Dramatic Changes in Behavior

zoomkitten · 10-16-2006, 07:36 PM

My dog is german shepherd mix. She has always been a very good dog, very docile though a bit hyper at times. She is very obedient. She has no history of violent behavior except that she has attacked other a few dogs, but never injured them. We assumed this was territorial behavior, and she gets along fine with 3 of the dogs in our neighborhood, so it has never been a big issue.

She has never, ever attacked a human or shown ANY violence towards one. She's never even growled at any living thing except another dog.

Yet yesterday, she almost bit the hand of one of her owners. Today, she bit the face of a young child. The child was a stranger and thankfully not injured, but she did have a scare.

What could possibly be the cause of this dramatic change of behavior??

all4thedogs · 10-16-2006, 07:38 PM

You need to take this dog to the vet, and have a blood panel run. Thyroid problems can cause aggression. You also need to be sure the dog is not in any pain, remember dogs hide pain well.

Is she spayed?
How old is she?
What was happening when she bit?

zoomkitten · 10-16-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

You need to take this dog to the vet, and have a blood panel run. Thyroid problems can cause aggression. You also need to be sure the dog is not in any pain, remember dogs hide pain well.

Is she spayed?
How old is she?
What was happening when she bit?

Yes, she is spayed. She is 5 years old. Nothing was happening when she bit, the child was teasing her, trying to hug and kiss her, but nothing that she hasn't tolerated hundreds of times over the years.

I know we need to take her to the vet, but it is very expensive and we don't have the extra money,

so we were hoping to find some advice here.

zoomkitten · 10-16-2006, 07:47 PM

I just remembered--my dog has a strange, pimple-like lump on her right flank. It appears to be itchy. It does not bleed or ooze puss when pricked with a (sterilized) pin. We cannot figure out what it is. Does anyone know what this is or if it may be connected to the sudden aggression?

zoomkitten · 10-18-2006, 07:38 PM

please help quickly!

all4thedogs · 10-18-2006, 07:43 PM

Im sorry the internet is no replacement for vet work, and without a blood panel its hard to give advice.

The pimple, is it red like a pimple or more like a lump? If its a lump it may be a fatty tumor, or cancer. If its cancer, then yes this could cause the aggression.

all4thedogs · 10-18-2006, 07:44 PM

Try calling local rescues and shelters and see if they know of a low cost vet in your area.

Im dont know where you are located, but in my area and exam, blood work and such would run you about $100.

zoomkitten · 10-18-2006, 07:48 PM

Yes, the internet is no replacement, we will get her to the vet as soon as we can, but check-ups are expensive and may come up with nothing and require more tests, which are more expensive, and can be all for nothing.

The pimple is not red, it is the same grayish color as her skin and has a dark gray spot in the middle.

Thanks for trying to give advice, I know it can be difficult without seeing the dog but I want to get as much information as I can before we get her to the vet (which we will do ASAP) so that he can go in the right direction the first time and cost us as little as possible. Its no fun to be 1000s of dollars in debt AND with a dead beloved pet...it has happened before, and so we are reluctant to do it again.

The dog has never, ever been sick before, so we are hoping she isn't now..

all4thedogs · 10-18-2006, 08:47 PM

When you do go to the vet, ask for a blood panel. This is a simple test with a lot of results. It tests the kidneys, liver, thyroid and several other functions. Its normally not horribly expencive ($20-$50), and worth the money.

Im not sure about the pimple, can you take a picture of it maybe? Im having a hard time picturing it.

Im sorry I cant be more of a help

mojo mama · 10-19-2006, 08:15 PM

You absolutely need to take her in. Can you apply for care credit to cover the costs?

Behavioral changes are sometimes the only sign we have that our dogs are sick. Earlier this year our Dane had an accidental bite to our son that resulted in sixteen stitches. It was scary and awful but our first step was the vet. He was in early renal failure and was pretty easily treated as it was due to an infection. He was good as new in a couple weeks and we have had no other issues at all. It was truly an isolated incident. Please don't let your dog continue to a point where she gets labeled as a "dangerous" animal. Call your vet and explain your financial situation. You may have more options available than you realize.

Best of luck!

abdragon3 · 10-20-2006, 04:29 PM

I'm no expert, but I had a GSD and he was GREAT with kids until he got older (about 5years) then he did not want them ANYWHERE near his face. It could be that she's just getting cranky in her old age???

Good luck. Best wishes and hope that it's NOT cancer!