The Dogo Argentino Club of America is the Original Parent Club, for the Dogo Argentino in the United States.
 

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Canine Education: Thyroid Problems in Dogs

What is it? Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. This gland has a number of functions, but is most well known for regulating your dog’s metabolic rate. Hypothyroid dogs who receive proper treatment have a normal life span and are able to maintain good health well into their golden years.

While there is a genetic predisposition for thyroid disorders, environmental factors such as pollutants and allergies probably play a role as well. Hypothyroidism implies that there are lower than normal levels of thyroid hormone. This condition is most common in dogs. It is also seen in cats (very rarely) and birds (also rare).

Hypothyroidism is not a specific or well- defined disease. It is more accurate to call this disorder a syndrome. A disease has a specific cause and a predictable progression of symptoms. A syndrome is a collection of similar signs of illness, usually having many different underlying causes (some or all of which are unknown), and the progression of signs or symptoms are variable and much less predictable. Hypothyroidism therefore is a syndrome because it has many causes and the progressions of disorders that develop are quite variable. The single common factor is that thyroid gland function is less that optimal OR the various steps in the conversion of thyroid precursor hormones is subnormal OR that their utilization is less than optimal.

What Causes it?  There are several causes that lead to a lack of enough thyroid hormone. Perhaps the most common cause of hypothyroidism is due to the development of a condition called "autoimmune thyroiditis." An autoimmune reaction is triggered for unknown reasons. This leads to inflammation and progressive deterioration of thyroid function. Genetic predisposition is another cause, as well as Environmental toxins, Malnutrition (commercial diets probably play a significant role here) and last but not least, Excessive Vaccinations.

Common Signs of Hypothyroidisim.

1.        Lethargic

2.       Over weight

3.       Secondary skin diseases including allergies and skin infections

4.       Hair loss, lack of luster to the coat, color changes to the coat

5.       Heat seeking, lack of tolerance for the cold

6.       Behavioral changes, including fear, aggression, apprehension

7.       Heat cycle abnormalities

8.       Slow heart beat and decreased metabolic rate

9.       Rarely seizures, dementia, and stroke

10.   Laryngeal paralysis

11.   Neurological diseases (partial paralysis, senility)

How does a Vet Diagnose this disorder? The most common test to run is a blood test called "T4". Although inexpensive, this test is to inaccurate to rely on in most cases. In fact, all the tests available are very difficult to interpret. Endocrinologists usually recommend that almost all of the tests be used together. Even when employing all the available tests, the correct diagnosis may remain elusive.

Often, the diagnosis rests on the clinical impression, or opinion, of the veterinarian. Many doctors will place suspected hypothyroid dogs on synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to evaluate the dog's response to therapy. Synthetic thyroid hormone is a stimulant, so most dogs will look and act more vibrant and alert when placed on thyroid hormone, making many caretakers believe their dog is doing better. Unfortunately this stimulant effect comes at a severe price for a dog that is not thyroid deficient. It creates an abnormally high metabolic rate. This effect will burn up the body's vital resources, leading to rapid aging and possibly the development of other disorders.

Treatment? Although there are a number of causes and symptoms of dogs with hypothyroidism, the primary method of treating this disorder is to use synthetic thyroid hormone. the decision to place a dog on thyroid replacement hormonal therapy should be carefully considered. The thyroid gland is seldom completely inactive in hypothyroid dogs. It is usefully to understand that the thyroid gland has a variable and progressive lessening of its ability to produce thyroid hormone. Since most dogs do have a functional thyroid gland, it is a reasonable idea to see what can be done to support normal thyroid function before instituting thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Since natural thyroid hormone is far better for the body, it is helpful to nurture the thyroid gland, encouraging it to function as normally as possible for as long as possible. Since synthetic thyroid hormone has the opposite result, that being a worsening of normal glandular functions, it is helpful to use therapies that nurture or promote healthy thyroid glandular activity. This encourages the thyroid gland to more closely and accurately produce the exact levels of thyroid hormone needed throughout the day.

*This information is not meant to take the place of a Veterinarians advice. This is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as means for diagnosis.