Baxter's Testosterone Test Results-
He had a long explanation for the test and the results--but the bottom line is that Baxter is a little on the high end of the normal range for a neutered dog. He suggested that I might want to consider another test--an HCG test--but I am not really sure that I need to do that- What do you all think? For now--I think I will start with more 'training' and get his butt exercising a little more regularly! Maybe get him a 'job'!  |
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Karen...Well you you were right, in a sense. I think getting Baxter on a regular exercise program and giving him a job, like competing in Rally or Obedience would be a good thing for both of you!!  |
| Karen, How's he been doing since getting home from Sheepiepalooza? If he's back to normal, and having this slightly elevated level is not harmful to him, then I may not be inclined to have another test. |
| I agree w/ Val and Mark. And somewhat selfishly, if you got into some of these fun (and totally doable!) sports, we would see you guys more often!! |
| Thank you Val-Mark and Dawn for your quick response! I really do feel as all of you do! He has been a perfect 'Angel' since we got home--he hasn't even been snarky with Baley or the cats! I really do believe that he needs a job and exercise to get back in shape--( I think I have really known that for awhile--since reading on this forum)! I am going to seriously explore what the opportunities are here in Nashville or the surrounding areas for agility--obedience and rally. I also know Baley would be terrific as a therapy dog. He has done this on occasion at the nursing home where my mom was--just not formally as he is not certified. He always made a difference not only for my mom but for all the people that were able to pet him and talk to him. It always made me tear up as they interacted with him and he made them smile. You all have inspired me! Thank you so much! |
| I am excited to see what you and Baxter get up to! Maybe he needs a backpack like Chewie-he would look adorable wearing a backpack! |
Mady wrote: I am excited to see what you and Baxter get up to! Maybe he needs a backpack like Chewie-he would look adorable wearing a backpack! Thanks Kim--hadn't thought of that! Great idea! |
| Karen, there are so many unexpected plusses to doing organized activities with your dog 1) Baxter/Baley get "jobs" which is everything for this breed. Harry assigns himself jobs all the time. His eyes get bright and shiny whenever he is "working". He is usually far more pleased with himself for job performance than I am but I love his enthusiasm. 2) The bond between you will strengthen. As silly as it seems that your relationship can get any better with these wonderful dogs, it really is true. I look forward to our working time as does he. Even snuggling time is better because of our "teamwork" 3) Your dogs will grow in confidence and socialization skills. I encourage Harry's independence and confidence. The more I expose him to and do with him the more relaxed he is and able to handle unexpectedly stressful situations. He also trusts me more to have his back as the pack leader because I have given him reason to be confident with that trust. 4) The best reason of all....... you get to obsess and socialize with all of the other performance people. It is totally addictive, although doing Therapy work is rewarding too. But once you start doing these activities you find you can't stop. Getting to do the agility at the hotel with Dawn and Pam was really fun. We always lament that we are not all closer to do these things. Val and I have been lucky to have each other with Rally and Obedience. I am glad that the test results were not off the charts. I think perhaps the stress was a big factor. He should do better as he is out and about more and learns that it is okay. He will gain confidence. Check in as you are starting your activities. We will all be glad to guide you. |
SheepieMommy wrote: Karen, there are so many unexpected plusses to doing organized activities with your dog 1) Baxter/Baley get "jobs" which is everything for this breed. Harry assigns himself jobs all the time. His eyes get bright and shiny whenever he is "working". He is usually far more pleased with himself for job performance than I am but I love his enthusiasm. 2) The bond between you will strengthen. As silly as it seems that your relationship can get any better with these wonderful dogs, it really is true. I look forward to our working time as does he. Even snuggling time is better because of our "teamwork" 3) Your dogs will grow in confidence and socialization skills. I encourage Harry's independence and confidence. The more I expose him to and do with him the more relaxed he is and able to handle unexpectedly stressful situations. He also trusts me more to have his back as the pack leader because I have given him reason to be confident with that trust. 4) The best reason of all....... you get to obsess and socialize with all of the other performance people. It is totally addictive, although doing Therapy work is rewarding too. But once you start doing these activities you find you can't stop. Getting to do the agility at the hotel with Dawn and Pam was really fun. We always lament that we are not all closer to do these things. Val and I have been lucky to have each other with Rally and Obedience. I am glad that the test results were not off the charts. I think perhaps the stress was a big factor. He should do better as he is out and about more and learns that it is okay. He will gain confidence. Check in as you are starting your activities. We will all be glad to guide you. Thanks Judi--you made some great points! And I know you are absolutely right! I would love to meet some people here with the same interest-- and just need to get out there to do it-- and I do think these guys would really enjoy it too! I have already been doing some research on the internet tonight and plan to make a few calls tomorrow. I will keep you all updated and I am quite SURE I will need guidance and really appreciate all of you! I too was glad that he was not off the charts and that the vet did not think there was any tumors or serious issues. He really encouraged another test--but I think I will try some of these things first as he was in the normal range--just the high end of it. |
Quote: I too was glad that he was not off the charts and that the vet did not think there was any tumors or serious issues. He really encouraged another test--but I think I will try some of these things first as he was in the normal range--just the high end of it. I didn't hear about what happened but I'd discuss this a little more with your vet to see if you can be confident that high-normal is truly normal for a neutered dog. If normal is normal, I wouldn't do the testing. Maybe get the opinion of the lab that ran the test. If there's any doubt about whether he was properly neutered, I'd do the HCG stimulation test. That was the one we had done on Kobuck not long after he arrived. Testing was done through the Clinical Endocrinology Service in Knoxville, TN. Only had one experience with one dog but Kobuck's transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Might need that disclaimer that says, "These are not typical results." Training alone had Kobuck doing a great job of not acting out on his urges, his second neuter removed those urges all together. There's also a higher cancer risk down the road if a dog is left cryptorchid-intact. Graphic! http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advi ... idism.html Likely way more info than you ever wanted to know or see.   Hoping a job is all that's needed. |
| I'd be asking too? When he was neutered are they 100% positive all was taken away? Seems unusual a higher then expected tostestorone level for a so called neutered dog? Would not be the first time a dangle was missed  Especially if not present in the scrotom at the time of neutering. Just makes one wonder at the results.  |
6Girls wrote: Quote: I too was glad that he was not off the charts and that the vet did not think there was any tumors or serious issues. He really encouraged another test--but I think I will try some of these things first as he was in the normal range--just the high end of it. I didn't hear about what happened but I'd discuss this a little more with your vet to see if you can be confident that high-normal is truly normal for a neutered dog. If normal is normal, I wouldn't do the testing. Maybe get the opinion of the lab that ran the test. If there's any doubt about whether he was properly neutered, I'd do the HCG stimulation test. That was the one we had done on Kobuck not long after he arrived. Testing was done through the Clinical Endocrinology Service in Knoxville, TN. Only had one experience with one dog but Kobuck's transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Might need that disclaimer that says, "These are not typical results." Training alone had Kobuck doing a great job of not acting out on his urges, his second neuter removed those urges all together. There's also a higher cancer risk down the road if a dog is left cryptorchid-intact. Graphic! http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advi ... idism.html Likely way more info than you ever wanted to know or see. Hoping a job is all that's needed. Thank you for the information- the vet did make the statement that he did not believe that 'cryptorchid was an issue. You have given me a little more to think about--appreciate it! |
| I have no advice but there are great ideas from the others. Give Baxter a big kiss from Gigi and Bogey! Gigi needs a job too. When she is able, we will get back to training for therapy dog work. She loves that. Maybe Rally, we will see. Bogey, well he just needs a couch and loving. |
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