Thyroid Disease in Dogs

By Cheryl Bowman

Instructions

Significance

Step 1:
Hypothyroidism (thyroid disease) is difficult to diagnose because the signs of it mimic other diseases, such as testicular atrophy, excessive bleeding, ruptured knee ligaments, megaesophagus, corneal ulcers and cardiomyopathy.

Time Frame

Step 1:
Thyroid disease can show up in dogs at any time from birth through adult stages. It is usually inherited, but it can also be triggered by viruses, environmental chemicals and repeated vaccinations with live vaccines (especially multi-vaccines).

Features

Step 1:
Symptoms include lethargy, mental dullness, weight gain, skin issues and weakness. The dog also will not tolerate exercise, and there may be behavioral changes. The normally docile dog may become aggressive, and the happy-go-lucky dog may become very lethargic.

Considerations

Step 1:
Treatment usually includes giving the dog two doses of levothyroxine every day. The dog's body converts the levothyroxine to triiodothyronine automatically. If the dog does not respond, meaning its body does not make the conversion, it will need to be dosed with both levothyroxine and triiodothyronine. Doses are based on body weight.

Potential

Step 1:
Certain breeds are more apt to suffer from thyroid disease. These include the Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Borzoi, Shetland Sheepdog, Beagle, Labs, Rottweiler, Cocker Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Akita, Old English Sheepdog and Irish Setter. If you notice any changes in your dog's behavior or unexplained weight gain, have a thyroid test done. Blood tests may even indicate the disease before any symptoms appear.

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