Stella and Clomicalm - follow up

[Mr Kleb]

You may recall my July post about this topic. Briefly, in that post I described Stella’s jumpiness and wariness to Dr. David, who prescribed Clomicalm to see if that would help take the edge off schitzy Stella.

http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/s...ight=Clomicalm

Here’s an update.

About four weeks ago we had a follow up on how the Clomicalm was working, and to complete her annual exam including vaccination boosters. Dr. David sat on the floor not moving, other than holding out a hand for Stella to investigate. Her body language was neither open nor neutral so we passed on the boosters and discussed Stella’s anxiety some more.

I observed that there was some anecdotal evidence that Stella *may* be less wary with women than men. For example, Faye had taken her in to have a hot spot treated. Fate had them see Dr. Nancy, the partner, and I remembered that Faye said she was OK with Dr. Nancy. Anyway Dr. David suggested making the next appointment with Dr. Nancy (his ego was bruised about this but don’t think poorly of him. He does have a good ‘bedside manner’ and is very thorough in explaining his treatment regimes).

Dr. David & I talked more about Clomicalm and its intended use as an anti-anxiety and that it can make a big difference. He recommended going to one tab twice daily which we did. I did not see an appreciable difference in Stella’s demeanour. She was still wary of strangers, still jumpy.

Yesterday we had our follow-up with Dr. Nancy. Overall, Stella was OK.

After some initial very-wariness which was minimized with some treats, Stella virtually stopped ‘boofing.’ We discussed Clomicalm, cattle dogs, and rescue dogs. I said that Stella is a very sensitive girl and had little good-quality contact with people during her puppyhood. Dr. Nancy observed that cattle dogs are generally very very intelligent (almost too intelligent), very aware and attuned, and need work. The intelligence, awareness, and work things I already knew. She suggested that we keep with the Clomicalm for a bit, then perhaps taper her off and see how she does. That was good to hear.

Since the first appointment in July I have been uncertain about chemical intervention. I know Stella – I brought her home going on six years ago. She has always been high-strung and sensitive. But I thought while taking to Dr. David in July, perhaps I’m missing something. Maybe she is unbalanced and needs some help. Maybe there is a better way. So I wanted to be open.

After some thought though I’ve come to believe that Stella does not need help through chemistry. What this awesomely smart and sensitive girl needs is a new job to help take the edge off and give her something to do.

When I brought her home she was extraordinarily destructive. She was a bored puppy who hadn’t yet been put to work. After going through basic obedience, CGC, and some agility, the destructiveness totally stopped. Sooo, I need to find her work. A training or retraining regime, more physical and mental exercise. I don't yet know what. It isn't Clomicalm though.

[Pam and Brandy]

Good for you Andrew. I'm glad you're going to try and find a non-chemical solution.

P.S. They're building a Mountain Equipment Co-op in Burlington.

[Mr Kleb]

Thank you Pam.

Every one of our dogs - every dog - is in their own way a special needs. Stella's special need is lots and lots of work.

Hmm. IKEA and MEC in Burlington? Road trip!

[Pam and Brandy]

IKEA and MEC and ME!!!! What more could you want???

Say hi to Faye from me when you see her tomorrow.