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Charlie is aggressive
We are on our way to the vet......
Found [14] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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irishacres
Posted: 3:26:21 PM 8/20/2008
Charlie is my 6+ year old unaltered male Irish Setter.

Yesterday he started to show signs of aggressiveness. It is hard to describe. Well here goes, basically when he is not resting he is not playful, when you pet him or come into a room where he is he starts a low growl. He tenses up and his hair is somewhat standing up.

I am not aware of any injuries, fights, changes of diets or anything else that would radically change his behavior. He has always been a "happy go lucky" Irish Setter. This just isn't him.
As I said, it started yesterday morning. We do have a vet's appointment later this afternoon.

I was just wondering if anyone has been through this with their pet?
I like him a lot better than I like most people. To you he's a dog. TO me he's an adopted son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. I have no problem with any of these. <
lpn169
Posted: 4:00:31 PM 8/20/2008
Poor Charlie! The only thing that comes to mind is pain or illness causing his anti-social behavior all the sudden.

I sure hope they find out whats wrong...please keep us posted!!!
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.......
<
catlover
Posted: 4:32:11 PM 8/20/2008
I don't personally have any experience with the issue, but I believe one possibility would be a thyroid disorder. Good luck-I hope it is something minor or something easily treated.
>^..^<
irishacres
Posted: 5:01:49 PM 8/20/2008
We are back from the vet. Of course he didn't show any of his growlyness to the vet, staff, or the Cats who hang around at the office, go figure right?

A full blood panel was taken. Liver and kidney are fine, we won't know about thyroid or cancer until Friday. His temperature was fine, his eyes fine, his ears fine, his throat fine......Vet has no idea and can't believe the description of his behavior/personality......

Will keep you updated and thanks for your responses so far.
I like him a lot better than I like most people. To you he's a dog. TO me he's an adopted son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. I have no problem with any of these. <
lpn169
Posted: 1:33:17 AM 8/21/2008
While I truly hope that nothing shows on the thyroid and cancer screenings :( Hopefully if they do find the cause, it is a minor, easily treated thing.

Could he be mimicking human males and having a touch of 'manopause' lol....sorry had to lighten the mood.
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.......
<
sue
Posted: 8:36:39 AM 8/21/2008
Has the dog had alot more attention then usual lately?
Is there any new people in his life, has he he been allowed to do anything new, sleep on beds.
has the dog had any basic training in the past?
Does he get upset when eye contact is held.
Susanne
When I look up into the sky, I think to myself, Wheres the ceiling?
talktothetail@hotmail.com
Pen2
Posted: 10:12:21 AM 8/21/2008
Have you had him anywhere that another person could have hurt him,or has somebody been at your house that could have hurt him? a Is he the top dog in the house?(besides you) What happens if you tell him to get off the couch, or push him off? How does he behave with the other dogs, and is he the same with all members of the family?
irishacres
Posted: 3:16:21 PM 8/21/2008
Good questions.

Basically we live alone Sunday nights through Friday nights. We were home over the weekend and his "chick" Rhoda and his daughter Darbie are in heat. They basically told him "NO" they weren't interested in him and he would leave them alone.

We came back to our bachelor pad on Sunday night. He was fine. Monday he was fine. I had to leave him Tuesday morning and when I came back from my appointment, that is when this growling started.

For example I went outside yesterday afternoon to visit with the landlord. When I came back inside the house, instead of the usual greeting, "I miss you, I miss you, you've been gone so long" he just backed away from the door and growled at me......Its scary and worrisome. I basically talk to him in friendly tones and he just walks away and lies down in one of his spots.....

He has not had exposure to any one other then family members and the family dogs. No injuries that I know of....I've had dogs 25+ years and have never seen anything like this.
I like him a lot better than I like most people. To you he's a dog. TO me he's an adopted son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. I have no problem with any of these. <
Posted: 3:31:50 PM 8/21/2008
Has he been check for a brain tumor? Years ago a friend of mine had a doberman who went from being a big baby to not letting my friend any where near him over night. Turned out the dog had a brain tumor.
Pen2
Posted: 5:26:01 PM 8/21/2008
The reason I asked the questions I did, was because i thought he was possibly showing aggression from one of the 3 reasons it shows up, dominance fear, or territorialism...and now that you mention the 2 girls in heat, it does explain it in a way. He's obviously very ticked that he's cut off, so to speak. I guess I would keep the girls well away from him, and spend some extra time with him, going on long runs, etc. I would not put up with any aggression, whatsoever (after you find out the results of the tests).He is pouting I think, but if you tell him how it is, I'm sure he will come around. Are you planning on breeding him again?
sue
Posted: 7:42:54 PM 8/22/2008
What kid of an appointment did you go to.
I would take him out some good long walks, do some training to build some confidence (Positive only)and build the bond betwen the two of you.
Hand feed him for a while, if you feel the need, check into DAP sprays from your Vet or pet store.(Pheramone sprays)Spray on a Bandana.
Its quite possible that bringing dogs in heat into the apartment ruffled his feathers, its hard to say without actually knowing the dog and seeing his behaviors. Possible one of the female dogs gave him some attitude.
When I look up into the sky, I think to myself, Wheres the ceiling?
talktothetail@hotmail.com
irishacres
Posted: 10:34:42 PM 8/27/2008
An update on Sir Charlie.

All of the blood tests are back in. Thyroid, liver, kidney and cancer are clear.

He was free from Lymes, but did test positive for a tick borne illness called Anaplasmosis, it can cause neurological problems. He has been a regimen of Doxycycline and the vet and our breeder/mentor think that his abrupt change of behavior was caused by this tick borne illness.

He is about 99.7% back to normal. Just a big goofy loveable Irish Setter.



I like him a lot better than I like most people. To you he's a dog. TO me he's an adopted son who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. I have no problem with any of these. <
lpn169
Posted: 1:18:22 AM 8/28/2008
Charlie!!!
And to dad for his fast response in getting Charlie checked out and being so in tune to his baby!!!
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.......
<
Minniyar
Posted: 1:34:22 AM 8/28/2008
I'm glad Charlie is doing better. I am not sure how I missed this post (Hey Irish, long time no see!) but my initial thought was to ask "Is there a dog in heat in the vicinity?" We've got a neutered male border collie mix that got extremely irritable when our Akita went into heat way back when we still had her. It's possible it was a combination of things, if the bacterial infection causes neurological issues.
Never trust a tall dwarf... he's lying about something.
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