Blood Tests

When we feel unwell, we behave differently. This can also apply to a dog. When Ben first displayed signs of dog aggression, I had him health checked by the vet, but it was only a simple health check which did not include blood tests. The vet explained to me that its unlikely to be a health issue because the aggression started after he had had a bad experience with another dog who had attacked him. I didn't think anymore of it until recently when I read about dogs with low thyroid levels showing signs of aggression at random. So I decided to bite the bullet and have various blood tests carried out on Ben. I did research online and discussed with the vet what tests were needed. As well as doing a full thyroid profile, the vets carried out a full blood profile testing things like liver and kidney functions etc. They also did a Rheumatoid Factor test to see if Ben was experiencing any signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Part of me knew there would be nothing wrong with him health wise, but I wanted to know 100%. The vet bill came to just under £400 for all these tests...ouch! I called my pet insurance company when I was at the vets and they said cover was on the policy as its investigation for a possible health issue. I am still waiting to hear if they have accepted the claim so fingers crossed please!!

So the only thing that came back with a very minor issue was Ben's kidney function so the vet asked me to do a urine sample so this could be tested and used to decide if there was a problem. His urine test was normal so no further action was needed. The laboratory confirmed that all the other tests were within the normal ranges. His thyroid level is on the lower end of the scale so I am going to look into that more, as I have been told it should be higher for a young dog like Ben.

So it seems that his behaviour problems are not due to an underlying health issue, which is really good to know and its good news for Ben. I can put that niggling feeling away now that there could have been something wrong with him health wise.