ADHD Evaluation for Skye

[Patty1231]

Well, I've tried everything and I'm taking Skye to the vet tomorrow for hyperactivity evaluation to see if medication might help her. I've tried in vain to get an appropriate amount of weight on her. Nothing seems to work and increasing the amount just ends up giving her soft to runny stools. I don't think training is an issue because she listens well, she just can't seem to keep herself still and works herself into a frenzy - I'm getting a little worried about her health.

I've done some research and it says that if she is not hyperactive, medication will not show a change in her behavior so it's worth a try to see. Otherwise, I'm back to square one. She's such a beautiful, sweet dog - I just want to do what's best for her.

[Ayoka]

I didn't know dogs could have ADHD, what kind of meds do they use?

[Patty1231]

Ritalin was mentioned. They have to test the heart rate pre- and post-amphetamine injection to see if it really is the diagnosis. She fits all the symptoms - gets plenty of exercise but still has excessive behavior, running, panting, doesn't seem to be able to focus on anything for long.

It's not common but possible, and I want to rule it out and/or get other suggestions from my vets on how to help her. I'm beginning to think this was the real reason she was dumped at the shelter - no one wanted to deal with her.

[Ayoka]

Wow, you learn something every day!

This may sound like an obvious question but is there ANY time when she's calm, after a good swim or run mabe...just wondering if a TON of exercise could help. I have a broher with ADD and while physical activity doesn't cure his ADD it does provide a good outlet for some of the extra energy and the frustration he can experience which drugs alone could't do.

Good luck at the vet!

[Patty1231]

Originally Posted by Ayoka

This may sound like an obvious question but is there ANY time when she's calm

I can get her to stay on the couch when she gets crazy but she's always at attention and not relaxed. She will lay on the couch with me later at night when she's just exhausted herself. As far as I know, she sleeps through the night - at least I don't hear her. Outdoor activity, regardless of how long or vigorous, has no effect.

[Ayoka]

wow must be stressful....

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by Patty1231

Well, I've tried everything and I'm taking Skye to the vet tomorrow for hyperactivity evaluation to see if medication might help her.

I don't like her smug attitude but I found this information with a google search:

Dealing with the hyperactive dog

If you live with a young adult dog, you may have noticed that he gets somewhat blurry at times. Young dogs can be very active pets; add to this the factor of size and perhaps obedience skills that need polish, and you may find yourself roommates with a canine Tasmanian devil. Some dogs seize every available opportunity to run, jump, bark, pull on their leads, and generally act like they have fleas beneath their bonnets. In a moment of exhaustion, you might naturally wonder whether your dog is normal or whether he suffers from some canine version of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is certainly a frequently diagnosed disorder in children -- but is it as likely to affect dogs?

True hyperactivity, or hyperkinesis, does occur in dogs but is a relatively uncommon condition. Hyperkinetic dogs usually appear abnormal, even frantic, and will not stop their frenetic behaviour until they collapse with exhaustion. Panting and restless, their heart rates run high as they move endlessly. However, because it can be hard to tell the difference between an affected dog and one who is simply unruly -- or, for that matter, a dog with an obsessive-compulsive movement disorder such as tail-chasing -- veterinarians may recommend a test trial with stimulant medication. While normal dogs will show no response or an increase in activity level, biologically hyperkinetic dogs will respond by slowing down. Whether your veterinarian suggests inpatient testing with an amphetamine-like drug or a trial period with methylphenidate (Ritalin®) or other therapeutic drug, such testing can help determine whether your dog would benefit from medication.

The great majority of hyperactive dogs, however, are perfectly normal -- even if they are a little difficult to live with. Unruliness, poorly controlled behaviour, resistance to obedience training, excessive barking and jumping are behaviours that can be managed with persistence and obedience training. If your dog is difficult to control, take advantage of local dog-training clubs, perhaps working individually with a trainer to trouble-shoot any problems that might develop. It is doubly important to take the skills learned in obedience class and apply them to your dog's everyday circumstances -- at home, in the car and at the park. A Schedule active, aerobic exercise into your dog's daily routine; even a brisk game of fetch can do wonders (and, hey, you get to stand still for a change).

Life with a hyperactive dog can be challenging, but rising up to that challenge with consistent training, exercise, play, and plenty of rewards will almost certainly result in a well-behaved pet -- and a physically fit human companion.

Ilana R. Reisner, DVM, PhD, DACVB

I know you work and train your dogs so I am not sure how much good this is

[Patty1231]

Yes, that's one of the articles I found when researching it. I know it's uncommon but I have to rule it out - it's that "frantic" behavior that worries me. She is not resistant to training - aside from her being very soft - she just doesn't seem to be able to focus.

I also found a note about too much protein in the diet not being good for dogs like this. Something I will definitely ask the vet about because she is on a 30/20 protein/fat food. Maybe I need to give her a supplement and reduce the protein while increasing the carbs.

Whatever it takes to get my girly straight.

[Miabella]

I hope you can get to the bottom of things, she's lucky to have you, Patty!

[Patty1231]

Update from the vet visit this afternoon. The doctor agreed that she needed medication. I also told her I'd read about the high protein problem with this type of dog and she said definitely lower the protein. She started her on a small dose of Alprazolam (Xanax) and gave me the increasing to maximum dose she can have to gain effectiveness. It does not have sedative properties but is just meant to take the edge off. She said we'd try this for one month and if it didn't help, we'd try something else. She said I have already done everything she could suggest to try and medication was definitely the next step. Hope it works! She agreed she'd be great in agility if we could just take the edge off her.

[Ayoka]

Keep us posted on how the meds work!

[damp]

Sorry to hear about your dog!!!
I just don’t understand the purpose of having a dog on medication for the rest of it’s life!!! It’s my simple and primitive opinion, that if an animal can’t live a good life without medication, it should have peace.

[Patty1231]

Originally Posted by damp

I just don’t understand the purpose of having a dog on medication for the rest of it’s life!!! It’s my simple and primitive opinion, that if an animal can’t live a good life without medication, it should have peace.

I understand and respect your opinion, damp - but I obviously disagree. Sometimes we are in need of a little help to live a productive life - and I am certainly more than willing to give her that chance. She is a very loving and responsive girl who has a very bright future if we help her. For me there is no separation between medication in situations such as this between animals and humans. I would certainly hope that, as with humans, treatable conditions will remain treated. She is not an unhappy dog, just needs calmed down a bit.

[MontanaRott]

I am glad you are giving the meds a try Patty. I agree Skye deserves a chance. There are some dogs out there with problems that you COULD use drugs to manage that I can see where that would not be fair, but in Skye's case, something to take the "edge" off is appropriate.
We used Calm Down to help our high strung FB and he was a happier dog for it. He was alert and active as ever, just not so high strung and better able to settle and respond.

[Ilovemypuppy]

I may have missed it Patty.. but did your vet do a COMPREHENSIVE thyroid panel on Skye ?