| CANINE HYPOTHRYOIDISM |
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| Hypothyroidism is a thyroid deficiency disease, affecting mostly
middle-aged and older large breed dogs. Located in the throat below
the larynx, the thyroid gland produces thyroxine, a hormone which
controls the rate of metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the
thyroid gland produces too little thyroxine, either because it is
atrophied, attacked by the immune system or affected by the presence
of a cyst or tumor. |
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| Clinical
Signs |
Clinical signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy and a
tendency for your dog to seek warm locations to rest. Skin
conditions such as hairloss, hyperpigmentation and skin infections
are commonly associated with this disease. Other signs include
changes in facial expression, a head tilt and a slowed heart rate.
Skin changes are the most common complaint to the veterinarian.
These changes are usually noticed after a dog is clipped. Hair
regrowth may be slow or patchy, and discolored or infected skin may
be discovered. Hair loss occurs mostly on the chest, the sides of
the abdomen, the back of the legs and on the tail. |
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| Diagnosis |
| If you or your
veterinarian suspect hypothyrroidism, specific blood tests should
determine the level of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid
gland. Other blood tests are taken to rule out other causes of hair
loss and lethargy. Your veterinarian may need to biopsy the thyroid
gland if there is a suspicion of a tumor. |
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| Treatment |
| Hypothyroidism is treated
with hormone replacement therapy. Dogs can be given Thyroxine orally
once or twice a day to replace what has not been produced by the
thyroid gland. Your veterinarian will recommend monitoring blood
hormone levels to ensure that your pet is receiving an appropriate
dose. Clinical signs, including hair loss, should improve or be
eliminated with treatment. |
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| Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. Günbil German shepherd dogs, worldclassgsd.com and or Günbil German shepherds, accepts no liability related to the veterinary advice and
information provided on this site regarding health matters. |
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