Hypothyroidism is a health condition in dogs where their thyroid glands don't produce enough hormones. These hormones are crucial because they help regulate your dog's metabolism, which is how their body uses energy.
When a dog has hypothyroidism, their metabolism slows down, leading to various health issues. It’s more common in middle-aged dogs and certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Boxers.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to keeping your dog healthy and happy
Causes of Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Common Causes
The most common causes of hypothyroidism in dogs include problems where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, known as "lymphocytic thyroiditis," or when the thyroid gland shrinks for unknown reasons, called "idiopathic thyroid atrophy." These issues make the thyroid gland less able to produce the hormones your dog needs.
Other Causes
Sometimes, hypothyroidism can also be caused by less common factors. Some dogs are born with a thyroid gland that doesn’t work properly, which is a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism.
Certain medications can also interfere with thyroid function, and in rare cases, a tumour can develop on the thyroid gland, disrupting hormone production. While these causes are less common, they are still important to be aware of.
Recognising the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs can develop slowly, so they might be easy to miss at first. You might notice that your dog is gaining weight without any change in their diet or exercise routine. They could also seem more tired than usual and may start losing hair, especially around their neck, sides, and tail. Your dog might also have dry, flaky skin and may get ear infections more often.
These changes happen because your dog’s metabolism is slowing down due to the lack of thyroid hormones.
More Serious Symptoms
If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can cause more serious problems. Your dog’s skin might become thicker, making their face look a bit sad or droopy. They might also get cold easily, shivering or always looking for warm spots. In very severe cases, if hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening condition where your dog could become extremely lethargic or even collapse.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to get your dog to the vet right away.
How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
What to Expect at the Vet
If your vet thinks your dog might have hypothyroidism, they will start by looking at your dog’s symptoms and ruling out other possible causes, like skin diseases or obesity. This is important because hypothyroidism shares symptoms with other conditions, so getting an accurate diagnosis is key.
Blood Tests
The most common way to diagnose hypothyroidism is through blood tests. These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your dog’s blood. If the hormone levels are low, it suggests your dog might have hypothyroidism.
Your vet might also check for another hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). High levels of TSH often indicate that the body is trying to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Sometimes, your vet might need to repeat the tests to be sure of the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Medication
The good news is that treating hypothyroidism in dogs is usually straightforward. The main treatment is giving your dog a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones to replace what their body isn’t making. This medication comes in the form of a tablet or liquid that your dog will need to take for the rest of their life. Most dogs respond really well to this treatment, and you should start to see improvements in their energy levels and overall health within a few weeks.
Regular Check-ups
Once your dog starts treatment, regular vet visits are important to make sure the medication is working properly. Your vet will check your dog’s hormone levels with blood tests and may adjust the dose if needed. It’s also important for you to keep an eye on your dog for any new symptoms or changes in their behaviour, as these could mean that the medication needs to be adjusted.
Prognosis and Managing Long-Term Care
What to Expect Long-Term
With proper treatment, dogs with hypothyroidism can live full, healthy lives. The key is to keep up with their medication and vet visits.
If you stick to the treatment plan, your dog should be able to enjoy life with very few problems.
Caring for Your Dog
In addition to giving your dog their medication, you can help manage hypothyroidism by making sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and stays active. Hypothyroid dogs are more prone to weight gain, so a balanced diet and regular exercise are important.
Keep an eye out for any side effects from the medication, such as increased thirst or urination, and let your vet know if you notice anything unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can hypothyroidism be cured?
No, hypothyroidism can’t be cured, but it can be managed very effectively with lifelong medication and regular vet care.
What happens if hypothyroidism is untreated?
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems, including heart issues, severe skin infections, and in very severe cases, a life-threatening condition where your dog could collapse.
Is there a special diet for dogs with hypothyroidism?
While there’s no special diet specifically for hypothyroidism, keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important. A balanced diet can help with this.
How quickly will my dog improve after starting treatment?
Most dogs start to feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment. Their energy levels should increase, and they might start losing weight if they’ve gained extra pounds.
Are some breeds more likely to get hypothyroidism?
Yes, certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to developing hypothyroidism.
If your dog's quality of life is suffering significantly, contact our team via 0333 041 8200 or request an appointment.
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