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Dog Hypothyroidism"Dog Hypothyroidism is usually caused by a hereditary condition where the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Blood tests can detect the condition that usually occurs no earlier than at age 4. Treatment involves the daily use of hormone replacements. Some owners like to treat the condition with a dietary supplement as well." The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the neck and attached to the trachea. It has many functions, but is best known for regulating the metabolism. Specifically it speeds up the heart rate, respiratory rate and the replacement of cells. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid becomes underactive and does not secrete enough thyroid thyroglobilin hormone. Problems generally occur in mid to large size dog and are rarely seen in toy and miniature breeds. Symptoms usually appear between four and ten years of age. Dog Hypothyroidism SymptomsThyroid problem in dog can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms are often rather vague and can be contradictory. Symptoms include:* lethargy Problems generally occur in mid to large size dog and are rarely seen in toy and miniature breeds. Symptoms usually appear between four and ten years of age. Diagnosing Dog HypothyroidismIf your dog has symptoms of a thyroid disorder, your vet will take some blood for testing. The blood sample should be taken when your dog is otherwise healthy, is not in or approaching a heat cycle, and is not on medications like steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anti-convulsive medications. Usually a 3 month window before testing is needed if any thyroid drug is being administered.Tests look at the pituitary gland, since this is the gland that produces a hormone that signals the thyroid to release more hormone. The pituitary test is called a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test. If these levels are higher than normal than it is the pituitary working overtime trying to stimulate a thyroid gland that isn't working. Tests of the thyroid look for the opposite....are levels of hormone being produced below normal. The tests measure two different thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyonine) and T4 (levothyroxine). Net, if the pituitary levels are too high and the thyroid levels are too low, then a diagnosis of hypothyroidism will be made. Testing also looks for underlying causes such as cases where the immune system of your dog is attacking itself called autoimmune thyroiditis. This type of thyroid disease starts between the ages of 2 and 5. Most dogs will be testing for the condition starting in the 4th year of life since this is when the majority start showing antibodies for the disease. Your dog could test positive for thyroid disease yet show no symptoms. As indicated this could be due to early onset of the disease starting at age 4. There could also be a malignant (cancerous quickly growing) tumor in the thyroid causing it to malfunction, although this is rare. Treatment of Dog HypothyroidismTreatment for hypothyroidism in dogs is via an oral supplement administered daily for the life of your dog.Treatment consists of two doses of the synthetic hormone levothyroxine which is converted to triiodothyonine in the body. Some dogs are not able to make the conversion, and they need to be given that hormone as well. The dosage is based on body weight. Thyroid hormones are quickly metabolized and excreted from the body, so splitting the dose is most effective. A month or two after beginning treatment, your veterinarian will want to redo the blood tests to make sure the levels are now within normal range. Blood should be drawn 4 – 6 hours after the morning dose of levothyroxine. Dogs on long-term thyroid medication should have blood work done every 6 – 12 months. With treatment, symptoms should disappear after a few weeks. Another form of thyroid therapy involves the use of dietary supplements. Ask your Veterinarian about the supplement made by Thyro-Pet which is made expressly for this purpose. Sources
Orthopedic Foundation for AnimalsBrevitz, Betsy, D.V.M. Hound Health Handbook Canine Hypothyroidism From Dog Hypothyroidism to Dog Health Guide Home
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