The Truth Revealed about Canine Hypothyroidism.

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13 Apr 2024

🚨 Canine Alert! 🚨. By @SixTeenundefinedundefined, Dog Lover and Advocate of Furry Paws.

In the world of our faithful canine companions, hypothyroidism is a topic that deserves our full attention. Because? Because behind that seemingly complicated term lies a condition that can profoundly affect the health and well-being of our furry friends. Let's start by understanding what exactly canine hypothyroidism is. In simple terms, it is a disease caused by inadequate functioning of the thyroid gland and the consequent decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism causes very varied and very non-specific symptoms. The positive thing is that it can be easily treated, although it is a chronic disease.

This disease causes a deficiency in the thyroid hormones that the thyroid gland is responsible for producing, located in the throat, below the larynx. The hormone called T4 or thyroxine is what controls the body's metabolic rate. Therefore, a decrease in the amount of this hormone in the blood will have consequences on the dog's metabolism, which is decreased, which translates into a large number of non-specific symptoms.

Canine hypothyroidism can be primary or secondary. The primary is by far the most common. I explain it in more detail:

Primary hypothyroidism: it is basically due to lymphocytic, autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is hereditary, or to an atrophy of the thyroid gland of idiopathic origin. In both disorders, thyroid tissue is destroyed. In a smaller number of cases the cause is a neoplasia in the thyroid gland.
Secondary hypothyroidism: it can be caused by trauma, tumors or malformations in the pituitary gland, iodine deficiency or excessive use of glucocorticoids.

We can also talk about congenital hypothyroidism, diagnosed in young dogs. The most typical symptom is dwarfism, in addition to dermatological problems, constipation or mobility disorders.

Causes

Any problem that affects the functioning of the thyroid gland can cause this disease. Thus, canine hypothyroidism can occur when the dog's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland and damages or destroys it. It may also be due to a degenerative problem in which gland tissue is gradually replaced by fatty connective tissue. Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland is another less common cause. In a smaller number of cases, hypothyroidism does not occur due to a problem in the thyroid, but rather in the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of T4.

Although dogs of any age can suffer from hypothyroidism, the disease is more common in middle-aged dogs of medium and large breeds. Any dog can suffer from the disease, but it is more common in:

golden retriever
doberman
labrador retriever
boxer
dachshund
Cocker spaniel
beagle
airedale terrier
great dane
irish setter
miniature schnauzer

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs

The signs of hypothyroidism in dogs are varied and nonspecific, since the disease affects the entire body. Therefore, the consequences of hypothyroidism in dogs can be many and it is important to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible. We can classify the symptoms depending on the affected area, these being the most common:

General symptoms

Lethargy.
Cold intolerance.
Exercise intolerance.
Weight gain.
High cholesterol.
Constipation.
Anemia.
Immunodepression.
General weakness.

Neurological symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs are usually more common in cases of secondary hypothyroidism. The signs that can alert us are:

Facial paralysis.
Head tilt.
Balance disorders.
Ataxia.
Weakness in the legs on the same side.
Limp.
Seizures.

Within the extensive list of symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs we also find skin signs. In these cases, it is common to observe bilateral and symmetrical hair loss from the front of the neck to the chest, sides, backs of the thighs and the top of the tail. Additionally, dogs with hypothyroidism may develop the following dermatological symptoms:

Dry, thickened, inflamed and darkened skin.
Matte, dry and brittle hair.
Seborrhea.
Poor hair growth, which also falls out easily.
Pustules and irritations.
Accumulation of fluid in the face.

Cardiovascular symptoms. Among the cardiovascular signs we highlight:

Slow heart rate.
Abnormal heart rhythm.
Atherosclerosis.

Reproductive symptoms A deficiency of the T4 hormone in dogs can also cause consequences in the reproductive system, such as these:

Infertility.
Absence of zeal.
Milk secretion outside of lactation.
Breast enlargement in males.
Eye symptoms

Eye health can also be harmed when the functioning of the thyroid gland is altered, causing the following problems:

Blepharitis.
Corneal ulcers.
Abnormal eye movements.
Corneal dystrophy.
Behavioral symptoms

Finally, and as happens in other pathologies, a dog with hypothyroidism may present certain signs that could be confused with behavioral problems such as these:

Aggression, which can be independent of context, unpredictable and intermittent.
Fear.
Exaggerated shyness.
Compulsive behaviors.
Signs similar to cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Hyperactivity.
Learning problems.

It should be noted that the presence of behavioral alterations associated with canine hypothyroidism is still controversial. Aggression is the most cited, but it is not known if it is a symptom or hypothyroidism has aggravated an already existing problem. Finally, other symptoms of hypothyroidism are deafness or megaesophagus. In addition, it is associated with other diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand disease or myasthenia gravis.

Diagnosis

If your dog has some of these symptoms and you are wondering how to detect hypothyroidism in dogs, the truth is that there are several tests, which, of course, must be requested and interpreted by the veterinarian. Typically, this professional draws a blood sample and asks for the concentration of free T4 in the blood. If this thyroid hormone analysis shows normal values, the possibility of hypothyroidism is ruled out. But a low concentration does not imply hypothyroidism, which is why more tests are performed, such as TSH stimulation or the antithyroglobulin autoantibody test. You may also have an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Treatment

The treatment for this disease is quite simple, but, in general, it must be given throughout life and it is necessary for the veterinarian to schedule monitoring and control to establish the appropriate dose. At first this will be calculated based on the weight of the dog. The treatment consists of pills for hypothyroidism in dogs. We see it in more detail:

Medicines

As this disease is caused by a lack of hormones in the thyroid gland, treatment is based on providing the body with the hormones it lacks. In this way the symptoms subside, although it will take several weeks or months to do so. Specifically, the dog is given levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone, once or twice a day. Because levothyroxine comes in tablet form, it is very easy to administer with food. Remember the importance of adjusting the daily dose, only then will it be effective. Of course, only the vet can do this.

Diet for dogs with hypothyroidism

Dogs with hypothyroidism should receive a quality diet adjusted to their vital circumstances and based on protein of animal origin. In hypothyroidism in dogs, unlike what happens in other pathologies, diet is not the basis of treatment, but it can help alleviate some of the symptoms that occur in sick dogs.

Thus, for example, a diet restricted in fats and carbohydrates can help those dogs that have gained weight regain optimal weight, a correct intake of fiber prevents constipation or iron improves dogs with anemia. Since there are so many symptoms that can also appear simultaneously, the ideal is that we follow the veterinarian's advice to choose the food that can most increase the well-being of our dog.

Canine hypothyroidism is a serious but treatable condition that affects many dogs around the world. By being informed about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, we can take steps to protect the health and well-being of our beloved furry companions. Always remember to seek the guidance of a veterinarian if you suspect that your dog might be experiencing health problems. Together, we can ensure our four-legged friends live long, happy and healthy lives.