Introduction
Hypothyroidism is a condition which occurs in dogs when the thyroid gland becomes impaired or damaged. The condition normally appears in dogs that are between 4-10 years of age, and this disease is seen more commonly in larger sized breeds of dogs. Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms including lethargy, hair loss, weight gain, obesity, and dry skin. If untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can progress to life threatening conditions such as severe anemia and slowed heart rate.
Treating Hypothyroidism
While hypothyroidism generally requires treatment for the rest of the dog’s life, the condition can be easily treated with affordable daily oral medication. Daily medication will resolve the hypothyroidism symptoms, and many dogs with this condition go on to lead long, healthy, and happy lives.
The effects of hypothyroidism in dogs are caused by the thyroid’s inability to produce the proper levels of thyroid hormone that the body needs to function properly. Treatment is usually carried out by giving the dog a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone named thyroxine, or T4, in the form of an oral tablet.
Successful treatment is dependent on maintaining proper thyroxine dosages in the dog’s blood. Some dogs require a once a day pill, and other dogs need to take their thyroxine pill twice a day. The treating veterinarian will periodically test the dog’s blood to make sure the thyroxine levels are being brought up to normal levels. When the thyroxine levels are raised to normal levels, pet owners will start to see a dramatic improvement in their dog; skin disorders will fade, hair will grow back, energy and an interest in activities will return, and with diet and exercise weight loss can finally be achieved.
Unsuccessful thyroxine treatment can only be the result of the following causes: the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in incorrect, the dose of thyroxine hormone prescribed is incorrect, the pills given to the dog have expired, the owner is not administering the pills correctly, or the dog’s body is not processing the pills in a normal manner.