinion on it even though I am not vet.

I ran the Free T4, Free T3, T4, T3, T4/T3 autoantibodies and TgAA. The T4 portion came back and his reference is 10-45 he is an 8. Hes low. According to Dr Dodds papers from what I gather he should be sitting at the 50% which is 27.5. Hes less then half that. I am still waiting for the other half of the thyroid panel to come back should be here next week. Regardless of what the rest says I think im going to try soloxine.

Finally a vet that listened to me and didnt think I was bashing them. I know my dog best and my gut told me thyroid. I was right.

Heres a copy of his blood work. The rest ill post when I get it. I edited out person info for obvious reasons

 

[kaloric]

Congrats on finally getting someone who would listen & getting things back on track!

Yeah, it's been my experience that it's ultimately one's own responsibility to make sure certain things happen if progress isn't being made, and despite being professionals, vets sometimes just need to either be reined-in or guided towards other approaches when they stop making progress in the treatments they're sure are necessary.

 

[MyBuddy]

The previous vets ive been to, laughed at me when I mentioned a thyroid issue.

I will never understand a vet that won't at least listen to what someone has to say ABOUT THEIR OWN DOG. We know them like no other. I think that counts for something. And if I am paying for something, a test say, they should do it. Why not??? I'm paying for it! If I want their thyroid tested, then test it, dammit. It's not like you are asking them to cut off a limb!~ It's blood work and the money is coming out of your pocket. Sorry, do I sound a bit testy? It's just that I don't feel we should just stand by like a robot and never get involved. If you would like them to try a test, I think they should do it. You had a gut feeling (which I go by a lot for myself!) and they should have listened...or at least considered what you are saying. I'm glad things are looking up for you and your pal!

 

[Buddy16]

Yeah, I got frustrated with a few vets ive used with him. I am nothing but happy with this current one. The staff and the vets are all I ever dreamed of. Kind, caring, sensitive. What wowed me was when the vet tech actually came out from behind the desk and sat on the floor with my dog. Ive never had anyone do that before...ever! Any other vet viewed my dog as a business, totally could care less about my dogs fear issues (which i am wondering if thats linked to thyroid)... wanted me to restrain my dog so they could draw the blood and get the next client in. This current vet tech actually took the time to draw the blood needed. Didnt care it took 30 minutes.

My dog loves her. I am working on getting him to love the other staff as well. For a tech to actually come out and sit on the FLOOR with my dog means so much. Never mind when I had a massive panic attack when he was getting stitches I wasnt just shooed out of the room because I was flipping out. I never thought I would ever be happy with a vet. Ever. I thought it was a lost cause or I was too picky. Guess I found my vet, ive already turned a ton of people over to them.

I guess the true result will come on if they allow me to try thyroid meds if the rest of his thyroid screening comes back fine. I dont think they will tell me no. Im a very persistant person and the T4 came back low thats enough for me to supplement with soloxine and retest in 4 months.

Sometimes it may seem like I am being a B*tch but its actually me trying to get to the bottom of things. My previous vets hated me...especially when I suggested something they didnt agree with :S

 

[MyBuddy]

Yeah, I got frustrated with a few vets ive used with him. I am nothing but happy with this current one. The staff and the vets are all I ever dreamed of. Kind, caring, sensitive. What wowed me was when the vet tech actually came out from behind the desk and sat on the floor with my dog. Ive never had anyone do that before...ever!

Wow, thank God you found this one! THIS is how is should be! Mine is like this too and he's not the first vet I've tried when we moved here 10 years ago~ I think he's my third. And I also knew him and his partner when they were together back where I used to live. (about an hour North of me) But he and his staff are all about the animal! Gentle, kind and helpful. Never makes me leave the room and always tells me things up front, even cost. Sounds like this one is a winner for you too! Thank God!

