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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 17, 2010 20:59:48 GMT -5
Ok guys, I need honest opinions, ideas, and input. Boomer has officially growled at Gustavo and I and even snapped his jaws at me. Yesterday Boomer and I went on a 6 mile hike through deep snow in my timber. He was very sore when we got home (His hips give him fits from time to time). Well, today he has growled at Gustavo and I multiple times (When we walk by him, if we say his name, If we look at him, I bumped his crate while he was in it, Gustavo tried putting his collar on, He snapped at me when I was taking him outside to potty) At first I thought his back end was hurting him so much that he was lashing out but why would he growl when we just look at him or say his name? I’m taking him to the vet tomorrow to get his thyroid, hips, and knees tested (To make sure there is nothing causing him serious pain-He has hip dysplasia but not severe). If all turns out to be A-ok, then what? Quite frankly, I no longer trust him. I don’t trust him with my daughter, with strangers, or with my family. My aunt is taking her 5 year old Doxie to be euthanized tomorrow because he bit her grandson right on the face. Julian (Her grandson) had to get 4 stitches on his cheek. Julian lost his footing and tripped on Oscar (The Doxie) and Oscar bit him. I DO NOT want to go through this! It also sounds like half of Boomers siblings are already euthanized because of health/behavior problems (Most of them were REALLY fearful and were aggressive in response). I really don’t know what to do. One minute he is being a big baby and cuddling with me, then the next he is being an ass and acts weird (Paces around, whines, sometimes goes from widow to window and growls at nothing). I’ve NEVER dealt with these behaviors and fear that there are mental problems. Honestly, I want honest opinions. No sugar coating anything, straight talk-I can handle it. Mary Ellen, I know you are having problems with Ruby, do you think Boomers behaviors relate to hers? Any ideas or thoughts appreciated! ???
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Post by loverocksalot on Jan 17, 2010 21:24:01 GMT -5
Where is Maryellen. She is so good with this kind of thing. I hope she reads it soon. I am so sorry you are having issues again. Gosh it seems Mr. Boomer has been unpredictable lately. I remember you having a few odd issues. But he is young he has hip dysplasia? It sure sounds like the poor boy is not feeling well. But yeah I would definately keep him away from the Baby. THe baby does not know any better god forbid she touches him where it hurts. I think if a dog is hurting it is not unusual to kind of snap at you. Rocky will what I call open his mouth like he is going to snap at you mostly at my youngest son who has had a bad habit from day one to force Rocky to stay around him by grabbing his collar or grabbing his back legs Rocky will turn with mouth open like he is going to get you but just enough for the kid to pull away he has not contacted or growled even. It has been very effective tool for Rocky to get the kid to leave him be. GOd I hope Boomer is right in that big ol head of his. Also I think you should think twice about doing that therapy test for now. That was soon right? Have you been taking classes or seeing a behaviorist. Cant remember.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 17, 2010 21:54:09 GMT -5
Yep. He has moderate hip dysplasia and his left knee has had issues as well (Poor breeding).
His therapy test was in two weeks and I agree, not going to happen.
It seems in the past 6 months Boomers behaviors have all taken a turn for the worst: Developed male dog-aggression, became kind of weary of strangers, started acting anxious, and now this.
I had his thyroid tested a couple months ago and it was fine.
Boomer has not been taking classes and there are no decent trainer/behaviorists in my area…Especially Pit Bull friendly ones.
Boomer is my baby. I always tell people I have 2 kids: An 11 month daughter and a 2 ½ year old son…My son walks on 4 legs. This behavior is something really hard for me to endure. I’ve been crying all day because at this point I see one option.
BTW: I have been practicing strong NILIF. Nothing has changed (Food, exercise, schedule).
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Post by maryellen on Jan 17, 2010 22:01:09 GMT -5
sorry am here now. DA is normal. so scratch that out. if he has HD that could be affecting him. and his knee. long hikes could aggrevate his joints, so dont do those anymore . go to the vet and have a full blood panel workup done, dogs with even slightly off kilter thyroids can act off. every instance of him growling at you what happened prior to that? has his spine been checked too for herniated discs as well?
how old is he now? some dogs go thru different fear stages until they turn 2, so it could be one of those as well.
has anything changed in the house? any stress? has anyone grabbed him by the collar too rough? rubys issues are she is afraid of some folks and is very reactive and cant handle any type of change very well if it involves strangers. she has never growled at me though. soon to be ex yes, but never me.
some dogs just get the bad end of the gene pool. you can only manage it but never fix it..
once you have a full blood work up (and do urine too ) let us know the results....
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 17, 2010 22:19:50 GMT -5
Boomer will be 3 August 19th.
That’s the thing there is not anything out of the ordinary before he growls. He just growled at Gustavo because Gustavo stood up...Gustavo didn’t do anything and was nowhere near Boomer. Its just strange. Boomer almost seems afraid of us/people and irritated. He has NEVER been struck by anyone/anything.
Boomer has never had his spine checked. I will have the vet do all these things tomorrow. Im writing them all down.
The only change I can think of is we had another male dog in our home a couple weeks ago. Boomer hasn’t had a problem with that since Harley (The other dog) left though.
I did grab him by the collar quite firmly when he got in a scuffle with my parents retriever but that was also some time ago.
I will definitely let you all know how it goes.
Should I tell my vet about all his behaviors? I’m SO iffy because I don’t want people to think “See, he’s a Pit Bull...His brain is swelling and he is going to kill his owners.” I’m really iffy about talking about this to anyone...I haven’t even told my family (My parents and I are REALLY close, we talk about EVERYTHING so that pretty big!). Just Gustavo and I know this is going on.
