Prince's Blood Test Results - Page 10

Although dogs look very different from people, they share many of our body's characteristics. They have a heart and circulatory system to transport blood, lungs to take in oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide, a digestive tract to absorb nutrients from food, and so on. However, it is the differences between dogs and people that are most interesting and that give dogs their unique characteristics as family members.   There are many breeds and sizes of dogs. Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. The smallest breeds include the toy and miniature varieties, such as the Toy Poodle, Papillon, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu. These dogs usually weigh only 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kilograms), or even less. Medium-sized dogs include many of the terriers and spaniels, which weigh in the 10 to 50 pound (4.5 to 23 kilograms) range. Larger still are the retrievers, shepherds, and setters, which often weigh 65 to 100 pounds (30 to 45 kilograms). Finally, the giant breeds, such as the Mastiff, Komondor, and Saint Bernard, can approach or exceed 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Of course, sizes vary within breeds, with males usually being larger than females. Mixed-breed dogs include all size ranges. Metabolism Dogs have a higher metabolism than people. They breathe faster, pump blood faster, mature faster, and have a higher normal body temperature (see Description and Physical Characteristics of Dogs: Normal Canine Physiologic Values). Young dogs seem to have even more energy than children. However, this high metabolism comes with a shorter life span. A common rule of thumb is that 1 dog year equals about 10 to 12 people years for the first 2 years, and then 4 people years (per dog year) after that (see Description and Physical Characteristics of Dogs: Dog Years versus People Years). Actual life span depends on health and size, with small breeds generally living longer than larger ones

No, not worked much in the vet field.  Though, I do know lab testing somewhat, because I direct  testing at one of the nations top laboratories, we do about 16 million tests a year with hundreds of million $ in revenues. I dont typically comment much on the lab testing that is discussed, but when someone is preaching dodo medicine and recommending hot and cold meats to animals, I am compelled to put in a few words.

Vets may give the dose that Dodd's says, I am only pointing out that the dose is 5-10 times the human dose on a weight basis (assuming a pure drug). 

It is foolish to treat Prince with T4 for aggression issues (with a normal T4 level), probably the dog will become even more aggressive. This is the main point that I wish to make. The chinese hot and cold food will not cause prince any harm.

Pl. show me some proof that the thyroid physiology in dogs is different than in humans. The way TSH is regulated is the same, the molecular structure of TSH is same with alpha and beta units. The alpha subunit is the same as for other related hormones FSH, LH etc.  All of this is the same as in humans. Yes, I am aware that dogs come in different sizes.

Guddu, I don't think Dodds was recommending replacement therapy for aggression, that's why I asked Deanna if she told her Prince had skin issues. Maybe Deanna can get a clarification on that.

Dodo medicine is sort or disrespectful when speaking of a licensed vet who has dedicated most of her adult life to the health and welfare of dogs and cats. She doesn't charge for her email/phone consultations, donations are optional, Hemopet is non-profit. I've consulted with her 4, 5 times in the last 2  years and she never asked me for one penny. She also aided a breed club I belonged to in trying to find a blood test for a debilitating disease that was thought to be the result of thyroid malfunction. 2 years, never charged us one cent. Currently she is serving on the health committee for the GSDCA, it's a gratis position. As far as I know she doesn't even own a GSD.

If there are questions about her diagnoses or treatments, she is only too happy to respond, again no charge.

Read the introduction and literature review.

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04192002-163244/unrestricted/Thesis.pdf

I thought you knew that dogs came in different size, the point was that their metabolism is much higher that of human's.

OK, I'm done now. You will believe what  you want and it purely academic at this point in time anyway.

I would have been very dismissive of her, were it not for the fact that Dr.Dodd's has prior credibility. Dodo is however not meant to be disrespectful, Dodo= Extinct flightless bird, ie behind the times. Agree the old-timer does commendable charity work, but is she right ?. She trained in the 1960's...that's starting to show in that she is prescribing esoteric chinese hot and cold foods, starting hormonal treatment for aggression in the presence of a completely normal thyroid panel. This is typical dodo (last century) medicine, but what do I know. 

IMHO, there is no defense for prescribing T4 therapy to cure aggression (in the face of a normal thyroid test panel). 

The link that you provide does not show that dog thyroid physiology is different from human physiology in any meaningful way. 

OK...I am  out...thanks for the discussion.


 

Gudda and Blitzen,,Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge on this topic,,

Gudda,,Again, I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond and explain the reasons for your concerns..

Let me clarify a few things..

#1 This was the link sent to me via email by Hemopet when I called to have Dr. Dodds review Prince's test results from MI state.   .....http://labordatenbank.com/cake/hemopet/onlineorders/hemopet_add...I did not see an option for a donation or free consultation. I paid the $85.00..Don't miss understand, I was happy to do so and would do it again..I don't expect anyone to donate their time and talents for free....

#2 I can not retrieve the email I sent to Dr. Dodds, but I do remember what I said ..I told her that Prince was a well socialized friendly puppy and at about 4 months started showing aggression. Also, pustules between the toes two times related to possible seasonal allergies. Anal fistulas ( as in one small fistula that comes and goes )...And a bacterial skin infection related to flea bites that took 60 days of antibiotic therapy to treat..

#3 I told her Prince was on Acana Wild Prairie non grain kibble and probiotics daily..With minimal vaccination protocol and no preventive heartworm medication other than safe topicals,,,,

FWIW,,Other than during the time of his bacterial infection ~~ that I am almost 100% sure was triggered by flea bites ~~Prince's hair coat/ skin has always been beautiful and healthy..
 

Ruger1, thanks. IMHO, its also a bad idea to treat skin infections and fistulas with T4 hormone.

Deanna, I didn't ask Jean to interpret any lab analysis, I had some concerns with over vaccinating for rabies here in FL where many vets give the "one year" vac regardless of what the owner asks for or the vac history of the individual dog. My 3 1/2 year old GSD had just been given her 4th rabies vac and I was like a crazy woman, almost punched out the vet and techs when they told me she needed another booster in a year since they got the serum they just injected into her from a bottle labeled "one year rabies vaccine" As if it's not the same as the 3 year. Anyway, Jean advised me on future boosters and what I might expect if my dog reacted negatively to the vacs.  She was very concerned. I wasn't asked for a fee or a donation. 

If you need clarification of her recommendations, I think you only need to email her with your concerns. Guddu and I aren't the sort to shut up and go away when we feel strongly about a subject, but it's probably best  you take what we think with a grain of salt and listen to Jean and your vets. Neither of us is a vet or an expert in canine endocrinology .

 I hope Prince is doing well now that's he's back in  boot camp.