Update on Willow

[Patti]

After meeting with the head Vet at UC Davis Medical Hospital and having a 3 hour assessment of Willow, the diagnoses is... exaggerated fear of unfamiliar people, a genetic predisposition.

Willow was prescribed: Clomicalm and Alprazolam (for short term while the Clomicalm takes affect.) 

The visit was wonderful, and even thought very hard to pay, well worth the $600.00 bill.

Onward we go....

[Esther and Joey]

hi there - i understand your pain :(

joey is a very fearful dog. she's 10.5 months and we've had her for 6 months now. she has improved by leaps and bounds but still VERY skittish in comparison to a normal dog.

often times i wonder if she'll ever be "normal". what type of assessment did they do to determine her diagnoses? what is considered "exaggerated fear" v. fear in general? what type of work/exercises do they advise to help her along?

thanks!

[Patti]

They went through her "Complete life history", letters from Willow's Vet from 10 weeks on and letters from Willow's trainer from 5 months on.  Viewed video tapes we had recorded. And spent 3 hours with Willow.

The also prescribed, possible use of "Calming Cap" and "Mutt Muffs", and "Watch and Touch commands and "Nothing in Life is Free" (NILIF) to use at home.  http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

I'm sorry that you and Joey are experiencing the same upsets that we are. Very sad to say the least. So painful to see our little loved ones live like this.  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I really think she will do extremely well on the medication. We found it to be a life saver for our dog. Although, never 100%, so much better.
No dog or human should have to live with that much trauma and fear.
Looking forward to happy updates from you.

[Patti]

Thanks

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Patti, I am glad you have a treatment plan for Willow and hopefully, all of you can move forward and Willow's quality of life will improve. It is so hard when they have to live with all this anxiety and I think you are doing the right thing. We had an old Lab that had severe separation anxiety and the medicine helped. Good luck and keep us posted!!

[Patti]

Thanks, will keep all posted.

[Judy Ingram - Oliver & Cooper]

So glad to hear you may have the answer! Keep us all posted!

Judy and Oliver

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I'll bet it is a great relief to have a diagnosis.  I think medication will help tremendously.  Keep us updated.

[Charlotte and Bo]

Bo has improved a lot with the use of Clomicalm.  He still has his issues but the intensity level has come down several notches. 

[Patti]

So happy to hear that. Do you know if there was anything that caused his fear, or is it genetic as well?

[Kyoko]

HI, Patti... I am glad to hear about Willow's diagnosis... I bet you My Charlie is the same. She does not like any thing she does not know what or who it is. ... The latest was the Plastic Santa my neighbor had on their yard for Christmas..... I know it is predisposition. We did some extensive training, and she is veru very obedient. But, this is who she is.... Let me know how the medication works for her... 

[Patti]

I will keep you posted!