Just saw this myself. So sorry to hear this about Seger- you are being awesome about staying on top of it. Hugs to you and your boys!

__________________
"Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant."

~Jenn and Leif

THank you for the update, I've wondered where you were in the process. I appreciate you sharing the details, especially about how inter-related the symptoms seem to be, that is the type of knowledge I try to keep in the back of my mind. I admire your tenacity with having Seger diagnosed and treated, he is truly blessed to be in your family

__________________

Ellie and Mack

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm sitting in the sunporch looking out on the lake and watching Seger sleep on the mat beside me. As you may know we lost Oakley suddenly and unexpectedly on November 23rd. I continue to have more bad days than good. We have had Oakley cremated and I want nothing more than to have him back here with us - we hope to get a call soon that we can pick him up.
We recently had Seger's thyroid rechecked as was suggested in Guelph in October, and the results have gone from borderline low to high normal. I couldn't believe how this could be - such a drastic change in just a month. Our vet consulted with OVC in Guelph and they feel Seger may have sensed Oakley was ill and many of his symptoms were stress related. I totally believe that! Seger's panting has all but disappeared, he has gained weight (he had lost so much I was sure he was ill, never suspecting Oakley was sick), his eyes have gone from being sunken to bright, and he is more relaxed. However the one thing that is really bothering me is that he lost ALL of his undercoat. I mean all. He is laying here on his side and all you can see is pink skin from about mid torso all the way around and under his belly. When you part his fur it is so sparse you are at pink skin. His beautiful feathers have now become a rat tail. I was sure this was thyroid related but his levels are normal. When he was in Guelph they said his adrenal glands were slightly enlarged and that this was a stress response. Perhaps to Oakley's illness I now think. If the hair loss is also a stress reaction does anyone have any idea how long it will take to grow back? Does anyone have any suggestions on what else might be causing this if not his thyroid? We have not changed his food or treats, we added Actistatin as a joint supplement in the summer before the hair loss, but otherwise everything else is the same except the immense stress we have all been under with losing Oakley. Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated. Carol

__________________
Carol, Seger and our Angel, Oakley

Oh, I just posted a long response, and it disappeared.

I just wanted to say I am so sorry about Oakley - I missed it while I was consumed with Tesia's diagnosis and hospital stay. My heart goes out to you. To lose him so suddenly must have been devastating to you. I know how special he was to you.

And poor Seger. It's so heartbreaking to see them suffer through the loss of their brother or sister dogs. I hope his fur comes back soon. I know it has taken 4-5 weeks for Tesia to grow back a layer of fuzz where she was shaved mid-November. Do you have a coat Seger could wear until his ondercoat comes back? I have been trying to figure out how to cover up the site of Tesia's Friday surgery but it's pretty impossible. Thankfully, it hasn't gotten too cold here yet. Anyway. I'm just so sorry again - and I hope Seger is feeling better soon.

__________________

Tesia
"Joy and loyalty wrapped in sunshine."
The Laughing Dog Press

Sept. 21, 2000 ~ Feb. 5, 2013
My sweet, joyful, beloved heart.

Thank you for your kind words Sweet Girl. We do put a coat on Seger when he goes out - I think he quite appreciates it as it is very cold up North. Seger's belly was also shaved for an abd ultrasound in Guelph at the end of October and he is just now getting some fuzz back.
I hope Tesia is feeling better. It is just so difficult and emotionally draining to see them ill.
Carol

__________________
Carol, Seger and our Angel, Oakley

I'm not sure how long it takes the hair loss to grow back. I would probably have Seger's thyroid rechecked in a few months just to make sure it hasn't changed. I hope this new year brings some happiness to you & Seger.

__________________

Vicky, mom to Ruby-5 years
Birthday 9/1/07