Urgent--Willow's hurt

Thank you everyone.  The advice has helped me and I've finally decided.  I'm still going to speak with the vet tomorrow with some more questions.  But, I've decided to try the medication.  My biggest issue besides longterm use and how it will effect her body is that I'm not sure any amount of behavior modificaition training is going to prevent her from growling or trying to "attack" when she hears a noise or another dog barking a few doors down. . .isn't that instinct???  Also, she is a pure chow, isn't "guarding" what they were intended for?  How hard will that be, to get her to stop? 
 
So, if she isn't able to control herself even after being worked with, can she remain on this medication forever?  Or, will she sort of "unlearn" her bad behavior after being on the medication.  As in, she won't do it so often and eventually she'll just stop on her own. 
 
Anyway, gonna ask the vet these questions but if anyone has any opinions please let me know. 
 
Thanks again. 

You know Lori,,,I sure don't have any answers...but I think that I realize that Bubblegum and unlearned some of her bad behavior,,,since I got her. I am sure you saw that with Willow. BUT when push comes to shove,,,get them really excited and they kind of "go back!"  Maybe the medication will keep her from doing it for long enough that it will kind of forgotten,,,and she then won't "go back" to her bahavior.   
I'll be interested in what the vet says.

Lori, from what I understand it, many of these more extreme behaviors result from unbalanced chemistry. Most dogs will growl, guard, get excited, get nervous, groom themselves - the whole range of normal doggy behaviors. Some dogs, however, it seems, lack the chemical the brain releases that says, OK, you've done that enough. The various medications help make up for this lack in different ways.

Thus, medication can give Willow the ability to stop what she is doing and put it in a more normal context. The meds should allow you to rewire her reactions for the most part. They also increase her comfort zone so she can do normal things like yield to your guidance, control her own impulses, and just relax more in general.

Have you ever read Nicholas Dodman's The Dog Who Loved Too Much? That's the best layman's explanation of how meds work that I've seen out there to date, though it is itself slightly out of date.

Yup, I know exactly what your talking about Diane.  Becca, I haven't read that book but I think I'll look for it this weekend.  That sounds like it would be helpful. 
 
Thanks so much.  I realized over the past couple of days a lot of things besides the tail biting that she does that indicate that she's very anxious.  I was mis reading these behaviors thinking she was either acting aggressive or stubborn. 

No advice from me, but I hope you are able to find a solution for your girl.
 
 

many of these more extreme behaviors result from unbalanced chemistry. Most dogs will growl, guard, get excited, get nervous, groom themselves

 
Brookcove mentions something important here.  Has the dog had a complete blood panel done and physical lately?  Other processes could be going on with your dog that blood work would be helpful to at least rule out.

Thank you Tina. 
 
And, yes she's had blood work a couple of times this year and she's in good health.  It's not a physical issue at this point.

DH insisted we get the colmicalm for our rescue dog.  I opted to get CanineOne supplement, loaded with B vitamins and I think that has helped.
 
Still have the colmicalm but haven't given any yet.
 
I like the idea of pouring camamille tea on the food.  I have that on hand  for upset dog tummies.
 
Red was treated by a homeopath with PULSITILLA for a year off and on.  It is a  long term and permanent fix.  I just don;t know enough about colmicalm, is it short term?
 
Hope Willow gets better soon!! 

Holly's mom--Can you tell me more about your experience with the pulsatilla?  I looked it up and it seems like it treats exactly what Willow's problems are.  Do you have to see a holistic vet?  How many pills would I have to give Willow if she's about 50 lbs??  Anything you could tell me would be great!!  Any side effects that you had to deal with? 
 
Thanks!!

Lori, how is willow??

Willow, girlfriend.....I know you feel.....It's just terrible to have a bad day.

Thanks for asking about her!!
 
She's doing well.  She is healing up nicely despite that fact that she bit it again.  Luckily, it was in a different spot and wasn't as severe.  We are going to start her on the Clomicalm end of this week when I'll be home to watch for any side effects or reaction.  I'm not too keen on starting it and then having her home alone for the afternoon. 
 
I went back and forth and really lost sleep over whether or not I should start medication.  But, after the last bite to herself, I realized I really have no choice.  And, I do trust my vet and I've read up on the drug itself.  And, my hope is to be able to wean her off at some point and see how she does.  We will have to monitor her blood work every six months which we do anyway so that shouldn't be a big deal.  Oh, and I've started gating her into the living room when she is alone.  She cannot hear the door from there which is the big reason she gets herself all wound up.   
 
Anyway, thanks so much for asking. 

I hope Willow does well on the new meds!

As for Pulsatilla, it's homeopathic, so there won't be side effects.

Let us know how the meds go Lori!
 
I think it is definately worth a try. .  .It may help or it may not but overall the potential benefit may outway the risks. 
 
Good luck and keep us informed. I am still considering this drug for my new girl. SO far she has made outstanding progress in the 2 1/2 weeks we have had her, but she has  LONG way to go!  [] 

Silly Willow, you get well soon and leave your poor tail alone. Hugs...