Boxer (2) |
| As promised, today we will continue to examine the case we began last week. First, upon examining Kaiser's blood work, we find a normal complete blood count and serum chemistry. This rules out most types of infectious disease and organ dysfunction. The thyroid test however did reveal a low result. This hypothyroidism is unexpected as a decrease in thyroid hormone will typically cause weight gain, not weight loss as Kaiser has been experiencing. Secondly, a thorough musculoskeletal exam was performed to rule out pain as a differential for his symptoms of sudden aggressiveness with strangers and trouble walking. This test proved to be essentially normal. Lastly, an electrocardiogram was performed to eliminate heart trouble as a possible cause for his symptoms. A hard copy of this tracing was faxed to a veterinary cardiologist for analysis. The results revealed normal heart function, which suggests that his previous seizures were likely due to epilepsy and not compromised blood flow to the brain. The next plan will be to send blood to a lab for a more thorough thyroid analysis. If Kaiser is truly hypothyroid, we will need to orally supplement thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is a possible cause for seizure activity in dogs. Analysis of this final blood work and a wrap up of this case will be examined next week. Until then, good luck and good pet parenting. |
