What can cause low thyroid levels in dogs?

What can cause low thyroid levels in dogs?

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.

What is the greatest risk factor for thyroid disorders in dogs?

Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism in Dogs In most cases, an autoimmune disorder that shrinks or inflames the thyroid tissue causes hypothyroidism in dogs. There are no known genetic causes. However, according to the American Kennel Club, medium to large breeds are at greater risk than toy and miniature breeds.

Are there any side effects with thyroid medication for dogs?

Canine thyroid medication can reduce all symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism in your dog, but they can also lead to several side effects. Many side effects are common and will go away once your dog has adjusted to the medication.

How often should I give my dog thyroid medication?

Hyperthyroid disease occurs when your dog’s body produces too many hormones, and hypothyroid disease occurs when it doesn’t produce enough. Of the two, hypothyroidism is much more common. Both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid disease are most commonly treated with medication, administered twice daily.

What kind of medication is levothyroxine for dogs?

Levothyroxine is the active ingredient in many medications for dogs that treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine, which is a hormone that controls metabolism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the hormone that dogs’ bodies produce naturally in the thyroid gland.

What to do if your dog has an allergic reaction to thyroid medication?

Consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences any serious symptoms or an allergic reaction similar to that described for hypothyroid disease medication. Thyroid disease is the most common endocrine disease affecting dogs, so many dogs deal with some type of thyroid disease in their lifetime.

Can a dog take too much thyroid medicine?

Canines rarely suffer from hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone in their system. Instead, hypothyroidism, or lack of sufficient hormone, is much more common. If your dog is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your veterinarian likely will prescribe thyroid medication that your pet must take for the rest of his life.

Levothyroxine is the active ingredient in many medications for dogs that treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine, which is a hormone that controls metabolism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the hormone that dogs’ bodies produce naturally in the thyroid gland.

Which is the best thyroid medication for dogs?

Thyroxine is a hormone that controls metabolism. This drug is a synthetic version of the hormone that dogs’ bodies produce naturally in the thyroid gland. It’s found in medications such as Thyro-Tabs, Soloxine, and Levocrine. Levothyroxine is FDA approved for use in dogs and is only available through a veterinary prescription.

What happens when your dog has hypothyroidism?

It happens when your dog’s body mistakes its own thyroid gland and hormones as foreign threats. Then the body produces antibodies to attack and destroy the thyroid gland cells. These attacks cause secondary scarring of the tissue … and that leads to loss of thyroid function.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is usually caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and produces hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with thyroid disease usually have a low production of thyroid hormones.

What are the symptoms of low thyroid in a dog?

Most dogs with hypothyroidism have one or more of the following signs:

• weight gain without an increase in appetite.
• lethargy and lack of desire to exercise.
• cold intolerance (gets cold easily)
• dry, dull hair with excessive shedding.
• very thin to nearly bald hair coat.
• increased dark pigmentation in the skin.