Kaukauna Veterinarian Ronald G. Biese Talks about Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a fairly common disease in dogs and rare in cats.  It affects males and females alike and is usually presented in relatively young animals (4 and 10 years old).  It affects any breed of dog, but it tends to be in dogs that are mid to large size.  Breeds specifically affected by this disease more commonly than others include Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, Great Danes, Airedale Terriers, Old English Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Boxers.  Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland that has developed a lack of production of the thyroid hormone.  The thyroid hormone is important in the function of many tissues.  The metabolic rate tends to slow down which affects the heart, skin and other tissues.   The clinical signs are many and quite varied.  The most

often clinical signs observed by the owners include lethargy, unexplained weight gain, loss of hair or scaly/flaky dull hair coat and mental dullness.  The clinical signs develop very slowly over time and often are just chalked up to getting older.  There are many other clinical signs that are much rarer but that can occur.  Hypothyroidism does not go away and is for life.  However, this is a very easy disease to treat.  The treatment is a supplement of the thyroid hormone twice daily for the rest of the dog’s life.  It is relatively inexpensive to treat.  Within a few months of treating the weight melts off and the energy level picks up tremendously for the patient.  Most people are amazed how much their dog acts like a puppy again!