Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 18, 2009 at 8:55am

Usually there is some cause to episodes like this can you give more details on what led up to the attacks?

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 18, 2009 at 9:19am

It really came out of the blue, she was gentle for six years. After each of these attacks she has exhibited signs of disorientation. We've thought about all the possible environmental factors and none fit her situation.

Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on August 18, 2009 at 8:57am

I hope this helps, I found these articles on the web. Most of them are targeted around spaniels, but it can happen with any breed of dogs.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/8195/tle.html

http://members.lycos.co.uk/ragesyndromeinfo/whatisrage.htm

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5025631_bipolar-disorders-dog.html

Good luck with your dog.

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 18, 2009 at 9:21am

That is great info Lou Ann, we'll forward it to our vet.

thank you so much

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 18, 2009 at 9:36am

I guess what I'm asking is does anyone know of a Corgi Rescue person with lots of land and patience who can take a dog with this syndrome? We cannot keep her with the unpredictable nature of her attacks. They are text book Canine Rage Syndrome but we do not want to have her put down. We want her to run free somewhere.

We would do anything for her, but since we live in NYC it's impossible for us to provide a safe space for her or the people/dogs around her.

It's really a horrible situation and we just want to find Ferris (that's her name) a sanctuary somewhere. If we could afford to buy a farm somewhere out in the country we would. But we can't. What we can afford is to buy Ferris a place somewhere out in the country were she will be OK.

I hope that makes sense and somebody can help us.

Permalink Reply by Beth on August 18, 2009 at 10:14am

I am so sorry to hear about your Corgi.

I realize that sometimes testing can get very expensive, but before you place her or have her destroyed, is there a university teaching hospital or something within a couple hundred miles where you can take her for further evaluation? Sometimes there can be a physical cause for unexplained aggression.

Canine rage is a slightly controversial disorder. I don't have direct experience with it, but originally I was looking into getting a Springer Spaniel (before we settled on Corgis) and was spooked off by all I read about Springer Rage.

Usually the glazed look comes right before the attack; it is normal for a dog to look disoriented after an attack. I am not questioning your vet's diagnosis, but the diagnosis is, for most people, a death sentence and if it is at all possible for you to rule out other things first, might you consider that?

I realize you are facing a painful decision and I am certainly not second-guessing you, just maybe offering a possible different perspective. There can be certain tumors that can cause increases in anxiety-causing hormones, for example, that can increase aggression in some dogs.

Permalink Reply by Beth on August 18, 2009 at 10:18am

Here's a link that touches on some other causes. Perhaps all have been ruled out, but if not the thyroid and tumors are at least worth a second look.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/medical-causes-of-aggression-in-dogs/p...

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 18, 2009 at 10:40am

Thanks Beth, we're waiting on the thyroid test results this morning. Our heads are spinning.

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 18, 2009 at 10:45am

thyroid is neg

Permalink Reply by Shepdog on August 18, 2009 at 11:56am

I might really look seriously about an MRI, if your vet hasn't suggested that or brought this up as an option to what's going on. I've seen two other cases in Corgis like this, and it's been sadly enough a brain tumor that triggered it. Trainers in that case simply didn't help - the dog was mis-firing so to speak, no fault of the dog at all. Medication helped reduce the incidences, but did not completely stop it.

I hope you figure out what's going on... everyone's offered a lot of good advice. It's going to be very hard for someone to take on a dog with Rage Syndrome - it's one of those things you need to be aware of 24-7. Liability issues may make it near to impossible to place her (and I don't want to dash your hopes here) but most rescues cannot take a dog like this. And, if she is privately placed and bites someone with severe results, even if they sign a waiver, it is possible if it ends up being a third party not only will their insurance company come after them, they can come after you, since you knew the dog had the issue to begin with. :/

It's a very sticky fault situation with the courts and "dangerous" dogs in this day and age. I just would hate to see you get sued months or years down the road if something very major happened.

Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on August 19, 2009 at 7:49am

I hope you are able to find the cause of your corgi's behavior and it's treatable. Prayers to you and your dog. Please, keep us informed.

Permalink Reply by Inkou on August 22, 2009 at 6:53pm

We gathered all the advice, looked exhaustively into every option and in the end, followed the original advice of the excellent, experienced and compassionate veterinarian who has treated Ferris since she was born.

Ferris was put to sleep. We brought her into the room at the hospital and played with her for a while then tearfully summoned the vet. He gave her a shot and left the room. She became drowsy and we held her until she was immobile. The vet came back and we lifted her to the table. We petted her and soothed her while he gave her another injection. In less than a minute he put his stethoscope to her heart. He looked up at me and nodded and then left the room. We closed her eyes. There was no pain for her.

This was the most difficult thing we have ever done. We feel incredibly guilty and it will take a very long time to get over it. Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread. Please go hug your Corgis in memory of Ferris. We'll get her ashes back in a week and perhaps then will have some kind of closure.

Rest In Peace sweet little baby bear, life will not be the same without you.

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