Is Your Dog Sick, or Do They Have a Thyroid Problem?

If your pets are tired and sleeping a lot, don't want to go on walks or play, seek warm places to rest, are gaining weight with no change in diet, or shedding their fur - you might think that they are just sick with a cold or dog flu, but in fact these may be signs of a much larger problem, one that has to do with their thyroid.  If you suspect your dog has thyroid problems, it can be very worrying especially as the symptoms (described in more detail below) may disguise themselves as other issues.

Given that many veterinary practices are still closed, figuring out how to keep your best friend healthy until you can take them to your vet is very important. This article can help you learn more about dog thyroid disease, identify symptoms, and help manage them until you can get your pup the proper care. Some dogs are even more predisposed to the disease than others so be sure to check below to see if your dog is at risk.

DOG THYROID - WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and is located in the front of the neck, with lobes on either side of the trachea. 

When the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, the body uses too much energy causing the heart to beat faster. This condition is called Hyperthyroidism. On the other hand when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, the animal generally feels tired, disoriented and can even gain weight. This condition is knows as Hypothyroidism. Both conditions come with their own problems and affect pets differently.

WHEN PETS GET HYPERTHYROIDISM

Hyperthyroidism is a very rare condition in dogs, but cats tend to suffer it more commonly. However, when it does occur in dogs, it is very serious. The primary cause of dog hyperthyroidism is a type of cancer called thyroid carcinoma that would be diagnosed by your vet.  The prognosis is determined by the size of the tumor, how much surrounding tissue is involved, and the stage of the cancer. Your vet can go over treatments for your dog and give medications to alleviate the thyroid symptoms.

Thankfully, this condition is rare in dogs, but it is still important to watch for possible symptoms so that any issues can be detected early on.  Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in dogs are: 

• Weight loss
• Hyper-excitability
• Vomiting
• Increased appetite and thirst
• Increased urination
• Heart murmurs
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

If you notice that your dog displays any of these symptoms it is best to get them checked by a vet right away.

Another symptom that you may notice is an enlarged lump or goiter in the front of the neck.  A goiter can occur when the thyroid gland, unable to produce enough hormones, grows bigger. They can also occur from iodine deficiency or too much iodine in the body. While goiters aren't too serious on their own, any swelling in your dog's necks should be checked out by a vet promptly to rule out anything serious, including hypothyroidism.  

DOG HYPOTHYROIDISM SYMPTOMS

The most common type of thyroid issue that you will find is dog hypothyroid. Low thyroid function can cause a number of issues for your dog as it directly affects their metabolism and energy. Symptoms of a slowing metabolism like lethargy, weight gain, and changes in the coat such as dog fur loss are very common for a dog with this condition. Read on for a full list of symptoms to watch for; but note that not all dogs will display all symptoms, and they may not always show themselves at the onset. Many of the symptoms show up slowly and are only notices over time as the underlying condition causes more damage to the thyroid.

While it is common to see these symptoms in cases of thyroid disease, some of these may also have other causes so it is important to get your pet checked out by a vet who can help rule out other potential causes of the dog not feeling well. Some dogs are also more predisposed to thyroid disease than others; these are listed below so be sure to check if your dog is at risk.

Signs of hypothyroidism in dogs to watch for may include:

WHAT CAUSES HYPOTHYROIDISIM IN DOGS?

Hypothyroidism in dogs is typically caused by damage to the thyroid gland. The most common cause is lymphocytic thyroiditis. This is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes the dog's body to attack it's own thyroid. The cause of this is unknown, but genetics are thought to play a role.  Although autoimmune thyroiditis can start to develop as early as 2 to 5 years of age, dogs with this condition can appear normal for years before becoming hypothyroid at a later date (typically between the ages of 4 and 10). 

One way to check if your dog is predisposed to this condition is to test for autoantibodies. Development of autoantibodies at any time in the dog’s life is a good indication that the dog has a genetic predisposition to developing the disease later on. 

The second most common cause is idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. This is when the thyroid tissue is replaced by fatty tissue. This condition is poorly understood, but what is known is that these two causes account for about 95% of all hypothyroidism in dogs. The other 5% are typically a result of rare conditions including cancer.

If left untreated, symptoms usually worsen over time as more of the healthy thyroid is replaced. One thing to note is that thyroid symptoms can also mimic symptoms of many other diseases. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, work closely with your vet to rule out other potential causes and get the proper treatment.

IS MY DOG AT RISK?

According to Washington State University " Hypothyroidism occurs more commonly in medium to large breed dogs and usually in middle aged dogs." Dogs with genetic predisposition or other autoimmune disorders may also be at risk.

The most commonly affected breeds include:

TREATMENT FOR THYROID DISEASE

Although thyroid disease is not really curable, a typical treatment to help rebalance or replace the levels of thyroid hormone created involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This is usually done using a manmade hormone drug called levothyroxine or L-thyroxine that will be prescribed by your vet. Iodine is also needed for the production of the thyroid hormone and if the dog does not have enough iodine then they cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. For this reason, some thyroid medication contains iodine to help in the production of the hormone. But you need to be careful as too much iodine can cause an over-production of the thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism. Achieving the right balance is critical.

If you are looking for a more natural solution to chemical drugs, a holistic vet can prescribe natural thyroid replacement remedies that typically have less side-effects. In either case most dogs with thyroid disease will need to be on medication their whole life to help regulate the optimal function of the thyroid gland. There is good news, however, as the symptoms of thyroid deficiency can be managed successfully, especially with early detection.

Once your veterinarian finds the ideal hormone balance for your dog, they should bounce back quickly. This balance is decided based on your dog's weight and the results of their blood work. A dog with autoimmune thyroiditis may also develop autoantibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein that is involved in the synthesis of the T4 and T3 hormone so the vet may recommend to have a full thyroid panel done to check for these antibodies. If your vet does not do a full panel, but if you suspect an autoimmune condition, you can ask them to do a full panel as it will help determine the best treatment for your dog.

 In addition to thyroid replacement therapy your vet may also recommend a diet or pet supplement to help support healthy thyroid function. Some natural supplements, such as Hypo-Balance Thyroid Support for dogs are very effective at supporting optimal thyroid function and reducing, or even eliminating most of the symptoms .

HELPING YOUR PET IF YOU CAN'T GET TO A VET

If your dog is suffering some of the symptoms, and you suspect they may have a thyroid issue but  your vet is closed, then do your best to ease their discomfort and provide supportive care. Natural thyroid support pet supplements and immune boosting remedies can help to give your dog more energy, regulate the production of the thyroid hormone and reduce symptoms.

If your dog is suffering from red or itchy skin then treating skin conditions and infections with creams or dog skin medicine can make your dog more comfortable. Some treatments may also help with dog fur loss, but fur may not regrow completely until the underlying cause is treated. Keeping your dog warm will also help, since a major symptom is intolerance to cold. You know your dog the best, so keep them comfortable as best you can until you are able to see a vet and get a proper diagnosis. On the bright side, remember that symptoms will improve once you find the right treatment and your fur baby will be back to his regular happy self.

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