One day you notice it: your furry companion is a little less furry and a little less companionate. In fact, he seems pretty “down” and lethargic. That combination of symptoms might point to a common clinical condition called hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland, located in your dog’s neck, produces hormones that control key bodily functions including metabolism, growth, reproduction, oxygen consumption and immunity. If the butterfly-shaped thyroid doesn’t function well – or stops working all together – your dog can suffer from a variety of symptoms that can harm your dog’s health and reduce his quality of life. (The condition is relatively rare in our feline friends who are more susceptible to hyperthyroidism.)
What types of dogs get hypothyroidism?
Larger dogs that are between 4-10 years old are more prone to the condition. Some breeds are more likely to have hypothyroidism including: Doberman pinchers, Golden retrievers, Great Danes, Irish Setters and Airedale terriers.
What are the causes of hypothyroidism in dogs?
Changes in the thyroid gland can cause hypothyroidism. In some cases, an immune system disorder attacks the gland causing it to overproduce thyroid hormone and then become totally depleted. In other cases, age and biological processes stop the thyroid gland from producing enough hormones.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Look for a combination of these symptoms:
- Thinning or loss of fur on the trunk of the body
- Thickening, darkening skin
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Mood changes – depression, aggression and anxiety
Blood work is required to diagnose the condition and determine what level of treatment is required.
How is hypothyroidism in dogs treated?
Dogs with hypothyroidism require hormone replacement therapy for the remainder of their lives. Fortunately, there are many excellent hormone replacement medications that regulate canine hormone levels and help the body function normally. We stock many of the leading thyroid medications.
As always, the first person you should talk to about your pet’s condition and any required treatments is your veterinarian.
If you’d like to read more about hypothyroidism, check out this comprehensive article by researchers at Washington State University.
Thank you for reading. We’re here to help you keep your pet healthy and happy!
Wes