Update on Jake

[Guest]

Well, it has been approx 6 weeks since we started Jake on his Phenobarbital medication. I can honestly say that the only thing that this medication has cured is his sleeping problem. He goes to bed around 10:00 p.m. and sleeps through the night. I am really getting worried about him because he is worse than what he was before we started him on the medicine. Everyday now he will jump up and run and hide behind something or jump up in my lap like he is trying to get away from something. He goes totally wild whenever he hears a noise...like vacume cleaner, wind chimes, lawn mower, etc. etc. I don't have any idea what to do with him. He is my litle buddie and I love him dearly but I really think he is going crazy. The vet said that we can give him more medication but then there is the possibility that he will doing nothing but sleep 24 hours a day. Any suggestions out there. Putting him to sleep in not an option.

[admin]

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[bradl]

I might be inclined to contact a vet school and seek a referral. Certainly another vet opinion or two (or three).

Some vets are more persistent or curious than others about understanding problems in an individual dog. Not a comment on your vet. Doctors have told me that a statistical approach (throw the commonest solution at the most likely problem) is effective often enough that it is sometimes the first approach used in potentially difficult cases. You may just want to dig deeper.

Here is an interesting article in an old Atlantic that recommends the vet school approach: http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/97may/dogs.htm.

Best wishes for you and Jake.

[Susan]

I agree about getting a second opinion from a vet school. Reading back over all your posts, it's quite an interesting list of symptoms. The chewing definitely sounded like an allergy of some sort, but the hypersensitivity to sound is perplexing.

I can imagine how distressed you must be about this. I hope you get to the bottom of Jake's problem.

Take care! Susan

[Susan]

John,

I took the liberty of posting about Jake's symptoms on a Cairn Terrier message board that is only accessible to AOL users, because it's quite a busy board with some very knowledgeable people. I said I would re-post the replies and/or invited those message board members to come here and post. Here's the first one so far:

Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/8/03 10:34 PM Central Standard Time

From: Jan

John,

I am currently fostering a cairn with multiple allergies and he exhibits ALL the bahaviors you are describing here. I do not think your dog is having seizures. I have a dog that has seizures and the its simply not the same behavior. If Jake were my dog, I would take him to an allergy specialist and have skin graph testing done. The cost for Snickers was around 350.00. That strange behavior you mention describes Snickers exact behaviors when his allergies are flaring up. Almost like something is bothering him, he doesn't know what it is and it scares him.

I know the testing sounds expensive, but to rely on blood tests alone will not give you an accurate idea as to what Jake is allergic to. Snickers was on an allergy serum before I got him, the testing was blood tests alone, so the serum did not work.

I really hope it is not allergies, but I must repeat, you are describing Snickers systems exactly.

Jan

[Guest]

Since the subject of allergies was brought up, many people and dogs are allergic to wheat and corn. Many dog foods have these ingredients.

I read about a monastery does with dogs that have a fear... If the dog hates to be picked up, the monks pick him up to get him accustomed to the feeling. And they feed/praise/reward him afterwards.

What about little noises first?

I don't have the same problem with my cairn. In fact, I think he may be hard of hearing. You know what the trainers say about diverting the dogs' behavior with marbles in a can...? Well, it hasn't been successful with him-even when I used TWO cans and twice the marbles!

Heaven help us all!

[Susan]

John,

Here's some more posts from the AOL board about Jake.

Take care! Susan

Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/8/03 11:00 PM Central Standard Time

From: Corinne

Jan,

I thought of you and Snickers the minute I read this.. I agree he should consider the better test.

maybe there is a vet school near him

corinne

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Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/9/03 7:23 AM Central Standard Time

From: Jan

>>What do you all think about this sensitivity to sounds that he describes, tho

I'm not sure if it is a sensitivity to sounds, or simply that the dog may experience pain from the allergies. Snickers behaves as if something around him is causing the problem. Unfortunately for Snickers, his body will not tolerate the allergy serum, he went into shock and we had to discontinue use of the serum. A very small percentage of dogs have reactions like Snickers did. Snickers will only be able to be treated with antihistamines and steroids. :0(

Most dogs can be treated and live regular lives with their allergies. Not so for Snickers.

