Everything You Need To Know About Hypothyroidism In Dogs

The neck harbors your dog's thyroid gland

The neck harbors your dog's thyroid gland. The thyroid is responsible for controlling your dog's metabolic rate. Canine hypothyroidism occurs when the gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, causing your dog's metabolism to decrease significantly.

Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance that dog's suffer from. The age group that is most common affected is seniors. Certain breeds are also at an increased risk of developing the condition. Some of these include the Great Dane, Boxer, Golden retriever, and Doberman pinscher.

An immune disorder is the main reason why dogs develop this condition. The thyroid gland will be attacked by your dog's own immune system. This condition is commonly called Hashimoto's Disease or autoimmune thyroiditis.

Dogs commonly develop a dry coat, suffer from hair loss, or have frequent skin infections. They may also become obese or less active. Anemia, decreased heart rate, and anemia are also common symptoms.

Your dog may even have chronic ear infections. Behaviorial changes such as depression may also occur. They may have seizures or start acting more aggressive than usual.

The vet will need to take a thorough medical history and physical exam in order to diagnose your dog with this condition. If he suspects that hypothyroidism is the cause of your dog's symptoms, he will usually take a blood test.

This blood test is useful for various reasons such as checking the level of thyroid hormone. Even though dogs may have the condition, they may show a normal level of this hormone on a test. It is best that the vet conducts other tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Dogs that are diagnosed with hypothyroidism need to take thyroxine every day. This is also a synthetic thyroid hormone. Frequent vet visits for checkups are also mandatory. Your dog's dosage may need to be adjusted. Dogs can live a high quality of life as long as they take the medication on a daily basis.

by: D Swain

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