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Hypothyroid Disease in dogs and cats


Hypothyroid Disease signs & symptoms · Hypothyroid Disease diagnosis · Hypothyroid Disease treatment · Hypothyroid Disease related articles
 

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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  • Lethargy & mental dullness
  • Weight gain
  • Dull, dry coat that sheds excessively
  • Greasy dandruff (seborrhea)
  • Bald patches on the trunk
  • A bald tail with a tuft of hair at the end
  • Reoccurring skin infections
  • Seizures
  • Infertility
  •  
     
     
  • The most common hormone disease of dogs
  • Pets lose their sparkling personalities
  • Too many vaccines may cause hypothyroidism
  •  
     
     
  • Golden Retriever
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Irish Setter
  • Great Dane
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Dachshund
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Poodle
  • Boxer
  •  
     
     For Dogs:
     
  • Levothyroxine
  •  
     
     
    This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

    The information about medications is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.

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