Thanks all, all responses helpful and appreciated

So are we thinking it would be worth doing a short drug trial without the stress of bloods at first? Or should I just bite the bullet and try and get some blood out of him first?

If it is really going to be such a trauma extracting blood, and given that unless you send it off to California you won't have an accurate thyroid reading necessarily, surely it is easier to pop him on a course of treatment and then that way if nothing changes then the blood test can take a back seat (unless there are other things worth testing for with Cain?)

JMO though, as for Kestral despite having done a blood test and coming back clear we are trialling the thyroxine so we are essentially kind of in the same position. And it will be much less stressful for Cain.

Tara is on forthyron for hypothyroidism. Her symptoms were not typical but for the lack of energy. She would lie down and rest on her walks. She also chewed her paws and was constantly miserable with itchy belly.

She actually could not maintain her weight and was very underweight but I think she was so miserable with the chronic itchiness that she just did not feel like eating. There were no behaviour issues with her other than seeming flat, miserable and tired. She could not even do a width of the hall in heelwork without stopping to scratch herself.

She is a different dog now on meds. She runs and enjoys herself and is happy. I'm so glad we got her tested.

I would personally never medicate for something if i wasnt sure thats what the issue was.

Would you give a naughty child ADHD drugs without an actual diagnosis? (i know not quite the same but to my mind its along the same lines?)

I agree, and usually I wouldn't consider it either. But seeing how the drugs won't have a negative effect if they aren't needed and might avoid a very stressful experience for Cain, it might not be too bad. It would only be a short trial and if an effect was seen, I would definately want it confirmed with bloods.

I am leaning towards just biting the bullet and doing bloods anyway though.

It is a path Dr Jean Dodds recommends herself...... ie trying it out for a short period, you have nothing to lose.

I think the side effects of Ritalin and those of thyroxine etc are not really comparable.........

Like I said not the same thing but along the lines of medicating without a diagnosis. Just my train of thought

A trial period may not show any improvement but it doesnt mean Hypo isnt an issue it may just mean that the dose was not sufficient? Also as SB said it could possibly be subclinical

Just been looking at the caninefilmacademy site and reading down from the hypo blood sample bit it talks about titer testing and i noted.(as you mentioned he was going for his vaccs).........


After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This can be done on a rotating basis. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, Great Dane).

just had in mind his skin issues

I had thought about Titre testing, but I worried about howit may affect his insurance

I've downloaded "The Canine Thyroid Epidemic", giving it a read. My vet is on holiday for another week or so but I'll definitely be discussing vaccinations and thyroid testing with her when she's back.

I had my dogs titre tested for years.

It does not necessarily adversely affect your insurance with certain providers if you speak to them and refer them to your vet.

My dogs had titre levels of 4000+ when a level of 45 is considered proof of immunisation.

The downside of titre testing is

a) it it can be VERY expensive
b) boarding kennels will not necessarily accept your dogs
c) some dog training classess will not accept your dogs

Titre testing is, of course, carried out post rabies vaccinations and used as proof of immunity, whereas others are not.

So, like all decisions, you have to do what you think is best for your particular dog in your particular circumstances.

Actually, that's a point. I don't think his dog socialisation class will accept him without up to date vaccinations. Nor will the hydrotherapy pool.

Also and of course the reoccurring issue of extracting blood from him.