Most common in dogs between 4 and 10 years old, hypothyroidism is rare in toy and miniature breeds, more often affecting medium to large sized dogs. The most common reasons for hypothyroidism to develop are an underactive thyroid, a decrease in hormone production, and thyroid gland destruction. While easily treated, often hypothyroidism produces symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions. Once your dog has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, treatment can usually relieve all symptoms, and allow your dog to live a healthy life.
The thyroid gland, along with the pituitary gland, produces hormones that help to regulate the systems of the body. Hypothyroidism occurs when there is an issue with the thyroid that causes those hormones to be out of balance. The metabolism then slows down, affecting every organ, and causes various symptoms that are often passed off as old age, such as weight gain, lethargy, and coat and skin issues. Severe hypothyroidism can lead to paralysis, hypothermia and coma.
Hypothyroidism Average Cost
From 219 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,300
Slowed metabolism affects every body system, and can cause signs that can vary from dog to dog. They include:
Congenital hypothyroidism signs include:
Types
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The two most common causes of hypothyroidism in dogs are:
Other causes of hypothyroidism include:
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Signs of hypothyroidism can mimic other conditions, so a correct diagnosis needs to be made using careful attention to the symptoms and test results. Your veterinarian may run blood tests, serum chemistry panels, and a urinalysis to narrow down a diagnosis. Once hypothyroidism is suspected, a blood sample is used to measure the levels of the thyroid hormone in a total thyroxine test, or T4 concentration screening test. Low levels of thyroxine can point to hypothyroidism.
Additional tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis, and can include further hormone testing, such as a TSH stimulation test, free T4 test, an equilibrium dialysis, and imaging of the thyroid by ultrasound, scintigraphy and sonography. The response to a thyroid hormone supplementation can help to confirm the diagnosis. Often these tests can rule out or find other causes of the hypothyroidism, such as a tumor or an iodine issue.
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Hypothyroidism is not curable, but it can be treated. A thyroxine replacement is given orally for the duration of the dog’s life. This replacement starts as a standard level of the hormone, and is adjusted based on your dog’s weight. Initially, the supplement may be given twice a day, but will usually be adjusted to one time per day. A blood sample to check your dog’s hormone levels is taken after one month of treatment. Over time, your dog’s body may become tolerant of the thyroid hormone replacement, and the dose may need to be adjusted. Generally, your dog’s hormone level should be tested every six months.
Overdosing can occur, and will need to be reported to your veterinarian so that your dog’s hormone replacement level can be adjusted. Symptoms of a hormone overdose can resemble that of hyperthyroidism, and can include:
If another cause for the hypothyroidism is found, such as cancer, treatment will be prescribed appropriately.
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Within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, you should start to see improvement in your dog. If you notice signs of hyperthyroidism, or if symptoms do not subside, talk with your veterinarian, as an adjustment may be needed. Treatment with a thyroid hormone supplement is a lifelong therapy, and your veterinarian will schedule regular check-ups to ensure your dog receives the right level of hormone supplementation throughout his life.
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Hypothyroidism Average Cost
From 219 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,300
Top
Hypothyroidism Average Cost
From 219 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,300
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