Hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormones. In dogs, high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) is rare.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is quite common in dogs. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems. Get your dog checked by your vet if you suspect hypothyroidism, it is easy to treat.

In the past there has been a tendency for hypothyroidism to be over-diagnosed and over-treated. Diagnosis and treatment should not just be based on a low reading on a total T₄ test, but on a combination of applicable tests.

Find out about symptoms, causes and treatment of hypothyroidism;

• Common symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs
• Hair loss and poor quality hair
• Weight gain
• Intolerance to cold
• Anemia
• Lethargy
• High cholesterol
• Reproductive problems
• Other symptoms
• What ages and breeds of dogs are most affected by hypothyroidism?
• What are the major causes of hypothyroidism?
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cancer
  • Idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy
• What other diseases can cause hypothyroidism?
• Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
  • Total (baseline) T₄ test
  • T₄ equilibrium dialysis
  • TSH level
  • TSH stimulation test
  • Total (baseline) T₃ test
  • TRH stimulation test
  • Thyroglobulin autoantibodies
  • Thyroid biopsy
• Treatment of hypothyroidism
  • Levothyroxine tablets
  • T₃ supplementation

Hypothyroid registry

The Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) maintains a thyroid registry. This registry is used to identify dogs that will be used for breeding as not being hypothyroid. A serum sample is sent to an OFA approved lab for testing, along with a form and a fee (currently $15). If a dog is negative for the test, it will be certified as normal, and the owner is sent a certificate.

Dogs are tested at 12 months. OFA recommends retesting at 2,3,4,6 and 8 years, since dogs can develop thyroid problems as they age. Any dog tested should not have had any thyroid medications within the last three months. Female dogs should not be tested when they are in heat (estrus cycle).

If the results are ambiguous, the test should be repeated 6 months later.

If the test is positive, the dog should not be bred.

The OFA collects statistics to help determine any trends, and which breeds are predisposed to hypothyroidism.

 
Next Page – Hypothyroidism In Dogs – Symptoms & Which Dogs Are Predisposed
 
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