Suprelorin advice please

[moss]

Hi, Sunny has some issues with other dogs since his IM Mengintis.
My trainer is suggesting Suprelorin, my vet is reluctant to try it due to Sunny's medical history.
Does anyone have any advice or experience please
Thanks
Jackie

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Jackie

How old is Sunny?  Is he a teenager? If Sunny's anti-social issues are due to his hormones then, personally, I would rather castrate him than give an artificial suppressant.  I also agree with your vet.  No one can tell what sort of reaction Sunny may or may not have to Suprelorin and it could trigger a SRMA relapse or even another AI disease.  Can't your trainer work though this with him? Perhaps a different trainer may get better results.

Penel is the one who knows most about training.  I hope she will see your posting.

Jo

[Catherine]

What sort of issues, Jackie, "frisky" or aggressive?

I have no experience with the Suprelorin but I actually agree with your vet on this one (!) and do not think it is worth risking any more problems.

[gschellinger]

Hypothyroidism can also cause personality changes or aggression in a dog.
gail

[moss]

Thank you for your replies, have to say I had my reservations too and your thoughts have clarified this.
He is aggressive with other dogs and frisky with bitches which I realise is pretty normal but he just doesn't " engage brain" before reacting.
I realise training is the key but difficult whilst hormones are raging.
It's almost as if he's a 6 month old puppy with teenage hormones which makes sense as he missed out on so much whilst he was ill
He is 2 in Feb.
Thyroid crossed my mind too but vet was dismissive when I mentioned it, will make another appointment
Thanks again
Jackie

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

I've seen only good experiences with Suprelorin, we've had several clients use it with great success.  it mimics castration really well, and if it makes a positive impact then we advise castration 4 - 6 months into the implant.
It all depends on whether the behaviour you're worried about is caused by hormones, or just lack of socialisation.  What breed is he sorry I can't remember?

[moss]

Hes a Border Collie.
He was well socialised as a pup, attended training, workshops, champ shows etc, no problems.
With hindsight he wasn't right for a couple of months prior to be being diagnosed with Meningitis, so started being slightly grumbly with some dogs at about 10 months, I put that down to entire adolescent male.  When he was on steroids he didn't really socialise as he wasn't up to it
He lives with my 3 other dogs without problems but the other 3 don't really interact.  That sounds silly but although they live happily together they never play with each other, they are 3 very separate entities.
I "think" his issues stem from not having much of a clue of how to interact anymore, almost as if he forgot whilst he was ill
As I said, hormones also kicked in whilst he was ill so everything combined I'm not really surprised he had issues
The Suprelorin was suggested to take the hormones out of the equation and give him time to learn whilst not being ruled  by by his "bits"
I think I will have to consider castration, it just wasn't something I was planning on
Thanks
Jackie

[Catherine]

When my Beardie was very ill with AIHA we stopped socializing and also I tended to let her get away with things. Nearly having her die, her inappropriate barking was music to our ears but when she got better I realized she had become a bit naughty. Perhaps it might be an idea to ease back on how many dogs Sunny meets and in a different way and at the same time start some training away from other dogs. He sounds as though he did well before his illness and  maybe he justs needs some time to adjust back. Personally I would just see how things go for a while and not rush into an operation or medication.

[moss]

That's exactly what my trainer says at the mo, luckily, where we live it is easy to avoid meeting other dogs.
He is able to train in a group without reacting as long as he is given space, ie barn or field.
His general obedience is great, he has a 100 o/o recall
I feel so sad for him because his temperament was second to none and he loved meeting other dogs and playing and now he misses out on all that. 
Thanks
Jacqui