Rebecca Lynn - My Basset Hound

Question
Hello,

I'm not sure if you could help me.  I have been trying to get some answers on my Basset.  I have had Becky since she was 6 months old.  She is now going on 9 years.  I love her with all my heart she has always been sweet, friendly, loving.. I rescue anmials (she was a rescue as well) She couldn't use her hind legs when I got her.  We spent alot on vet bills when she was a puppy but has been able to walk, run and play since she was one year old.  She has always helped me take care of the smaller anmials.  Even letting kittens nurse on her when she doesn't have milk.  She was prego only once and that was a accident. That was 6 years ago.  

Now the problem. Lately she has been very aggressive towards the smaller animals.  Even people at times.  Never bit but just more of a threat.  Well Sunday she went to the point of capturing one of my chickens and killing it.  This is completely unlike her. I noticed her aggression getting worse about 6 months ago.  I brought her to the vet and they told me "well Basset Hounds aren't known to be friendly" I said I have had her for 8 years and she has never been this way... how could that just happen.  They said it was a behavior problem.  I find that hard to believe if she had a behavior problem I would have seen it long ago.  
I love my dog... I know she's old but she should still have a few good years left.  But I'm afraid she may bite someone or kill more of my livestock.  Is there anything you can think of to help me?  I DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF HER OR PUT HER TO SLEEP.  I have tried everything I can think of.
PLEASE EVEN IF YOU CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING MAYBE YOU CAN DIRECT ME TO SOMEONE WHO CAN!
Thank you in advance for your help!
Terry


Answer
Sounds like it might actually be a thyroid problem-one of the first symptoms is that they become aggressive when they never were before and it is rather common in older dogs,esp females

I would either get the vet to test her for that(it's just a simple blood test)and if that vet refuses try another one and explain to them what you just told me and again ask for a thyroid test

Hypothyroidism is easy and cheap to manage-while they always have to be on medication it is an inexpensive medication