Paul announced his concern today that he believes that Tatum is depressed. He wants to take her to the vet and get her on some anti-depressants. I know that she is presenting some signs and symptoms of depression, but I'm having a hard time thinking about spending money on drugs to elevate my dog's mood.
I can just see the Vet's history notes on Tatum:
This is a 4 year old (28 year old in human years) female, black lab. She presents today with irritability, sleeping a lot, and not being herself lately. This has been going for on approximately, the last month. Her eating habits are not altered. Poor historian on client's thoughts of harming herself or others. Poor historian of subjective thoughts of fatigue or an alter of doing activities of daily living; however the owners note that she is sleeping more than she usually does and does not want to play. Owners also note that she is chewing on her feet more than usual for this time of the year.
Allergies: NKDA
Medical Hx: No apparent medical hx, with the exception of client being overweight and sports a sedentary lifestyle.
Medications: Client is up on her vaccinations and does not take any medications, over the counters, or herbs/vitamins.
Social Hx: Client has a 5month old brother, yellow lab, that was introduced into the family in July. Client also has one human brother, one human sister, and human parents. They all live together in one household. Client is a professional house dog. Client's brother is being trained for the profession of hunting dog.
Surgical Hx: Spayed/Neutered 2005
Impression: Pt. with flat affect, at times growls and snaps at siblings and parents, Signs of irritability, sleepiness noted and appears melancholy. Sensing some jealousy issues with client's younger dog brother.
Plan:
Daily walking regimen
Continue with home feeding regimen
Encourage play times bid
Encourage pats & tummy rubs four times a day and prn
Follow up in 2weeks, if there is no sign of progress, then start with an SSRI like Prozac and consult the Dog Whisperer.
2 comments:
Hey! Just thought I'd send a note to tell you Pierre had to take puppy prozac for awhile due to his seperation anxiety. It worked wonders, he took them for about three months and then we weened him off. I think they were called colmycalm - or something like that. It does kinda zone them out though! Good luck! Always can send him to Uncle Dave - he is kind of a Dog Whisperer!
I might have to take Uncle Dave's Dog whispering talents into consideration!
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