Hypothyroidism: Is Your Dog a Prime Candidate?
When treated successfully, hypothyroid dogs quickly return to their "old self"
What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?
It is a gland located in the neck that produces thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls the body's metabolic rate.
What does it mean to be hypothyroid?
An animal is considered hypothyroid if the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This can be caused by many factors including:
- immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland (lymphoid thyroiditis)
- idiopathic thyroid atrophy (a complicated way of saying an unknown cause)
- dietary causes
- other causes
Which dogs are likely to be hypothyroid?
This disease usually occurs in adult dogs, over 4 years of age, although large or giant breeds may develop this earlier. Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, are prone to hypothyroidism, although any breed of dog can get this disease.
What happens to a dog with hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism affects many organ systems. Typically hypothyroid dogs are overweight and less active. Some affected dogs may even suffer from recurrent skin, ear or urinary tract infections, hair loss or behaviour changes. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose based on symptoms alone.
How will I know if my dog is hypothyroid?
A physical exam, careful questioning and a blood test may allow us to detect hypothyroidism in its early stages, well before obvious symptoms develop. In some cases, further confirmatory tests are necessary. Once a dog is diagnosed with the disease, we re-evaluate thyroid levels regularly to monitor the response to therapy.
Can we treat hypothyroidism?
Yes! All it takes is daily administration of a pill to make up for the deficiency in thyroid hormone. The pill is easy to administer (tasteless) and inexpensive. Once treated, hypothyroid dogs generally have increased energy within a few weeks. Skin problems also resolve and dogs shed those extra pounds they have accumulated. It is important to note that hypothyroid dogs require medication for life.
Call us to book an appointment to have your dog tested.
For more information visit the Veterinary Partner Hypothyroidism page.