8 year old Lab gone Nutty!

Question
My 8 year old Black Lab who was a perfect angel, has turned into a perfect nightmare. My dog has suddenly developed a fear of thunderstorms, and trashes the house when one passes through. Chewing, urinating on furniture, etc. We bought a wire crate for her, which she HATES, and howls and pants all day when we are gone.  Today she found a way to chew through the bars and the floor of the cage (now useless because the broken metal can hurt her).  She also has a way of throwing herself into the door of the cage and busting it open (now her little nose is all raw).  Do you have any suggestions as to what we can do, other than sedating her when we are not home.  Living in Florida I can't stop the thunderstorms.  I have been waking up extra early to walk her and tire her out, but it's not working. Nothing is. Please help me get my princess back!

Answer
Such a big change in personality at 8 years old us unusual.  It is possible some sort of a very close strike traumatized her.  I would check with the vet.  She may have a vision hearing loss adding to the problem.  This may also be a case for medication, although I am a little slow to suggest it.