Thyroid Levels

[MAD3448]

My Sheltie had been very ill last fall and 5lbs. Since then, he has only gained 2lbs. back. While at his annual exam, I mentioned this to the vet. He checked his thyroid level and said it was high. I failed to tell him that Shelties levels should run higher than most breeds. He lowered this medication. After a few weeks, Hunter developed dry skin patches and was getting seizures at least once a day and sometimes twice a day. He also had lost another lb. I took him back to the vet. I took with me printed material about Sheltie thyroid levels and low thyroid can cause seizures. The vet put him back on his usual dose of thyroid med. He is eating better and the dry patches are clearing up. His seizures have are now almost gone. This is one reason that we as Sheltie owners need to know the specific needs of this breed.

 

[JLSOhio51]

I realize that no vet (or human doctor for that matter) can be expected to know everything about how to treat all of the patients he/she sees, but this scenario would severely shake my confidence in my vet if this happened to me. I knew nothing about Sheltie thyroid issues prior to coming here, but in the scant few months I have been at SN, the subject of Shelties and thyroid issues has surfaced frequently. It seems strange that a client would have to inform a vet of "acceptable" thyroid results in the breed.

If I had been otherwise pleased with my vet's treatment prior to this situation, I doubt that this one incident would cause me to go elsewhere. But, I would be discussing what plans the vet would employ to be more "breed knowledgeable" moving forward. To me, the relationship between myself and the vet is a partnership. Both of us have the responsibility to do all we can to keep my pet safe.

 

[melbell]

I realize that no vet (or human doctor for that matter) can be expected to know everything about how to treat all of the patients he/she sees, but this scenario would severely shake my confidence in my vet if this happened to me. I knew nothing about Sheltie thyroid issues prior to coming here, but in the scant few months I have been at SN, the subject of Shelties and thyroid issues has surfaced frequently. It seems strange that a client would have to inform a vet of "acceptable" thyroid results in the breed.

If I had been otherwise pleased with my vet's treatment prior to this situation, I doubt that this one incident would cause me to go elsewhere. But, I would be discussing what plans the vet would employ to be more "breed knowledgeable" moving forward. To me, the relationship between myself and the vet is a partnership. Both of us have the responsibility to do all we can to keep my pet safe.

Unfortunately, a vet doesn't have to know every breed. That is why you as the owner must know the issues that could occur. Luckily, although I know my vet doesn't know shelties, I have my pup's breeder who is also a vet who knows EVERYTHING about shelties as that is her preferred breed (but she has a total of 14 dogs..a mini horse, a chinchilla and cats). It is nice to have a vet that you know knows your breed, but it is not always possible as it is that way for me since there are only two vets near me without having to drive an hour away. That being said, if there is something wrong with either of my dogs, I turn to my pup's breeder and my parents first (my parents have raised shelties for over 30 years). In fact, I didn't even consult my vet when I took my female to the emergency vet because my parents told me to take her. the end. They know how shelties work, not my vet. So although it seems like every vet should know everything, the reality is you have to make sure you know everything or have resources. Unless you're lucky and have a vet that knows your breed very well. My vet tech didn't even know why my pup's ears had glue in them....right there that told me not to listen to her about shelties.

 

[melbell]

My Sheltie had been very ill last fall and 5lbs. Since then, he has only gained 2lbs. back. While at his annual exam, I mentioned this to the vet. He checked his thyroid level and said it was high. I failed to tell him that Shelties levels should run higher than most breeds. He lowered this medication. After a few weeks, Hunter developed dry skin patches and was getting seizures at least once a day and sometimes twice a day. He also had lost another lb. I took him back to the vet. I took with me printed material about Sheltie thyroid levels and low thyroid can cause seizures. The vet put him back on his usual dose of thyroid med. He is eating better and the dry patches are clearing up. His seizures have are now almost gone. This is one reason that we as Sheltie owners need to know the specific needs of this breed.

I'm glad your pup is feeling better and you had enough knowledge to show the vet the information. Hope your baby recovers fully soon

 

[JLSOhio51]

Unfortunately, a vet doesn't have to know every breed. That is why you as the owner must know the issues that could occur...

I get that the vet won't know everything about every breed, and I acknowledged that in my comment. I also agree that the owner has responsibilities for the health of his/her animal (mentioned that also in my comment.) BUT, if I can take MAD334's original comment at face value, (and I will admit that I did), this particular situation goes a bit farther than that.

The progression (as I see it) was: pup had an issue - vet did tests - thyroid levels were low (per vet) so the vet recommended reducing medication levels - pup started having seizures.

The point at which I find a problem with the vet's actions was the point at which he/she changed the Rx levels (incorrectly for the breed). Whatever sources that breeders, owners, moms and dads use to document what correct blood levels are appropriate for their dogs are sources also available to vets. Whether it is acceptable in the industry of vets/owners or not, my confidence level re a vet would drop if he/she recommended a Rx that was inappropriate for the breed involved (particularly if that change caused my pup to seize). That does not absolve me of my responsibility as the pet owner to do my homework and know as much as I can re my pet and his condition.

As a bit of an aside, I see situations where a vet says, "let's try this and see if it works" a bit differently. Clearly, there are situations where something different (maybe unconventional) must be tried. MAD3448's example was not that kind of situation.

 

[MAD3448]

Tyroid and vet

Thank you everyone for the response. I am in a situation now that there are only two places here for vet care. I am happy that the vet was willing to listen to me and act accordingly. Last word is--I as Hunter's owner am responsibly to know his needs as the Sheltie breed. I forgive the vet for the mistake and just happy he has an open mind.

 

[JLSOhio51]

...I as Hunter's owner am responsibly to know his needs as the Sheltie breed. I forgive the vet for the mistake and just happy he has an open mind.

It is great that you and the vet seem to now be on the same page! For me, the relationship between the pet owner and the vet is nearly as important as any other single element. I could see forgiving that type of mistake if I felt that my vet was open and honest about what happened and had plans to see that the mistake didn't repeat.