How to tackle hypothyroidism in dogs
Until recently I had no idea that dogs could also be at a high risk of developing hypothyroidism just like humans. Although Rover had been showing certain symptoms of late like obesity, lethargy and frequent skin infections I had not the least idea that hypothyroidism was lurking.
Finally when I consulted a vet he conducted a series of tests which confirmed the same. Though I was a little shaken by this revelation initially, the doctor assured me by saying that hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases found in dogs. It is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormones secreted by their thyroid glands. It is most commonly seen in middle aged to older dogs. He also enlightened me further about the other symptoms, method of diagnosis and the mode of treatment.
I found these information very useful. So, I thought of penning them down for my online readers. In case your doggy is suffering from hypothyroidism the symptoms may vary from skin infections, loss of hair, abnormalities in the skin, listlessness, anemia and changed facial expression to the less commonly seen ones like cardiac arrhythmias, neurological deficits including facial neuropathy, in-coordination, head tilt, abnormalities in the eyes, gait and seizures. There are some other conditions which may or may not be directly related to hypothyroidism. These include enlarged esophagous, laryngeal paralysis, infertility and behavioral abnormalities.
The vet emphasized that hypothyroidism cannot be diagnosed easily. However, the routine work-ups may include blood tests like total t4 levels, free t4 levels (by electrodialysis), cTSH (canine thyroid stimulating hormone) levels and antitthyroglobulin antibodies. He warned that depressed levels of thyroid could also result from a number of other factors not related to hypothyroidism. So, for reaching a definitive diagnosis it’s important to evaluate the clinical symptoms along with the laboratory test results.
Normally, doctors prescribe thyroid supplements like Oloxine, Thyrosyn twice daily in the initial phase. Above all periodic monitoring is mandatory since ‘hypothyroidism’ is not curable. Once detected your pooch has to be on hormone supplementation drugs for ever. But once the treatment starts there is absolutely no cause for worry.
Tags: diagnostic work-ups for hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism in dogs, symptoms of hypothyroidism, treatment for hypothyroidism