There’s a new handler in our Sunday classes who has a somewhat shy/fearful standard poodle. We’ve already bonded a bit over our shared challenges, so she felt comfortable suggesting that I have Lilly tested for Addison’s Disease while I’m at the veterinarian today. Great … one more thing to worry about.
Apparently, this other metabolic issue in the adrenal glands (near the kidneys) can manifest as a shift in behavior. From what I’ve read, it’s a 2-part test. First they draw a baseline vial of blood, then they inject something, wait an hour and draw more blood for comparison.
This handler has a friend, whose dog exhibited Lilly-like symptoms. Once diagnosed and in treatment, the dog is like a different person.
Still, if I’m reading what I’ve found online right, the disease is pretty rare. So, that’s probably NOT what’s going on here.
Unlike the thyroid tests, these other blood tests require a 12-hour fast. So, I might just be attempting the visit without training food.
Between that challenge and the potential for HUGE bills, I’m already anxious. So much so, that I had nightmares right before I woke up.
BUT, I’m reminding myself not to worry until there’s something to worry about. A complete examination, a battery of blood work, a long talk about what’s going on … it’s a puzzle, for sure. I hope we can figure it out.
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