Download Hypothyroid Disease Brochure

Evaluating your pet for possible low thyroid disease
My next appointment
NAME [Patient Name]
AGE [Concern – Middle Age to Older Canines >4-10 yrs of age]
Pet:
Breed: [Concern Breeds: Golden Retriever, Doberman pinscher,
Great Dane, Irish Setter, Airedale, Old English Sheep Dog, Dachshund,
Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle and Boxer]
Date:
Risk factors reviewed for hypothyroidism (low thyroid
disease) – does your pet have any of the below concerns?
Y
N
2. Is your pet becoming more lethargic and depressed?
Y
N
3. Does your pet excessively shed or have a poor hair coat?
Y
N
4. Does your pet have dry flakey skin with odor and scaling?
Y
N
5. Does your pet have recurrent ear infections?
Y
N
6. Beginning to act “his or her age”?
Y
N
7. Does your pet always seem to be seeking warm areas?
Y
N
1. Is your pet having weight gain or is obesity a problem?
Doctor:
A PET OWNER’S GUIDE TO
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
HYPOTHYROID DISEASE
Contact
Number:
H
YPOTHYROID disease is one of the
most common hormonal diseases of
dogs and can easily be diagnosed with
routine blood testing. The disease is more
common in senior dogs. The disease may
occur at even a young age in certain breeds
more prone to hypothyroidism. It is important
to pay close attention to your pet’s physical
and behavioral changes as they age in order
to recognize the signs of hypothyroid disease
which are noted below.
Reason for
Appointment:
If there are concerns, please make an appointment with a regional
veterinarian that offers complete diagnostic care:
Testing recommendations
Hospital:
Testing recommendations are made based on your pet’s
breed, age or history. These may include:
Address:
Level 1* Chemistry Panel, Complete Blood Count
Dr:
Phone Number:
Level 2* Chemistry Panel, Complete Blood Count, Urinalysis
Notes from physical examination
Level 3* Chemistry Panel, Complete Blood Count,
Urinalysis, Thyroid Testing, Blood Pressure, Electrocardiogram
Clinical diagnostics recommended by veterinarian:
Complete Blood Count
Concerns:
Anemia
Other
Chemistry
Concerns:
Elevated Cholesterol
Other
Urinalysis
Concerns:
Abnormal Cells
Thyroid Blood Level
Other Diagnostics
NOTES:
Low Concentration of urine
Other
Concerns:
Low Thyroid Level
Abnormal Protein in urine
Abaxis is your total on-site laboratory
partner, offering the comprehensive and
innovative VetScan line of diagnostic
instruments and single-use rapid tests.
3240 Whipple Road
Union City, CA 94587
www.abaxis.com
© Abaxis, Inc. 888-4290 Rev. A
VETERINARY CONSULTING
The normal thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is small and consists of two glands,
one on each side of the trachea in the neck. This gland
produces hormones called Thyroxine (tetraidothronine
or T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Regulating body functions
such as your dog’s oxygen consumption, bone formation
and resorption, metabolism of body fat, protein production
and the production of red blood cells, any malfunction in the
thyroid can affect every system in the body. Production of
the thyroid hormones is controlled by another hormone
called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the
pituitary gland found at the base of the brain. This cycle is
illustrated below.
Hypothyroid disease
Diagnosis
Hypothyroid disease is a condition that occurs because of
an inadequate level of thyroid hormones in the body. This is
usually because of a lack of hormone production most
commonly due to either Lymphocytic Thyroiditis (thought to
be an immune system disorder) or Idiopathic Thyroid
Atrophy (destruction of the gland due to an unknown
cause).
If your pet has clinical signs or symptoms that may be
consistent with hypothyroid disease, a T4 blood test should
be performed in the office. If this test shows normal levels of
T4, your pet likely does not have a thyroid problem, and
other tests will be suggested to determine the cause of your
pet’s symptoms.
However, if your pet does have a lower than normal level of
T4 consistent with hypothyroid disease, there may be some
further tests recommended to definitively diagnose your
pet’s condition. Additional tests may be necessary because
there are other disease states that can artificially lower T4
levels. Your veterinarian will discuss with you whether or not
these tests are needed.
If your pet has signs consistent with hypothyroid disease, it
is important to perform a complete blood count and full
chemistry panel along with the T4 test. There are many
other diseases that have symptoms that are very similar to
those of hypothyroid disease. A full blood panel may reveal
other diseases and help your doctor interpret all findings
from the physical examination. Hypothyroid disease can
often cause other problems that are important to
understand, such as anemia, which may need to be treated.
Signs of hypothyroid disease
The signs of hypothyroid disease are related to low level of
hormones being produced. This leads to a decrease in the
overall body metabolism. Therefore, dogs with the disease
often have one or more of the following clinical signs:
• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• Hair loss – usually on both sides of the body
• Poor hair growth following clipping
• Dry, dull coat
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination frequency and volume
• Increased pigmentation of the skin
• Skin infections
• In-coordination or dragging of feet
• Painless lameness
Treatment options
If hypothyroid disease is confirmed in your pet, a daily
medication will be prescribed which will be given for the
duration of your pet’s life. This medication should return
your pet’s hormone levels to normal and prevent the
symptoms from returning.
It is important to perform a medication titration during the
initial phases of treatment. This means that you will need to
bring your pet in for routine T4 testing every few weeks until
the proper dose of medication is determined.
Post-treatment care
The T4 level of your pet will need to be monitored
on a regular basis because the medication requirements
over time can change. Your pet may lose weight, or its
metabolic requirements may change necessitating adjustments in the dose of medication.