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- Verified Buyer
I have 4 rescued border collies of various ages and backgrounds, who like many of you, couldn't imagine life without them. They are all on a health plan with a local vet, and receive the best of care and nutrition.I am here to share a recent experience with you to illustrate how crucial this book is for any dog owner!!One of my dogs, a 5 year old, was gaining weight, changing in his demeanor and becoming lazy and passive. Just not himself for the last 6-9 months or so. He had his yearly exam and blood work done in Dec. Nothing remarkable, Vet noted his weight gain.A few months back I noticed also that his tail fur appeared to be thinning. Nothing obvious like patches, etc, I chalked it up to his weight gain and thought to myself it just looks smaller due to his weight gain.Over the past few weeks I had noted even further thinning of the tail fur and was now convinced that he was losing tail fur. So, I did a Google search on thinning tail fur, and through some forum threads and blogs, had narrowed it down to Cushings Syndrome or hypothyroidism.I then pulled this book from the book shelf to learn about both. First checked Cushings...seemed far fetched, not real applicable.Turned back one page and there was Hypothyroidism. It clearly and concisely gave me exactly what the symptoms are, what the vet would do to check it, and treatment.Just what you would expect from a book of this sort...BUT...HERE is where the REAL story begins, read on dear reader. :)So, reading the book, I was convinced my dog should be tested for hypothyroidism.In the book, one of the possible precursors to HT (hypothyroidism) is a high cholesterol reading.Also in the book, it says the test for HT is the Total T4. If this comes back low, the results must be narrowed with an FT4, or there are other blood tests which can also more accurately detect the thyroid condition. The book details these.My wife usually deals with the vet, so I asked my wife to call the vet and ask what the cholesterol reading was from his Dec blood work. Vet said it was normal, and asked why. Wife said "K is concerned about Fido, and wanted to know if it was high as a possible indicator of HT, concerned about his weight gain, his tail fur loss, etc"Vet says "cholesterol has nothing to do with HT, don't know what book HE'S reading..."Wife says "Well, he wants you to run a Total T4 immediately, when can we bring him in?"We bring him in, blood is drawnI receive voicemail from Vet 3 days later: "Hello, this is Dr Anonymous calling back about your dog Fido. Yes...and to let you know, uh...er that yes, we...the test is true...Fido does have hypothyroidism...this explains a lot about his weight gain an lethargy. I'm going to prescribe a treatment...he should lose that weight soon, his fur will come back full, and he will regain his energy, etc"Umm...yeah.....that BOOK you asked about earlier...DOC...?? THIS is THAT book.So, I know, long story...but I thought the irony of a Dr snarkily asking my wife what book *I* was reading from...and the days later fumbling over his words to leave the message that, basically...I was right, and he would begin treatment.That feels great, but it's NOT about this guy's abilities as a vet, or me being right.What it IS about is pointing out that, even with a health plan, and everything you all do for your dogs, at the end of the day, it is really up to YOU, their guardian, bestest friend, and the head of their forever family, to make sure they get the care they deserve.I don't know why the vet missed it, or didn't diagnose it himself in Dec. I'm not casting judgment on him. I can only say that because.of the information in this amazing book, I was able to proceed with an appropriate course of action, in conjunction with my vet, to get my dog fixed.Fido, in one month of treatment, has lost much of the weight he put on, his tail is filling back out, his eyes sparkle with youth again, and he is like a whole new dog again!I use this book for all sorts of things big and small. The information is laid out perfectly, as you'd expect with a reference book of this nature. It is both very technical and easy to read. It is very well presented, and the indexes are very thorough and complete.If you are hesitating on this book, don't! Your 4 legged buddies really depend on you, and this book really delivers both peace of mind for you, as we l as knowing when, and how, to act when needed. You can speak knowledgeably to your Vet on any issue with this book in your library.Thanks for reading, I hope it was beneficial, particularly for those on the fence about buying this brilliant book.
