Canine Hypothyroidism Treatment

"Canine hypothyroidism treatment involves synthetic hormone replacement therapy and/or natural dietary supplements that are known to promote dog thyroid health."

Canine hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is undera ctive and does not secrete enough thyroid hormones. This causes the metabolism to decrease, leading to a number of symptoms including:

* lethargy or lack of energy
* weight loss or weight gain without any change in diet
* hair loss
* dry skin
* skin infections
* gastrointestinal problems such as constipation
* reproductive problems such as infertility
* heart rate problems

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by blood tests. Typically they test for T3 (triiodothyonine) and T4 (levothyroxine). If a dog has hypothyroidism, these numbers will be abnormally low.

Canine Hypothyroidism Treatment Options

Canine hypothyroidism treatment involves administering synthetic versions of hormones such as thyroxine (levothyroxine). This is a hormone normally produced by the thyroid gland, sometimes referred to as T4. Levothyroxine is then converted in the body to triiodothyonine, sometimes referred to as T3. If a dog�s body is unable to make that conversion, then he will need to be given that hormone, as well.

The dose will be based on the dog�s body weight. Because thyroid hormones are quickly metabolized and excreted from the body, some veterinarian's believe that splitting the dose into two doses per day is most effective. Others feel that one dose a day is sufficient. It is difficult to calibrate the exact amount of hormones needed resulting in increased symptoms.

One to two months after the start of treatment, blood tests should be done to check T3 and T4 levels to make sure they are within normal limits. Blood should be drawn 4 to 6 hours after the morning dose of thyroxine. Dogs on long-term thyroid therapy should have blood work repeated every 6 to 12 months (and just about any dog on thyroid therapy is on it long-term).

Alternative Canine Hypothyroidism Treatment

Many holistic veterinarians recommend dietary supplements that have shown an ability to improve your dog�s thyroid functioning and increase the production of thyroid hormones naturally as well as address all the major symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

Active ingredients to look for include:

* Fucus vesiculosis (Bladderwrack or kelp): a prime source of iodine - crucial in preventing thyroid problems. It has been used medicinally in humans for thousands of years

* Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi): is an herb know for revitalizing the endocrine system. Recent research confirms the positive effect of Astragalus on helping the body fight against disease.

* Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng): addresses fatigue that dogs with hypothyroid conditions suffer from. Recent research has clinically proven that regular use of Siberian Ginseng will help the body to withstand physical stress and boost immune functioning.

* Urtica urens: is used as a circulatory stimulant to regulate metabolism, thyroid and adrenal function. This herb is also a good source of minerals, as well as Vitamins A, B and C.

A product that combines these ingredients and is specifically made for natural thyroid treatment is Pet Alive Thyro-Pet. Consult with your veterinarian so that they can help you track progress and determine if this approach is working for your dog.

Canine Hypothyroidism Treatment Results

Canine hypothyroidism treatment is highly effective, and symptoms should disappear with treatment. Lethargy should be significantly decreased within two weeks of starting treatment. Hair regrowth will take time, but improvement should be noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks of starting treatment. Blood abnormalities should be normalized within 4 to 6 weeks. If there are still clinical signs of dog hypothyroidism treatment within 6 to 8 weeks it can mean several things:

* You may not be giving your dog the medication correctly
* The dosage may not be incorrect
* The diagnosis may not be right
* Other causes of the symptoms such as other diseases may be present

Medication will be required throughout your dog's lifetime. Dogs will need to be monitored for signs that the dose may need adjusting, for instance, weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, or behavioral changes. These should be reported to the vet at once. Dogs can live full and normal lives with proper canine hypothyroidism treatment.

Sources:

Canine Hypothyroidism: What�s New?
Daminet, S. DMV

Canis Major

Canine Hypothyroidism
Shomom, Mary

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