MAX'S DIAGNOSIS
6 MARCH 2011
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Marti writes:
As previously noted, our holistic vet had suggested doing a thyroid panel (which my "traditional" vet had not yet done). She sent the blood sample to Michigan State, and called us when the results came back to tell us that Max's circulating thyroid levels (T3, T4, free T3, and free T4) were all EXTREMELY low, but that his TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was in the normal range.
These results point to his having a condition called "euthyroid sick syndrome" - which essentially means he MIGHT actually be hypothyroid, but - even more likely - his other underlying conditions (hopefully the ones we've identified and are addressing, rather than something we haven't discovered yet) are causing his thyroid hormone level to be low. So, we're going to wait a few more weeks before putting him on a thyroid supplement - until his skin continues to improve and until he's been neutered - to see whether the low thyroid levels come up on their own.
Happily, Max's skin has improved enough that his incisions will probably heal well, so he's going in to be neutered on March 7. (Please say a prayer that he comes through his surgery just fine.)
My holistic vet suspects that Max's testosterone level is possibly causing some of his skin problems, so we'll soon see if she's correct! But, either way, he needs to be neutered and - while he's under the anesthetic - my vet will be able to get a good look at what's going on inside his infected ears. (He's been better about letting us put medication in his ears, but using this specific medication is really a shot in the dark, since we haven't yet been able to get a good swab to do a culture and sensitivity.)
It's funny . . . I can see some improvement in Max's hair/skin condition, but when we take him to the dog park, people who haven't seen him before say, "Oh, my gosh! What happened to your poor dog?" To me, he looks significantly better but - to someone who hasn't previously met him - I guess he still looks in pretty rough shape.
The hair on his tail is starting to grow back and his tail looks like a worn-out bottle brush! And, where the hair on his body is growing back, he looks like he went to a bad groomer for a haircut. But, hopefully things will even out as he continues to improve! I can still see a beautiful dog underneath, can't you?
These photos were taken at our local dog park on 5 March. As you can see in the one picture where he's greeting another dog owner, he's a real people lover. And, he gets along well with all the other dogs, too, and enjoys playing with them.
With every trip to the park, he seems to gain more self-confidence and to have more fun running and goofing around. I don't think he's ever before had that opportunity, and he's enjoying every minute of his new life - thanks to the generous, kind-hearted people who have donated towards his medical care. We couldn't have gotten this far without their help. But, stay tuned. An even MORE GORGEOUS dog is coming soon!
PAM SIMPSON:
BOBBI PROCYK:
BOB ANDERSON:
JUNE DUDLEY:
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MAX IS TUTORED HERE