Hypothyroid Disease in dogs and cats

What Is Hypothyroid Disease?

Diabetic Medical terms: T3 is tri-iodothyronine, T4 is tetra-iodothyronine or L-thyroxin, TSH is thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Hypothyroid disease is a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Because the thyroid gland sets the rate at which cells burn energy, a deficiency of thyroid hormone leaves pets dull and listless in body and soul.

Why is hypothyroid disease bad for my pet?

Hypothyroid disease affects your pet’s entire body. The skin is often smelly, dry, and dull. The hair falls out and your pet gains weight. Some pets don’t experience normal heat cycles or develop normal sperm. Most pets seem mentally dull. Fortunately, hypothyroid disease is easily treated.

Who Gets Hypothyroid Disease?

Canine Hypothyroid Disease: dogs frequently develop hypothyroidism. In fact, dog hypothyroid disease is the most common endocrine disease of dogs. Between 1 in 150 and 1 in 500 dogs has hypothyroidism. Feline Hypothroid Disease: cats, on the other hand, rarely develop hypothyroid disease, although they frequently develop the opposite disease—hyperthyroidism.

Among the dog breeds predisposed to hypothyroidism are the Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Great Dane, Airedale Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Boxer.

Are vaccines a factor in the development of feline and canine hypothyroidism?

Some veterinarians believe the increase in hypothyroid disease parallels the increase in the number of vaccines given. They point out that vaccines stimulate the immune system, and that many dogs develop a form of thyroid disease where their immune cells attack the thyroid (lymphocytic thyroiditis) until it is no longer able to function. Because of this, many veterinarians recommend that dogs be vaccinated as infrequently as necessary to provide disease protection. For some pets that will mean they need only a single vaccine as an adult to be protected for life. Other dogs may need vaccines every few years.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians   Date Category Topic 03/31/06  Ear Care  YEAST INFECTIONS CHRONIC 01/15/06  Hormonal/Endocrine  HYPOTHYROID 01/13/06  Other  THYROIDS & LIVER 10/10/05  Hormonal/Endocrine  THYROID MEDICATION 06/16/05  Other  FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS 05/01/05  Hormonal/Endocrine  SOLOXINE 03/13/05  Skin Care  MISSING FUR/ITCHING/PREGNANT 03/08/05  Skin Care  DRASTIC CHANGE IN SKIN CONDITION ? 06/23/04  Other  DIABETES/CUSHINGS SYNDROME/HYPOTHYROIDISM/ARTHRITIS 03/25/04  Hormonal/Endocrine  HYPOTHYROIDISM 03/02/04  Hormonal/Endocrine  LEVOTHYROXINE 01/30/04  Bone & Joint Care  ARTHRITIS

 

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