HYPOTHYROIDISM - AN OFTEN-UNDIAGNOSED CONDITION

With early diagnoses and proper treatment, dogs with the condition can live a normal life

An underactive thyroid is one of the most common endocrine diseases to affect dogs, and it usually affects large-breed middle-aged dogs. Some of the breeds at increased risk of developing the condition include the Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle and Airedale Terrier. I’ve also often seen this condition in Ridgebacks and Labradors.

In the majority of cases, it’s caused by immune mediated destruction of the thyroid gland. This gland produces thyroid hormones that affect many body systems.

Signs may vary from subtle to obvious, and from mild to severe. Usually, the condition develops slowly, but occasionally symptoms can appear suddenly.

The most common complaints we as vets see are dogs putting on weight (without being greedy or being overfed), becoming lethargic, and having skin issues.

The nervous system, gastrointestinal, heart and any other body system may be affected by lack of thyroid hormone, which is required for normal function of all organs. One of the signs is subjective and is a sad look on the dog’s face (the so-called tragic expression).

Unfortunately, the lack of thyroid hormone may lead to death if diagnosis and treatment are delayed for a long period.

LIST OF SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Nervous System – Depression; also, behavioural changes like aggression, head tilting, anxiety, compulsiveness, seizures.

Energy and weight – Lack of energy, frequent napping, exercise intolerance, lack of interest in physical activity and play. Weight gain without an increase in appetite. Low tolerance for the cold.

Skin – Skin changes: dryness, hair loss, discolouration, dandruff or thickening, bacterial infections.

Immunity – Chronic infections.

Heart (less common) – Slow heart rate.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with blood tests to rule out other conditions and to measure thyroid hormone. If thyroid hormone is low, TSH levels are measured to test if it’s definitely Hypothyroidism.

Treatment is with Thyroid hormone (lifelong), and once started, your dog’s thyroid levels are measured every eight weeks until adequate levels are reached. Thereafter, blood thyroid levels should be measured every six months. Any secondary conditions such as skin infections must be treated. This condition responds very well to treatment, and your fur child can live a long and healthy life.