Hypothyroidism

WEDNESDAY: MORNING: CLINIC:

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Zack Bryan: This morning we are remoting to you live from the Fullwood Animal Clinic. My guest is Dr. Brent Acosta. I'm Zack Bryan, and welcome to Couch Potatoes. I see you have a little buddy with you there, Doc.

Dr. Acosta: Thanks for having me, Zack. This is Seth, and he's being treated for hypothyroidism.

Zack Bryan: What kind of ailment is that?

Dr. Acosta: Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone affliction dogs can endure. In Seth's case, he's not making enough hormones to meet the needs of his body. That's typical with hypothyroidism.

Zack Bryan: Why is the number of thyroid hormones a dog produces important to them, Doc?

Dr, Acosta: Because thyroid hormones control a dog's metabolism, Zack. Too many thyroid hormones and their blood pressure and heart rate will increase. On top of that, their body burns muscle, and they become skinny and debilitated.

Zack Bryan: Aren't weight gain, lethargy, and poor hair coat manifestations of inadequate thyroid hormones, Doc?

Dr. Acosta: They can be, Zack. Most of the time, an immune-mediated inflammation develops in a dog's thyroid gland and leads to cellular destruction and the replacement of functional tissue with fibrosis. It's very similar to what we humans know as Hashimoto's Disease.

Zack Bryan: Doesn't this phase almost always go unnoticed in dogs and offers no obvious symptoms?

Dr. Acosta: When thyroid levels drop, the pituitary gland dumps TSH into the circulation system to attempt to stimulate thyroid hormone production.

Zack Bryan: Does that help any, Doc?

Dr. Acosta: Perhaps, for a short while. Then, the thyroid glands become less able to respond and thyroid hormone levels drop low enough that serious problems may occur.

Zack Bryan: Are there any breeds that are predisposed to develop hypothyroidism?

Dr. Acosta: There are. Great Danes, dachshunds, boxers, Irish Setters, and a variety of mixed breeds.

Zack Bryan: How are dogs tested for hypothyroidism, Doc?

Dr. Acosta: Diagnosis may be made through routine screening. However, if your dog exhibits weight gain, cold or thickened skin, elevated cholesterol, symmetrical hair thinning, or lethargy, your vet may test them for hypothyroidism.

Zack Bryan: What is the standard test for hypothyroidism?

Dr. Acosta: A T4 thyroid test. This will indicate if the dog's thyroid hormones are at an adequate level. And, the Free T4 test identifies how much thyroid hormone is available to your dog.

Zack Bryan: What is the treatment for dogs with hypothyroidism, Doc?

Dr. Acosta: Thyroid supplements for the rest of the dog's life. And, the dosage may require periodic adjustments because the dog's pituitary gland's output may decrease even more with time.

Zack Bryan: We would like to thank Dr. Acosta for being our guest this morning. I'm Zack Bryan, and you're tuned into Couch Potatoes, your one-source show for everything dog.

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