 

[Ataro]

You guys are all so lucky to have good vets over there, and I'm glad you may have found the cause. I'm still in hell with the vets here and I'm actually hesitant about going unless it's something serious that I can't treat on my own, or just to get something tested. They're absolutely incompetent here, and treat you as though you've never had a dog before and don't know what you're talking about. I was actually told by a vet the other day that I was causing my dog to have liver failure by deworming her monthly, and that they had "medication specially formulated for Mexico" which is good for 3-6 months.... a vet that doesn't even know that dewormers are NOT preventatives (and of course, after checking the ingredients I found the formula is the SAME for Mexico as it is around the world). Sorry /rant. I just get riled up about bad vet care ever since I moved here.

 

[4Dobies]

It is unbelievable to me that if you asked your vet for a full thyroid panel they wouldn't give it to you, after all you are paying for it. Our rescue boy Dex had many of the same symptoms that your boy was showing, after talking with some kind folks on the forum they suggested it may be a Thyroid issue. We took him to the vet and told them we wanted a full Thyroid panel, they had no problem complying to what we asked for. Sure enough he had a low Thyroid, within a month of putting him on Levothyroxine his skin cleared up and any behavioral problems he had went away. He still isn't an overachiever (more of a lap dog) but he was able to get his RN and will be going into the ring soon for his CD.
We get our prescriptions filled at Foster-Smith online as they are cheaper than buying from the Vet.

 

[Buddy16]

I asked my 2 previous vets for a full panel and they said no that he didnt need the full one and just the T4 was fine in diagnosing a thyroid problem. This current vet was fine with me doing a full panel and I am very happy for that. Mine has no energy issues or weight problems. Which is why I think the previous vets ruled out thyroid

 

[MyBuddy]

I asked my 2 previous vets for a full panel and they said no

Gawd, that still floors me.

 

[Ataro]

I think as long as it's not something ridiculous like wanting to amputate your dog's leg over a cyst, they should have no problems with going through all the testing you want. After all, it's not them who is footing the bill. Sometimes I wonder if they just don't want to be proved wrong.

 

[Marinegeekswife]

Glad you are one step closer to an answer!

 

[ariegel]

Good for you for sticking to your guns! A previous vet wouldn't check my min pin when I asked, and she was fat! I had tried everything to get her weight down and nothing seemed to work , so wanted it checked, he refused! When I started working as a tech I checked her thyroid, lucky for the previous vet it was normal. If a client wants something for there animal we do it It's your dog! I did a CT on my min pin even though the vets I work with thought I was a little crazy, I wanted the peace of mind. She has a disease that can be caused by a brain tumor. I keep waiting for her to have a seizure! I tend to worry a lot about things. Luckily no tumor was found. I had to have a referral to get it done and they gave it to me. It drives me crazy when we get people in for second opinion and the previous vet didn't do what the owner wanted. It's not like they are asking for outrageous things most just wanted simple things like blood work or x-rays. A lot of vets just keep throwing meds at the problem, and don't want to find out what the real problem is. I guess it's to much work I don't know. Most owners are very in tune to there animals and know then something is wrong.

 

[Luvmydoberman]

Glad you found someone who would listen. I was with my last vet for at least 20 years. When my last Dobie, Pansi developed symptoms of pacing and panting at 14 yrs old and after 4 weeks of no changes and seeing 5 vets in the practice, no labwork, a prescription for Prozac( for her not me )and no satisfaction, I switched vets to the one I see now. Immediately diagnosed Wobblers and had my baby comfortable in days. There is nothing like a vet who will listen to you. Take you seriously. And in my case with Pansi, cry with you if need be. She is also not afraid to admit or call a specialist for advice. I have a lot of respect for someone who can admit they don't know it all.

 

[Buddy16]

Yeah this vet is good. Hes all I ever wanted in a vet. He had me send the Dr Dodds white papers to him to read!!!. Any other vet said they had better things to do then read a paper on something they already know...well think they already know

 

[Luvmydoberman]

Mine is the same way. Would read stuff I brought in. Called and conferred with oncologist as Pansi also had mast cell carcinoma. Refers to specialists as needs be (in my new girl, Sophies's case, a ortho/neuro surgeon). Luckily that was nothing serious. She's all about trying and listening to you.

 

[Denissov43]

Great newz! Great reward for doing the due diligence and sticking to your guns, Lassie! great newz indeed!
always need to trust your gut when you 'just know' something and simply need confirmation of it!