What is Hypothyroidism???
Hypothyroidism is a common problem in dogs.The thyroid gland's role is in regulating metabolism. Hypothyroidism is the result when not enough thyroid hormone is produced. Common symptoms are dogs that have trouble with obesity, Lethargy/mental dullness and suffer from hair loss and a variety of skin problems. There may also be hormonal problems present and in some cases heart problems. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test that checks the level of various thyroid hormones including T3 and T4. Most hypothyroid dogs respond readily to treatment with synthetic thyroid medication.
Who gets Hypothyroidism?
Although the onset of symptoms can occur at any age depending on the cause and severity, hypothyroidism most commonly develops in dogs between the ages of 4 to 10 years. The disorder usually affects mid to large size breeds of dogs. Breeds that appear to be predisposed to developing the condition include the Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, and Airedale Terrier. Sex does not appear to determine a higher incidence of Hypothyroidism, but spayed females appear to develop it more often than intact females.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
A hypothyroid dog will need to be on thyroxine for the rest of his life.
Although not the most pleasant of diseases, the good news is that it is easily treated. Treatment consists of putting the dog on a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine (levothyroxine). The actual name brand or generic name depends on your Verterinarian. The dose and frequency of administration of this drug varies depending on the severity and the individual response of the animal to the drug. A dog is usually placed on a standard dose for his weight and then blood samples are drawn periodically and the dose adjusted accordingly. Once therapy is started, the dog will need to be on treatment for the rest of his life. Symptoms usually begin to decrease within a week to a month, almost immediately. Most dogs appear to be normal when the proper dose has been reached! Please keep in mind that raises in dosage may seem slow, but if given too much medication then needed can cause the dog to have MANY side effects such as becoming HyPERthyroid, which is the opposite of HyPO thyroidism and much like the fore-part of the name, HYPERthyroid.
