Canine HypothyroidismCanine hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition, and is also fairly easily treatable. Like so many health issues, it is treatable but not curable. Luckily, the treatment is easy, inexpensive, and readily available.
Dogs with hypothyroidism are usually large breeds. Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachsunds, Cocker Spaniels and Airedale Terriers all seem to be more likely to become hypothyroid than other breeds, although any indivdual can develop the illness. Most commonly, canine hypothyroidism develops around the time the dogs are middle aged - anywhere from 4-8 years old, depending on the breed. (Dogs age more rapidly if they are large breeds than if they are small - see the Dog Aging Chart - a PDF file, to see how old your dog is in human years.) Every now and then though, a puppy will be born that is unable to make or use his thyroid hormone. This is a congenital canine hypothyroidism condition, meaning simply that he was born with it.
I'm glad you asked! Thyroid hormone is the main element in determining metabolic rate. If you have too much thyroid hormone, like with hyperthyroidism in cats, then your metabolic rate is very high and you have trouble gaining or maintaining weight. If you don't have enough thyroid hormone, like with canine hypothyroidism, then your metabolic rate is very low and you have trouble with weight gain. Your metabolic rate also determines your body temperature, so hypothyroid dogs usually feel cold, and so will be looking for warm places to sleep or rest. Thyroid hormone is also involved in skin and coat health. Hypothyroid dogs will often lose hair on their bellies,the backs of their legs, and on their sides. They are not itchy, but the hair just doesn't grow properly leading to thin coated or even bald areas. Their skin is often thicker than normal, and sometimes darkened, as a result of the hypothyroidism. These dogs have more problems controlling skin yeast organisms, which are a natural part of a dog's skin flora. They will have more problems with a greasy and often stinky coat/skin, and sometimes will develop full blown skin and ear yeast infections. Congenital hypothyroidism in dogs has different effects and symptoms. Thyroid hormone is partly responsible for the normal growth and development of the brain, spinal cord and bones. So severely affected pups will be mentally dull or slow, and they will not grow at a normal rate or mature proportionally - some parts will grow slower than other parts. Mildly affected pups may not show these signs at all, and are diagnosed almost accidentally on routine bloodwork rather than when looking for hypothyroidism.
The "normal" adult onset hypothyroid dog is most commonly a large breed, has a thin or absent haircoat along his sides, belly and/or back of his legs, is overweight to obese , tires easily, and likes to sleep in warm places. Now,not all dogs will show all of these signs. A simple blood test is the best way to know for sure if your dog is hypothyroid!
Treating these hypothyroid dogs will often lead to weight loss. This is usually a good thing, as most of them are overweight or obese at the time of diagnosis. Occasionally a dog will lose enough weight that his medication dose needs to be adjusted again. If the dog is getting too much thyroid supplement, you will see symptoms opposite of those when he had too little thyroid hormone. He will be active to hyperactive, panting and sometimes anxious, and can become thinner than we want him to be. If you see these signs, call your vet and check bloodwork again. Treatment also usually vastly improves their skin and coat condition. They look and smell like a regular dog again! Canine hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed and treated, and the treatment can improve the quality of both the dogs and the owners lives. If you think your dog is hypothyroid, go get it checked out! The information presented here is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian! A valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (created when you take your pet to see your vet) is essential to providingexcellent individual pet care. If your pet is ill, call or go to your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital!
Go back to Dog Health Problems from Canine Hypothyroidism.
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Luckily for us and our friends, canine hypothyroidism is treated with a pill, twice a day. That's it! Your veterinarian will want to check his blood thyroid levels shortly after starting treatment. This is to make sure that the dose is correct for this dog. If it looks good, then there is no dose change. If an adjustment is needed then that is done and bloodwork is checked again after a short time. When your vet is satisfied that your dog is on the correct dose of thyroid supplement, then the blood checks are much less frequent, usually once or twice yearly.
