Mac's Behavior Thread

MooCow · 02-26-2010, 05:52 PM

I though I'd give this thread a rather ambigious title. I am here for something specific, but there's a lot going on with this dog and I figure I should keep it all together.

I took Mac to the vet a couple weeks ago for what turned out to be an infection in his prepuce. He was on antibiotics for 2 weeks, which helped untill they ran out. He's back on them for a third week, and the vet has added some soapy stuff to squirt inside the sheath. It is to be massaged around to help clean everything out (don't worry, Mac's already contacted his lawyer). Naturally he hates this, but the first couple times he got lots of treats, and everything was fine. It's been hours since we did it the last time though, and he's just not right.
He's usually a very floppy sleeper, but today, he's stiff and won't roll to his side. He also keeps getting up and wandering around the house (very weird for him; He never moves unless I do). And whenever he's walking around his tail is bent. He's holding it out from his body but still down, so it has a little curve in it.
I'm concerned because someone warned me he would bite me for touching all over his weiny like that. I'm not worried he'll bite me, but he does have a history of serious agression (with other dogs only, but it's bad) and I'm trying to understand what this may being doing to him mentaly. He's a very fragile dog in that way, and I don't want to make things worse for him than they already are.

**kmes** · 02-26-2010, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooCow

I'm concerned because someone warned me he would bite me for touching all over his weiny like that. I'm not worried he'll bite me, but he does have a history of serious agression (with other dogs only, but it's bad) and I'm trying to understand what this may being doing to him mentaly.

I've never heard that before! I would think that if he were to bite when you touch his privates that it would be because it hurt due to the infection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooCow

He's usually a very floppy sleeper, but today, he's stiff and won't roll to his side. He also keeps getting up and wandering around the house (very weird for him; He never moves unless I do). And whenever he's walking around his tail is bent. He's holding it out from his body but still down, so it has a little curve in it. .

It sounds like Max isn't feeling too well! it could be that the infection has not cleared up yet. I would monitor his temperature (normal for a dog is about 101 degrees) and make an appointment either tomorrow (if your vet's office is open) or on Monday if he doesn't seem to get any better. Also keep an eye on how much he eats and drinks.

**fawkese1** · 02-26-2010, 11:02 PM

wow, i haven't heard of that before either...

the way you described his movement, i'd say he is very very uncomfortable and in pain, and needs a return trip to the vet...

as far as him biting you, i would absolutely muzzle him in a situation like that... but really, if his infection has been treated for as long as you say, the pain should be subsiding... was there any reason the vet said as to why it hadn't healed since you gave him a full course of anti-biotics?

please keep us posted on this... welcome to the forum btw... sorry for the situation that brought you here...

{{{{healing vibes}}}} to your max

MooCow · 02-26-2010, 11:55 PM

Oh, thanks guys!
As the day went on it did become apparent that he was simply in pain, and this wasn't so much a behavior issue after all. Sorry about that. But just to finish that part up, in case anybody's curious, I don't think he cares one bit we're pinching all over his weeny. He eats his cookies and does his tricks. He's pretty cool with it.

He's actually had two full courses of antibiotics! The vet doesn't seem to be concerned that it hasn't worked yet though. I never noticed any pain, just wanting to lick every now and then, untill we started cleaning it out. I'm going to talk to someone about it tomorrow and see if we need to change something. Maybe a little pain is to be expected after someone squirts something that smells like laundry detergent in your privates!

And thankyou, I'm glad to be here. Not glad Mac is sick, but he'll get better, so I'm not really worried.

**fawkese1** · 02-27-2010, 12:10 AM

does he still seem to be in pain tho? i'd really be concerned about that. i mean discomfort maybe but it takes a lot for most dogs to show pain like that, they are good at hiding it... sure it could have been caused from the treatment you gave... but i would be worried about this.

have you considered seeing a different vet? 2 full courses of antibiotics, and still the infection persists? that is something i would expect my vet to be concerned with, has he/she (your vet) addressed this at all? why is it taking so long to heal? is he/she (and are you, for that matter) certain of the original diagnosis?

anyway, just realized that i'm a dork and i called him max...sorry...

let us know what you find out tomorrow...

**Criosphynx** · 02-27-2010, 11:42 AM

I remember som'one with a similar problem and the infection became chronic. There was a surgery option open to them...but I can't remember for the life of me what the surgery involves. Maybe its time for another vet?

Welcome to the forum btw.

MooCow · 02-27-2010, 11:05 PM

Okay, so of course vet is closed Saturday, but I didn't talk to the vet last time we called him, so I didn't know, but he said he wasn't worried the antibiotics weren't doing their job since the infection got a lot better when he was on it before.

I work with someone who used to be a vet-tech. I'm going to get some pain medication from her for him tomorrow. She's also going to talk to the vet she used to work for and see what they think. All this help, I feel so privilaged!

Untill then, I got a cone collar for him to prevent any sneaky licks. Our vet said it was important he didn't lick, and he has been very good about not licking. Even now he wants to lick so bad his leg gets all twitchy, but he knows it's against the rules! What a smart guy. When he wears the collar though, he's so freaked out he can't even move. I got him to walk a little outside but the first time he bumps something, he's done. Ohwell.I guess he can just wear it when we're not around. I guess that would be safe?

**Criosphynx** · 02-28-2010, 12:13 AM

is it a plastic cone, lampshade type? they make really cool soft ones now that the dog can't see, so they are less frightened of it

Mikey · 02-28-2010, 02:09 AM

Oh wow -but sounds like you and him are doing well

Actually on cleaning sheaths-horses need them done every year at least (more if they are 'gross') so I think we're pretty lucky we don't have to clean our dogs more often

It does feel awkward though

Like Crio said-they make great cones now, and the 'lampshade' is not the only option. I found Mikey can get the soft ones off easy, but Mandy would just leave it on (she's probably smart enough to know if she takes it off she'll get the lampshade which she hates lol)
They look like this-it's nice because they keep their full field of vision

You can pick 'em up at petsmart or any petstore really