Dog fearful after attack

Question
I have a 4 year old golden retriever. He and I have been running together for 3 years through our neighborhood about 4-5 times a week. On one of our runs last year, he was mauled by a pit bull. He was seriously injured and had 2 emergencies surgeries to repair the bite wounds. It is now a year later, he's once again a strong dog. However, since the attack, he is fearful of almost everything--from thunder to neighbor dogs barking to strangers on the street. He is not interested in going outside unless I bribe him with a ball or toy--even to go to the bathroom. His behavior has gotten worse as the months have gone by. Our vet suggested antidepressants for him since she thinks that he suffers from PTSD. What is your advice? Any advice on behavior modification?

Thanks,
Julie

Answer
The worth of anti-depressants in dogs is very difficult to determine, and dogs cannot report nasty side effects (which can be serious.)  Clomicalm (Anafranil compounded for use in dogs) is used to treat anxiety and obsessive compulsive behaviors in dogs.  You might ask your veterinarian for a course of treatment using this drug.  However, drugs will not do the trick here, if they have any effect at all.  The use of any medication must be coupled with careful, expert behavior modification.  From this distance, I can't observe your dog nor can I evaluate his temperament, nor can I determine if any neurological component (as a side effect of his very serious injuries, blood loss, etc.) is involved.  You need an in person evaluation by a behavior expert.  Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a Ph.D. or DVM professional; if s/he is unable to give you a name, contact the veterinary college in your area and ask for a referral.  Meanwhile, be careful what you are rewarding with games, cajoling, petting, etc., as often (in an attempt to soothe) people inadvertently reward a fearful mindset or biological response and make the problem worse.  It sounds to me as if your dog has begun to generalize fearful stimuli and this indicates that either you have inadvertently rewarded his fear or he may have suffered some neurological damage.  I can't be certain of anything because I can't see the dog.