Causes and treatment of hypothyroidism in dogs

Hypothyroidism, caused by a malfunction of the thyroid, causes the production and release of thyroid hormones to decrease. We know what causes it in humans and how to treat it, but the causes and treatment of it. Hypothyroidism in dogs are not the same.

What exactly hypothyroidism is and what it causes in dogs

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces the hormone thyroxine and contributes this way to good functioning of the metabolism . In this way, our body and that of other animals is able to obtain the nutrients it needs from ingested food.

Hypothyroidism affects the proper functioning of this gland and reduces the release and production of the thyroxine This disease, common in dogs, can affect any race , although there is a certain prevalence in golden retrievers, dobermans pinschers, boxers or cocker spaniels.

Many causes of hypothyroidism in dogs can spread to people. The most common causes of hypothyroidism in dogs are:

• A low iodine diet.
• Presence of tumors or sebaceous cysts.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Substitution of thyroid tissue by adipose tissue, which is known as atrophy.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs

When diagnosing disease, there are certain signs that can help us determine if our dog is suffering from hypothyroidism.

• The main symptom of this disease is a weight gain strong>, which often leads to obesity. With proper treatment of the disease should be given a significant loss of weight, although a balanced diet and an active lifestyle are necessary to return our pet to the right path.
• Many of those affected by hypothyroidism they suffer a lethargy quite common in the disease produced by a lower performance in the metabolic process. The slower an animal's metabolism works, the more tired and drowsy it will feel, one of the reasons why these animals sleep a lot.
• Sometimes, it can affect the skin and sebaceous glands of your pet.

Treatment and recommendations to combat hypothyroidism in dogs

The treatment of hypothyroidism is simple and cheap: we only need to administer our pet via Oral thyroid hormone (T4) as often as the veterinarian prescribes.

It is advisable to periodically track the animal in all treatments that require long-term medication. term to check how you are tolerating it.

With a follow-up of the thyroid stimulating hormone in dogs or canine HET we can av Find out if the level of thyroid hormone is too low. A high level of this stimulating hormone is an indicator that the treatment is inadequate, so constant supervision is highly recommended.