Bugsy- autoimmune thyroiditis update

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    • Gold Top Dog

    Bugsy- autoimmune thyroiditis update

     well here we are 1.5 years after starting meds and his TgAA number remains very high

    T4 numbers are in the normal range, T3 were both low this time

    She said to keep him on the same dose

    I'm emailing back and forth with Dr Dodds trying to figure out something else we can find that is effecting this.  The TgAA being high indicates he is still 'killing' thyroid tissue via an autoimmune response.  She really hasn't had a situation where this just won't budge.

    His lipase is a little high and once again his eosinophil is sky high - which is also an autoimmune/allergy indicator so I am to increase his benadryl even though I only see a rare runny nose as an indicator of his allergies affecting him.  Her first thought was to go grain free but we already are so that isn't a factor

    Just thought I'd post in case anyone has been through this before or has any ideas.


    • Gold Top Dog

    My *best* suggestion (and Dr. Dodds would likely agree with this) would be to try homotoxicology -- it's sort of a cross of homeopathy and TCVM with an extra really cutting edge element all its own. 

    The only two I can find anywhere near you are:

    GALE BOWMAN , DVM MS
    BOWMAN ANIMAL HOSP
    8308 CREEDMOOR RD
    RALEIGH , NC 27613
    Phone: 919-847-0123
    Fax: 919-870-5605
    Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference)
    AC AC(IVAS) AK CH CR CN CM H HMTX EAV NAET NU REIKI VOM WH N.A.E.T. CERTIFIED
    Practice Preferences:
    SMALL ANIMAL EXOTIC AVIAN HOUSE CALLS
    www.bowmananimalhospital.com

    THOMAS TODD, JR , DVM
    NOAHS ARK COMPANION ANIMAL HOSPITAL
    1239 OLD MURPHY RD
    FRANKLIN , NC 28734
    Phone: 828-524-6121
    Fax: 828-369-7593
    Modalities Practiced:
    (Modality Quick Reference)
    AC AC(IVAS) CH CN CM H HMTX NU
    Practice Preferences:
    SMALL ANIMAL
    www.noahsarkvet.us

    It would probably be easiest if we can talk on the phone -- I can tell you what it really is and how to feel your way thru talking to the vet. 

    Again -- this is NOT to replace your vet.  This, again, complimentary care stuff -- but this is the stuff that I've had such incredible success with for Billy and it tends to have really *really* good results in any sort of auto-immune stuff.

     Tell Dr. Dodds, if you want, that I suggested the homotox like I get for Billy thru Dr. Joe Demers (she knows Dr. Demers as well -- he teaches this all over the US). 

    Auto-immune stuff is pretty much a body-balance problem.  Unless you want to get into steroids and stuff (and I know you don't.)

     Dr. Dodds is really darned fond of homeoopathy for a mostly traditional vet.  I won't see Dr. Demers for a few weeks, but I can email him if you want me to -- he might know which of those vets would be best. 

    Homotoxicology is NOT common -- and it's honestly pretty darned cutting edge stuff.  But it sure has rescued Billy (and Tink too, actually)

    • Gold Top Dog

    kpwlee
    The TgAA being high indicates he is still 'killing' thyroid tissue via an autoimmune response

     

      I'm sorry Karen. I really hope you can get this under control somehow. I know very little about thyroid issues except that I read that excess iodine can be one of the possible causes of autoimmune thyroid disease.  I'll be sending good thoughts for Bugs.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Me too...sending Bugsy good thoughts and vibes.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Poor Bugsy!  I hope it can be controlled soon!

    • Gold Top Dog
    I don't really know anything about autoimmune thyroid probs in dogs, but I have it myself, so maybe it's similar? I don't know what kind of thyroid you are treating him with, but the pig thyroid (armour/naturethroid) is supposed to work better, but for me I can't handle enough of the porcine product without causing other issues, so i take a mix of both, synthetic and porcine. Also, I know for humans, you need to keep upping your meds until your T4 and your T3 are in the top 3rd of the range. Is Bugsy getting enough meds? Have you looked into any adrenal problems? Maybe get him on vitamins/herbs that help adrenal probs because the cortisol carries the thyroid hormones and helps convert them and if adrenal issues are present, it worsens thyroid probs. Maybe you already know all this but I thought I'd just chip in the little bit I know. Also, I have been taking thyroid meds for 4 years now and I still don't feel like I am in a completely good place and where my numbers should be. Are there any vets that practice muscle testing/kinesiology? Because they can identify the main causes of issues and figure out what triggering it. Good luck.
    • Gold Top Dog

    No good info but just wanted to offer my support and hope that Bugs is feeling pretty good despite all this. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    willowchow

    No good info but just wanted to offer my support and hope that Bugs is feeling pretty good despite all this. 

     

    Same here!! Strong 'get this figured out' vibes for Bugsy!

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    • Gold Top Dog

     Thanks all - first and foremost Bugsy feels fine LOL and he has no external indicators that anything is wrong.

    My back and forth with Dr Dodds has left me in a quandry.  She really wants me to eliminate beef from his diet - fish and beef are about all he can eat and he runs on protein.  Beef is 'reactive' but I have to say he does really, really well on beef - so feeling on the fence on that issue.

    I really don't think for a minute beef is a problem, I have gotten exceptional at knowing what his triggers are and we are in the midst of summer which is when we ALWAYS have allergy problems.

    Jen very interesting about the adrenals, that could be a factor for Mr Hyper.

    Callie I have considered the Bowman clinic for other things so will likely look into that again.

    I have tried all variations of the thyroid meds and there has been no difference for him.

    Once I get some additional funds together I am going to have a visit with an alternative therapist and see if they can detect something.

    • Gold Top Dog

    No idea what reactive meat is...since mine always just lays there and lets me eat it Wink BUT venison is kinda similar to beef without being beef so maybe possible? Some times of the year (hunting season) it's easy enough to get leftover or buy entire carcasses from hunters?

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    • Gold Top Dog

    rwbeagles
    No idea what reactive meat is...since mine always just lays there and lets me eat it Wink

    LOL I think Bugsy would like it even more if he had to slap it down and catch it before eating it  - good idea re the venison though, although most around here seem to eat their catch.

    honestly I just can't see that beef is a problem for him, but what do I know............

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    • Gold Top Dog

    no advice or ideas, just lots of positive energy hugs heading your way, and his.

    • Gold Top Dog

    kpwlee
    Callie I have considered the Bowman clinic for other things so will likely look into that again

    Seriously -- give ma shout -- homotox is not cheap but wow, it has been the best thing that has ever happened to both Billy AND me. 

     

    • Gold Top Dog

    kpwlee
    TgAA number remains very high

    Is it possible it could be false positives?  I've always been under the impression that TgAA's are high from the drugs.  Perhaps I'm remembering wrong though.  If not it's likely these will remain high until there's no thyroid tissue left to deteriorate.

    kpwlee
    T4 numbers are in the normal range, T3 were both low this time

    Conversion issues maybe????

    Give Bugsy some scritches for me.

    • Gold Top Dog

    How is Bugsy doing, Karen?