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Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
What is Thyroid Gland Disorder?
The thyroid glands are located in the neck and produce hormones that help the body to function. In dogs, thyroid disease, also known as hypothyroidism, usually causes a deficiency of thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism is more common in medium to large breeds and middle-aged dogs (ages 4 to 10). Commonly affected breeds include Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinchers, Irish Setters, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Airedale Terriers. It does not affect one sex more than the other. The majority of hypothyroidism cases in dogs are caused by the destruction of the thyroid gland.
The most common thyroid gland disorder in dogs is hypothyroidism, which is a deficiency in thyroid hormone production causing slowed metabolic rates. Symptoms include lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is treated by a T4 supplement for the remainder of the pet’s life.Thyroid Gland Disorder Average Cost
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Average Cost
$1,800
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Symptoms of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
Because of the role the thyroid plays in hormone production and assisting other hormone functions, symptoms may vary. Below are some symptoms your pet may exhibit:
- Slowed metabolism
- Lethargy
- Lack of desire to exercise
- Increased weight gain with no change in appetite
- Trouble staying warm
- Loss or thinning of fur
- Dull coat of hair
- Excess shedding
- Thickening of skin and increased skin pigment
- Ear infection, pain, redness and/or odor
- Skin infections
- Drooping of facial muscles
- Regurgitation (less common)
- Abnormal ability to walk (less common)
Hypothyroidism can also cause myxedema in dogs, which is the swelling of the skin and tissues below the skin, making the skin waxy. Myxedema is accompanied by some of the symptoms above, particularly weight gain and trouble staying warm. Myxedema very rarely leads to a myxedema coma, which can be fatal.
Types
Thyroid disorders are commonly classified into two separate types.
- Hypothyroidism - a decrease in the release of thyroid hormones, is the most prevalent in dogs. The decreased level of thyroid hormones slows the metabolic rate. A great majority of cases of hypothyroidism in dogs result from the destruction of the thyroid gland. A lesser cause is a tumor of the pituitary gland, which will exhibit deficiencies of the pituitary hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism - an increase in the release of thyroid hormones, is rare in dogs and much more common in cats. While hypothyroidism slows the metabolic rate, hyperthyroidism increases it. Symptoms of this type of thyroid disorder include weight loss, an increase in appetite, and increased heart rate.
Causes of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
Nearly all cases of hypothyroidism in dogs are caused by the destruction of the thyroid gland, which is caused by a genetic disorder. This genetic cause for hypothyroidism makes up 95% of all cases. Less likely, but possible, causes include: impaired thyroid hormone secretion, congenital abnormalities and other congenital defects.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
There are a few options for diagnosing hypothyroidism in dogs:
- Physical exam
- Blood panel – while this may reveal symptoms of hypothyroidism, other illnesses can affect the results of this test
- Laboratory tests to monitor concentrations of thyroid hormones – your veterinarian may also try administering a thyroid-stimulating hormone to verify that the cause is hypothyroidism
Treatment of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
Treatment of hypothyroidism aims to account for the deficiency in thyroid hormones. There are two types of medication, corresponding to the thyroid hormones: T3 and T4. Typically, the body will convert T4 to T3. Because of this, most dogs receive the T4 supplement. Only those unable to convert T4 will receive T3. This treatment must be given orally or in the ear for the rest of the dog’s life. In order to determine success, the treatment will be administered for 4 to 8 weeks. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations will be monitored until the dosage is stabilized.
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Recovery of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
The treatment for hypothyroidism is typically lifelong and is usually given by mouth or ear. The treatment will be administered from 4 to 8 weeks before effectiveness can be adequately measured. Regrowth of fur will also take 4 to 8 weeks. Until a stable dosage is found, multiple blood tests are required to measure the levels of thyroid hormone T4 in the blood and adjust the dosage. Once the dosage is stabilized, levels will be checked once or twice a year.
Cost of Thyroid Gland Disorder in Dogs
Your veterinarian will recommend running a few tests in order to diagnose hypothyroidism, specifically a physical exam and complete thyroid panel, which will cost $218 on average. Treatment will require supplements to replace the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, which cost around $32 monthly. Cost may vary based on the pharmacy and veterinarian specifications.
Thyroid Gland Disorder Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Thyroid Gland Disorder Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bernese Mountain Dog
Kodiak
6 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Weight Gain
I have a six year old Bernese Mountain Dog that started inexplicably gaining weight. I restricted his food by about 20% and he continued to gain weight and is now ~24 lbs overweight. I don't feel comfortable cutting his calories any more (he's at about 1,300 calories a day and 124 lbs). He has had a thyroid panel and while his TSH wasn't abnormal it was at the "low end of normal". Is it possible he can have hypothyroidism even though his TSH is normal, if he naturally has a higher TSH level? Would it be dangerous to ask my vet to start treating for hypothyroidism to see if it has an effect?
We walk about an hour each morning and then take three or four shorter walks during the day and he is incredibly lethargic. I don't think exercise is the issue here but I it seems his obesity slowing him down quite a bit.
Aug. 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
a low TSH is not at all diagnostic for thyroid disease - TSH increases in hypothyroid dogs, and if Kodiak does not have thyroid disease, treating him for it doesn't make sense. He may need to be on a prescription diet food, and there are many available from your veterinarian that can make him feel more full while cutting calories, and help him lost weight.
Aug. 21, 2018
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Shiba Inu
Eiko Yumi
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fur Loss
Shiba Inu Female DOB 1/27/2014 intact. First heat at 8 mos/2nd at 16mos/3rd at 22mos/4th at 28mos. Her last was in May of 2016 and then stopped. June of 2017 Bubba my 14 year old Catahoula was put to sleep and she went off the deep end. She refused to eat. Messed all over the house, hid from us, refused to be near anyone. She was taken to her regular vet and another vet also. Her weight went from 23lbs to EIGHT lbs. She had a yeast infection of the skin. It took a while but finally she was almost cleared up. Her weight came back on quickly when we got a new Catahoula pup. Now still no heat? And about two weeks ago she started scratching again and pulling her hair out and running and screaming and hiding just like last year; the difference is this time she has had two seizures. I think it is something to do with her thyroid? Bubba had seizures also but he had cancer that would make him do it and we knew that. His seizures were different. He would try to go outside. He was deaf from birth (merle). Her seizure was really freaky! She did not lose control of her bowels or urine either time. I was in the nursing field over 30 years..I was wondering if you thought it could be the thyroid.
June 24, 2018
1 Recommendations
Hair loss and seizures are associated with hypothyroidism, but as you will know being a medical professional yourself there is a lot more to a diagnosis than that; the hair loss with hypothyroidism is generally shedding of hair or loss of hair at pressure points whereas Eiko Yumi’s hair loss is due to physical scratching and pulling which is different. Heat cycles may be silent and may not occur at all if she wasn’t in a good body condition. The pulling out of hair and seizures may be neurological in origin, but I cannot rule out other causes like a thyroid issue without examining her and doing some tests. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 25, 2018
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Thyroid Gland Disorder Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
