Is there a cure for hypothyroidism in dogs?
Graham P (2009) Canine hypothyroidism: diagnosis and therapy. In Practice 31 (2), 77-82 VetMedResource. Franch J et al (2004) Management of leishmanial osteolytic lesions in a hypothyroid dog by partial tarsal arthrodesis. Vet Rec 155 (18), 559-562 PubMed.
What kind of dog is affected by hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism typically affects middle-aged dogs, although it has been reported in younger and older dogs. Any breed can be affected.
What causes hypothyroidism in a German Shepherd?
Cause: pituitary tumors, congenital malformation of pituitary gland in the German Shepherd dog (with pituitary dwarfism Congenital panhypopituitarism ). Poorly defined in the dog. Deficient production or release of TRH.
Can a dog be misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be misdiagnosed when testing is performed only because a dog is overweight or because a T4 concentration is included with a standard biochemistry panel. A stepwise approach is helpful in accurately diagnosing canine hypothyroidism ( FIGURE 2 ).
What causes a dog to have hypothyroidism?
If it is underactive ( hypothyroidism ), the metabolism slows down. What causes hypothyroidism? In dogs, hypothyroidism is usually caused by one of two diseases: lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. The former disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is thought to be an immune-mediated disease.
Can it be treated? Hypothyroidism is treatable but not curable. It is treated with oral administration of thyroid replacement hormone. This drug must be given for the rest of the dog’s life. The most commonly recommended treatment is oral synthetic thyroid hormone replacement called levothyroxine (brand names Thyro-Tabs® Canine, Synthroid®).
Hypothyroidism can be misdiagnosed when testing is performed only because a dog is overweight or because a T4 concentration is included with a standard biochemistry panel. A stepwise approach is helpful in accurately diagnosing canine hypothyroidism ( FIGURE 2 ).
Can a German Shepherd have secondary hypothyroidism?
Congenital secondary hypothyroidism also has been reported in German Shepherds, with pituitary dwarfism associated with a cystic Rathke’s pouch. However, the degree of TSH deficiency in these dogs is variable, and clinical signs are usually caused primarily by deficiency of growth hormone (rather than thyroid hormone).
There is no cure for hypothyroidism. Dogs must be treated for life with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Only one drug, THYRO-TABS CANINE (levothyroxine sodium tablets), is FDA-approved for replacement therapy for diminished thyroid function in dogs.
