It has been a long ten days and I wanted to update everyone who has been so kind and sent rays and prayers for my little man.
We met with the behavior specialist and he spent a lot of time talking to us about Toby. Bottom line is that we have absolutely no idea what is causing the sporadic aggression. He said that in cases like this we can continue to work with him but without having a clue as to the "triggers" it is difficult to know how to treat him. The degree of the aggression is obviously a concern.
A few days later we had a conference call with the specialist and my Vet (we were at the Vets with Toby anyway because we were considering x-rays to make sure it wasn't physical). I was told by both of them that in this case it would be impossible to trust Toby around anyone other than myself and my husband. He WILL bite again. We just do not know when or whom. Our vet twisted and turned him in every possible direction and clearly there is nothing hurting him so he felt that the x-rays would be a waste of time and money.
This left us with 3 options only.
1. Euthanize...which I simply do not want to do. Especially now that he is home and I see how much he loves being there with Buelah and Oscy .
2. Crate him every day and muzzle him when anyone is around. This is of course a problem because if someone happened to come in we could have a huge problem again. Also there is a concern that something could trigger a biting episode with one of the other dogs...although he has never been aggresive with them in the past. Bossy Buelah simply won't have it! :) There is simply no way to be absolutely sure that he will not come into contact with strangers.
3. Remove the four canine teeth. The Board of Vetrinary medicine does not recommend this except in extreme cases such as this. My vet has done it three time previously and all three were small breeds who went on to be wonderfully happy pets. They can still nip with the front teeth and it does not impair chewing at all as they chew with the back teeth. The canines are for holding prey and ripping. That is all they are for.
So...we chose option 3. I know that there are people who will feel this was wrong but to be honest it was our only real option. I find it a far better solution than death. Toby had the extractions done on Friday and came home on Monday morning. He is healing well and is now off the pain meds. He wants to romp and play with his brother and sister but can't until he is rechecked next tuesday. He is being absolutely the most loving sweet boy you could ever find! Cuddling with mama comes second to playing but for now, I think he is happy with that.
Hopefully all of the stiches will disolve before tuesday's vet visit and he can get back to life as a fun loving little dachsie boy! I think what matters here is that I am comfortable with the decision and that my boy is home and healthy and unable to hurt anyone again.
Thanks again to all of the wonderful people who have prayed for Toby.....I'll let you all know how he is doing!
I am so glad you were able to find a more permanent solution for Toby! I definitely agree that removing the canines is a better option than euthenizing him. Working with him and training him wouldn't hurt anyway. Rays going out for you and Toby! Gentle belly rubs to Toby!
Terri - I just want to say a big thank you for going to the extreme in doing the research and looking at all possible choices for Toby. What a trying time this has been for you and your family. I truly believe that what was best for Toby was first and foremost in your thoughts. I salute the decision that you made - and am sending rays that Toby heals quickly. Don't stop searching for the answer to his agression - there has to be a trigger and maybe you will be lucky enough to discover it someday.
Sending hugs to you for being such a caring mommy, to your family for supporting you and for the furkids who reap the benefits of your love !!!
Thanks so much for updating us - I look forward to hearing how Toby does......
Terri - I think you are an example to all who have a behavior problem with the dachsies (or any other dog for that matter) you have gone the extra mile and more to find a solution for Toby. In another thread about Toby the words "unconditional love" were used - certainly there can be no doubt about your love and dedication to helping Toby. I'm so glad you found a way to keep Toby and to let him enjoy his freedom. Toby will be just fine without his canines - Stormy had to have one removed last year and doesn't know the difference. As long as you don't give him a whole roast to rip up he will be just fine.
I too would urge you not to quit pursuing the cause of the behavior. Toby certainly can't be a happy fellow when he has a "spell". Please keep us posted on Toby's progress and thank you again for all you have done for this little fellow, I'm sure that I can't be the only one that has followed his story enough to feel like he is part of our extended family.
I second what everyone else is saying. Thank you so much for looking into this further! I would have never known about the extractions option. What a lucky boy Toby is to have such a smart Mama! Sending rays to Toby for a speedy recovery!
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Blusky&Manny and I are praying for you and hoping that everything will work out for you and Toby!
Thank you for contuing to try and do all you can for Toby! Since he is not a feral dog, and you don't want to risk others' injuries, this sounds like his best option! :comfort:
There are many dogs are this board who have tugged at my heartstrings, and still do, but Toby has grabbed my whole heart from day one. Maybe part of it is because he came to you right after Hurricane Katrina and things were so emotional then, I don't know, but I'm always looking for updates on him. He is one dog who is always able to bring tears to my eyes and he did it again this evening. I'm so glad that there was a third option for him and you were able to do this. I'm sure he will never miss the teeth and he will have a unique "Toby" smile now! You can relax and just enjoy having Toby at home and take some time to see if you can ever figure out what the trigger may be n these attacks. Hope he heals quickly!
Terri I've said it before and I'll say it again - Toby is truly blessed to have found such a wonderful momma.
THANK YOU!!!!
Terri,
That was a great idea and I am glad Toby is healing well. Don't give up on training also. God bless you and Toby, good luck and keep me posted. I wonder if that is an option for Meeko? No one ever suggested that for her. If it works, I'd do it for her.
Dottie
I am so happy that you found a good solution!! That was a very good idea to have his cannines removed. I would have never thought of that. My family will keep Toby and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Hope everything continues to go so well for you all!!
Thanks for the update and for going the extra mile or three for Toby.
Having to crate him when there is company is no different than my uncle having a "watchdog" huge German shepherd. No one was truly safe around that dog other than my aunt and uncle. King was kept segregated and served his purpose which was to keep their home safe (they were burglarized 3 times prior).
Could you get your family and friends to give notice before dropping in? This would allow you to tuck Toby in for a treat and a nap. While spontaneous visits can be fun, this would also give you time to tidy up if needed.
BIG THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!
My third doxie, Harry, had to have almost all of his front teeth removed in his later years. He wasn't a biter, the teeth were just rotten despite yearly cleaning. Anyway, it didn't impair eating or chewing on a bone at all. I think you made the right call with Toby, and I thank you for all the time and expense you have invested on his behalf.
:hello2: I think that is an excellent solution! For both Toby and your peace of mind. You're the GREATEST Mom!
I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and we are here if you need us!!
Thanks for the update and what a great solution. That is good to know.
Glad to hear Toby's doing all right--I ran across his adventures at the pool again while doing some research and just had to look for a follow-up. Looking forward to reading about more of his adventures!! :sunny: