Everything you need to know about treating thyroid in dogs

Thyroid disorder is common in dogs mostly aged between 4 to 10 years. Well, it can be managed, although not cured to make Fido’s life healthier and better. Here’s everything related to the disease, diagnosis symptoms and treatment.

Nothing is more bothersome for a pet parent than an ailing pet suffering and groaning in pain and discomfort. What is more heart wrenching is watching the once active furry friend turn lethargic, pale and dull.

Well, although disease in dogs is common, identification of symptoms and timely treatment coupled with loads of love and care can make all the difference.

One among the many diseases affecting canines is hypothyroidism. It can create a ruckus in the four legged companion’s life. Although it cannot be completely treated, thyroid medication for dogs can replenish the hormone levels to give it a better, longer and more comfortable life.

Thyroid in Dogs

Here’s everything pet parents need to know about thyroid in dogs.

The thyroid gland is present in the neck. It produces iodine containing hormones; the two most important ones being T3 and T4. They regulate the speed at which the body runs. So, low levels of the hormone slow down the metabolic rate and make the pet lethargic and dull. Contrarily, over production of the hormone result in excitability, increased appetite, rise in thirst and urination and more so. It also affects activities of other organs too.

Hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs and more prevalent in cats. Hypothyroidism (under production of thyroid hormones) is more common in dogs, especially medium and large sized dogs; aged between 4 and 10 years.

Treating Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in dogs cannot be completely treated. Replacement of hormones is commonly done to maintain the hormone level in the canine’s body. So, medication once started mostly goes on for the pet’s lifetime. Change in dosage is done only on fluctuation of hormone levels, which are monitored frequently. However, any change without the vet’s advice can cause more harm than good.

Causes of Thyroid

So, what is it that causes hypothyroidism in dogs? Surprisingly, in 95% of the cases, the destruction of the thyroid gland itself causes the development of hypothyroidism in canines. In rare cases, canines have a malfunctioning thyroid gland from birth. What’s more, in few cases, pituitary gland disorder leads to hypothyroidism. Other rare causes are cancer or congenital defects. Well, identifying the cause and treating it in time is the key to a healthier and happier furry friend. So, on observing the symptoms, the first thing is to pay a visit to the vet for diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

Many other diseases affecting the canine friend mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is therefore, one of the most over diagnosed diseases in dogs. So, before boiling down to conclusions, it is advisable to allow the vet to diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment.

Ideally, the vet would conduct a series of blood and other tests that relate to the changes caused in different organs and systems of the body due to thyroid disorder. Another way is to check the thyroid levels, mostly T3 and T4 concentration to determine presence of the disease.

Once the vet diagnoses the disease, appropriate treatment in the form of replacement of hormones would begin. Pet parents’ woes soon come to an end with Fido back on its feet and active and playful like ever before.