Jan, Seamus, Gracie & Snickers

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Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/9/03 8:56 AM Central Standard Time

From: April

My "brainstorm," if we dare call it that, is that he find another vet. I have no idea what Jake's problem could be, but I am disturbed that his current vet seems to have given up and only wants to increase meds. Sounds to me like Jake might have been traumatized. Is he in obedience? Not that it is an obedience problem, but I wonder if, once he learns that there is an alpha in control, he might relax a bit. I hope so. Jake's owner sounds like a wonderful person to be so persistent in finding an answer for Jake. I wish them both all the best. Please ask them to keep us up to date.

april & Casey (fun there, yep)

[Guest]

I have read some very wonderful responces to my "jake" letter. I have never thought of the allergy problem and the vet has never mentioned it to me. I have to try something different because jake is not getting better with the medication. It doesn't seem like he is having epilepsy spells......he does not lay down and quiver. He is just super phyco whenever he hears any noise...I am really not looking forward to the forth of July this year. I will look into the allergy thing and see what I can find out....in the meantime, I sincerely appreciate everyone who is responded to my letter and to the person who posted it on the AOL......Thank you so much. I will keep everyone posted on how Jake is doing.

John

[Susan]

They're a great bunch on the AOL board, John, and eager to try to help Jake. When you know something new, I'll pass it along and get more feedback. I keep telling them to come here, tho.. I think they'd like it!

Take care! Susan

[Susan]

More relevant discussion from AOL's board...

Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/10/03 6:49 PM Central Standard Time

From: Lynda

I just read John's response to everyone's suggestions and I noticed he mentioned Jake's fear of loud noises. Not sure if this product would help but my vet recommended a dog appeasing pheromone for my GSD with severe separation anxiety. I just received it today so I have no idea if it actually works but the vet highly recommended it. According to the package insert it reduces or completely stops stress-related behavior including...barking, urination, whimpering, anxiety and chewing and helps comfort dogs in stressful situations such as: being alone in the house, visitors, new pets or family members in the home, moving and adjusting to new environments or thunderstorms and fireworks. Like I said I just received it today so I don't have any idea if it will work. I am skeptical but the vet recommended it so highly and my GSD is having such a hard time I'll try anything!! If John is interested let me know and I'll give you more information.

Lynda

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Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/10/03 7:11 PM Central Standard Time

From: Patti

> my vet recommended a dog appeasing pheromone for my GSD with severe

>separation anxiety.

I'd be interested in hearing about this. Is it by prescription only? Have you tried Rescue Remedy? I keep meaning to pick that up, but I never think of it except when Pie is having one of those gotta protect everybody from the thunder episodes.

Patti, Pie Face, Tessie, Kelsey, Blaze, kids, and hubby

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Subject: Re: Help for Jake - Physical or Psychological Problem? - Long

Date: 3/10/03 7:33 PM Central Standard Time

From: Lynda

Hi Patti,

No the dog pheromone is not prescription. I got it from PetEdge. It kinda looks like one of the plug in air-fresheners but it has a little container on the bottom that holds the pheromone. You then buy refills as needed. The box says each refill should last about a month but I guess you wouldn't have to leave it plugged in all the time. The pheromone is supposed to mimic the pheromone that female dogs secrete while nursing their pups and will comfort and reassure dogs of all ages. Like I said I'm a skeptic but if you remind me I'll let you know if it works. Right now Kipper and Keegan are definitely not calm. In fact Kipper just stole the phone off the end-table and when he found out he couldn't carry it he took the clock instead and ran outside! Maybe he thinks I've been on the computer too long?!?

Lynda

PS I haven't tried Rescue Remedy, let me know if you try it.