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Post by loverocksalot on Jan 17, 2010 22:31:24 GMT -5
Well I would like to say a prayer. I hope that there is some kind of explination for his behavior. Although without any thing being seriously wrong with him. I hope this is more like some kind of stage. I wonder if for now he should be put in his crate or another room if you have a visitor. He has been so sensitive lately like when he barked and growled in a nervous at your friend. You are sure that it was not a bark to get attention right? There must be a reason for his recent behaviors.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 17, 2010 22:44:56 GMT -5
Thank you so much Loverocksalot. And you are thinking the same way as me...There HAS to be an explanation. But Thats what I dont understand! Why all the sudden?
It seems like there is something that he is afraid of or that’s making him feel unsure of himself. I have no idea what it would be. Something can cause him to act "weird" yet the next day the same exact thing can happen and he is 100% fine with it.
I don’t understand. ???
Right now he is peacefully sleeping in his crate with his mouth pushed up against the bars, snoring like crazy. His nose is pushed up like a pigs and you can see his little front teethers. LOL. He is my goofy boy who makes me laugh when things arent going my way... I hope/pray my dorky dog is 100% fine and he is just going through a "teenager" stage.
And Mary Ellen if this is something with genetics and can only be managed not fixed than euthanizing is my only option isn’t it?!
I refuse to have to keep a dog locked behind a door for the fear that if it gets near my daughter, my child’s well being would be at risk. IMO that would be REALLY irresponsible on my part. Won’t be long and my little girl is going to be opening doors...
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Post by loverocksalot on Jan 17, 2010 23:06:20 GMT -5
Well we know dogs do not just snap therefore since this has been recent behaviors over the past few months I would say some is just maturity alertness and the fears come with maturity as well. As Rocky gets older he becomes more of a baby. Like fear of thunder very recent. and other noises like a noise our hot water heater was making. I had to desensitze him to that. But I also think he was really hurting after the hike and he did not know who or what was causing the pain. I will be looking for how your vet visit went.
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Post by emilys on Jan 18, 2010 0:00:43 GMT -5
it seems very possible that this behavior is related to pain, and by growling, he's asking you to keep away. He may associate you just looking at him with you then petting or hugging him and he knows that will hurt.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 18, 2010 11:19:15 GMT -5
Boomers vet appointment is at 3:30 today so hopefully we can figure something out.
He is acting normal today. Wagging his tail, playing with his toys, running around etc. Maybe he was just really sore yesturday.
I will let you guys know how it goes.
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Post by maryellen on Jan 18, 2010 17:01:24 GMT -5
its possible that he has something going on with his hips/spine/thyroid/glucose something like that.. taking a dog on a long hike knowing he has joint problems is not good., so stop the long hikes with him.. get him on some glucosomine for his joints. and a full work up at the vets
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 18, 2010 17:43:40 GMT -5
Boomer has been on a Glucosamine Chondroitin Plus MSM supplement since he was 1 year old. Boomers vet said that regular exercise is actually good for his joints. No, the other day was to much...I realize and regret that. I guess I just got carried away. I do exercise him on a tread mill daily but always at a slow pace. If he doesnt get any exercise he is INSANE!!! I just got back from the vet. I wont know much until Wednesday though, thats when the tests will come back. What the vet did check looked good. The vet checked Boomers hips and said that they arent great but they arent awful either. His hips did look a little irritated though so his hips could have been bothering him. I will let you all know the results when they come in. Thanks for the advice and ideas guys!
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Post by michele5611 on Jan 18, 2010 17:47:01 GMT -5
Keeping my fingers crossed that Boomer's tests results come back ok. Hang in there Amy Jo....and Boomer too!
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Post by erpitrescue on Jan 18, 2010 19:35:19 GMT -5
I can't find any links with a quick search, but I know that I have heard of Leptospirosis causing aggression of unknown origin in animals. You may want to look into that and make sure that whatever tests your vet did, that disease is covered.
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Post by suziriot on Jan 18, 2010 20:06:42 GMT -5
Oh Amy Jo, I am so sorry. I'm holding on to the hope that this has a positive outcome and that Boomer will be your sweet boy once again.
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Post by SunraysPitBulls on Jan 18, 2010 20:12:05 GMT -5
Also Lyme disease, but I am not sure if your state even has it?
I hope Boomer is OK. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Keep us all posted!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 18, 2010 21:34:27 GMT -5
Thank you all SO much!!!
Lyme disease is common in southern Iowa but its quite rare in my area.
I have never heard of Leptospirosis before. I will call the vet tomorrow and ask if it is being tested for. Can Leptospirosis be tested for using blood work?
Boomer hasnt growled at anyone today but we are still keeping him away from Avery...Better to be safe than sorry!
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Post by erpitrescue on Jan 18, 2010 22:58:16 GMT -5
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 18, 2010 23:05:18 GMT -5
Thanks for the link Garland!
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Post by sugar on Jan 19, 2010 10:53:07 GMT -5
It could be a physical thing that you just don't know about yet (or hasn't surfaced enough for your vet to see). My last dog was very sweet and then she started having major reverse sneezing episodes (vet xrayed and did blood work and it all came back fine) and she also randomly started growling and snapping at my younger brother. All her vet work went fine again. A month later she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancerous tumor in her nasal passage that seemingly cropped up within a few days. A month later we had to put her down because she wasn't breathing right (it spread to both nasal passages and was pressing into her brain they found out) and she was also getting randomly aggressive (bite down hard on my mom's hand one day. It could be a physical thing thats causing him pain or discomfort and you just can't see (or hasn't exposed itself enough to be known).
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