Veterinarian Discussion Of Estrogen Deficiency In Pets

Veterinarians love pets almost as much as people love their pets and finding a compassionate

, kind Veterinarian is very important to help maintain your pet's health. Also of prime importance, is having a local Veterinarian that will spend the time required to discuss the nuances of any medical treatment on your pet such as spaying, for example.

It is evident everywhere you go when you see dogs riding in their family cars, dressing up for Halloween, and being carried in purses. Part of caring for our pets often requires the important decision of having them spayed or neutered as puppies. Most responsible pet owners who are not interested in breeding their pets will have them "fixed" to avoid a myriad of problems that may arise from surging hormones, to pregnancy, to escaping the home to hunt down a potential mate.

While most pet owners consider spaying or neutering their pets to be one of the most responsible things to do, it can unknowingly sometimes lead to a minor health condition, particularly in female pets who are spayed as young pups or kittens. This procedure can lead to an estrogen deficiency later in life.

What is Estrogen Deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when there is a lower than normal amount of estrogen in your pet. It often occurs naturally as pets get older (sort of like menopause does in aging women), but in some cases the estrogen deficiency can become severe.

What are the Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency, or hypoestrogenism, is characterized mainly by hair loss. Pets will begin shedding hair, mostly around the vulva, and hair will no longer grow back. The skin where the hair loss occurs will usually be extremely soft. Your pet may also experience some changes in temperament over a period of time as the estrogen levels lower. Other frequent symptoms that may occur is that your pet may become more tired, gain weight, and show less interest in regular activity.

How is Estrogen Deficiency in Pets Treated?

As your Vet can explain, in most cases the condition is left untreated. The side effects of estrogen deficiency are usually mild enough to not merit any form of hormone replacement therapy. If, however, you decide it is important enough and you want to treat your pet with hormone replacement therapy, you can speak with your veterinarian about supplementing with estrogen to help raise circulating levels of the hormone. Treatment with estrogen replacement is usually given twice a week, and after several weeks you may begin to notice new hair growth.

One of the responsibilities of pet ownership is to have your pet spayed or neutered at an early age. Having your pet fixed will prevent a lot of difficult health issues later in life. It does, however, sometimes lead to an estrogen deficiency in pets who are spayed at a young age. While the condition is not serious, it can sometimes be worrisome. In most cases, no treatment is necessary, but some pet owners prefer to maintain estrogen levels by supplementing with hormone replacement therapy. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from low estrogen, contact your local area veterinarian to discuss treatment options.

by: Robert Ormond

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