Canine Hypothyroidism: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hypothyroidism (or low thyroid) is something that affects hundreds of thousands of dogs. Being able to recognize this common disease is essential for every dog owner.

Signs

Have you ever known a person who has low thyroid? If they don't have their medication, they become extremely tired. Hypothyroidism affects dogs just like it does people. A dog with low thyroid levels will become very lethargic, start to lose its hair, have a dull coat, and begin to gain large amounts of weight. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should call your local vet office soon.

Weight gain is the most common symptom of hyperthyroidism. If you notice that your dog is continually gaining weight without any changes in diet, and does not loose any weight after a diet change, low thyroid is a high possibility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing hypothyroidism is very simple. On your next vet visit, discuss the symptoms you have been observing and determine if hypothyroidism is a possibility in your dog. If you decide to test for the disease a simple blood sample will be taken to run a thyroid panel. This will return levels such as TSH and T4 which are the thyroid hormone levels.

Treatment

If the thyroid panel shows that your dog is hypothyroid, he will be stared on a thyroid supplement called soloxine. This is simply levothyroxine (the same medicine given to humans), but in a beef chewable. This will be given twice daily, usually for the lifetime of the dog.

While being treated with soloxine the blood levels may fluctuate. It is important to have the T4 levels checked annually to determine the correct dosage. The prescription may be adjusted if the T4 levels are too high or too low. The test may be run several times when starting the medication as well.

Dogs with canine hypothyroidism can continue to live long and healthy lives. The most important thing is that you as a pet owner stay consistent with the medication and run annual blood tests. As always, talk with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog.