Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:14:29 +0000

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, on either side of the trachea. It produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones affect the rate of metabolism in most of the tissues in the body. Thyroid hormone deficiency leads to illness.

Clinical Signs

Weight gain
Skin infections
Ear infections
Lethargy
Dull, brittle hair coat
Cold intolerance
Reproductive problems
Neurologic problems

Any breed may be affected, although Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers are at increased risk.

Hypothyroidism usually affects dogs over three years old.

Diagnosis is made by blood tests, often of a Total T4 along with blood chemistry tests and a complete blood count to rule out other illnesses. Sometimes a Free T4 test may be added.

Treatment is by supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine), also known by the brand names Soloxine and Synthroid, is effective, safe, and readily available. Improvement is usually seen within 1-2 weeks, though it can take up to 8 weeks for dermatological problems to improve.

Often the dose needs to be adjusted after the first month or two, and it is important to follow up with rechecks. After that most dogs do well with yearly rechecks.

Greyhounds are a breed known to have low physiologic Total T4 levels. The significance of this is unclear, and most do not need to be treated.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Diabetes – Dogs

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:12:13 +0000

Diabetes

What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which your pet’s pancreas can no longer produce enough of the hormone insulin and/or for some reason their body has become resistant to the effects of insulin.What does insulin do?
Every time your pet eats a meal, glucose is absorbed from the intestines and enters the bloodstream. Glucose (sugar) is the essential fuel of the body’s cells and is needed for these cells to work and so for the body to function. At the same time, insulin is released by your pet’s pancreas. Insulin allows the glucose to leave the bloodstream and enter cells (e.g. liver, kidney, brain and muscle cells) where it can be used for energy and growth. Think of insulin as a key that unlocks a door to let glucose into the cells. Insulin lowers blood glucose and allows it to enter cells, where it is used to produce energy.

What happens with a lack of insulin?
In diabetic pets the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin. Without insulin, glucose is no longer able to leave the bloodstream to be used as energy by the body’s cells. Hence the glucose in the blood will rise to an abnormally high level. The level will become so high that glucose overflows into the urine and your pet’s urine will contain glucose.The body’s cells cannot utilise the glucose they depend upon for energy. In order to compensate for this, other ‘abnormal’ energy producing processes start up which do not depend on glucose (such as fat break-down). Unfortunately, these processes eventually create toxic by-products that can make your pet very sick.

What signs should I look for?
Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet.
Signs to look for are:

increased thirst
increased urination
changes in appetite
weight loss
deteriorating coat condition
lethargy or lack of energy

Can it be treated?
Your veterinarian will discuss how diabetes can be managed depending on the extent of the diabetes. This could include dietary changes as well as considering insulin injection therapy to replace the insulin that your pet’s pancreas can no longer produce.

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endocrinology Archives - Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Diabetes – Dogs