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The thyroid gland is important. It produces hormones which regulate many processes in the body and are essential for a healthy life. They play a particularly strong role in metabolism (the management of energy in the body).
So, if your dog has issues with their thyroid, they can have a whole host of health issues, from things like weight gain and poor skin condition to tremors and lethargy.
Thyroid issues can cause a multitude of symptoms, so it’s hard to pin down. Here, we explain common thyroid issues in dogs, the symptoms, treatment and how dog insurance helps.
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What are thyroid issues in dogs?
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So, can dogs have thyroid issues? Yes, they can - it isn't just a major issue for humans. It can impact every mammal.
Found in a dog’s neck, the thyroid gland is there to produce hormones. It regulates various systems in a mammal’s body and sends hormones to necessary places. It does this primarily through two hormones:
Triiodothyronine (T3): The “active” form of thyroid hormone.
Thyroxine (T4): The “inactive” form of thyroid hormone.
The thyroid gland usually self-regulates, a bit like a thermostat, making sure the correct level of thyroid hormones is always present in your dog’s system. This balancing act is known as homeostasis.
But various conditions can cause the feedback system to break down, causing too many or too few hormones to be produced.
Thyroid problems can lead to a multitude of health issues. The two common thyroid disorders are:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid issue seen in dogs. This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It can lead to many different clinical signs such as :
Behavioural changes, particularly a lack of enthusiasm
Coat and skin problems, with hair loss and darkening of the skin
Heat-seeking behaviour
High cholesterol
Lethargy
Depression
Slowed heart rate
Weight gain
Symptoms of thyroid issues in dogs are wide-reaching, so they can be difficult to pinpoint.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, is frequently seen in cats but is far less common in dogs.
Hyperthyroidism occurs secondary to a tumour in the thyroid gland, which can be malignant (spread elsewhere in the body). This may cause the following symptoms:
An enlarged thyroid gland in the neck
Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhoea
Increased appetite and thirst
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Weight loss
Early symptoms and signs of thyroid issues in dogs
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Recognising thyroid disease is difficult because the symptoms are wide-reaching and can crossover with other health problems.
Generally, a vet will test for thyroid problems if your dog is struggling with one or more of these issues:
Appetite changes, like eating too much or drinking excessively
Behavioural changes, especially if you have a high-energy breed that lacks energy
Cold intolerance, like shivering too much or refusing to go outside in cold weather
Lethargy, like not wanting to go on walks, slowing down or a lack of excitability
Skin and coat changes, like skin infections and excessive shedding
Weight gain, especially if you have your dog’s nutrition and exercise regime in check
Weight loss
It’s hard to notice these issues early because, at first, they can look like separate issues or indicate a different health problem. It’s why it’s worth having regular check-ups as preventative pet care helps prevent and recognise these problems early.
A noticeable, enlarged lump in your dog's neck is the one main symptom that indicates something’s wrong with the thyroid. This is normally an enlarged thyroid and is usually associated with hyperthyroidism. A vet must see to this immediately.
Diagnosis of thyroid disorders
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Your vet will start by examining your dog and talking to you about their symptoms. If your vet is suspicious of a thyroid issue then they will run some tests.
Blood tests are used to measure the levels of your dog’s thyroid hormones. This can help to determine if they are too high or low. Your vet will also run some other blood panels to check for other issues like organ dysfunction or anaemia.
Blood tests are the most important tool for diagnosing a thyroid issue, but other diagnostics may be recommended. This may include taking a sample from the thyroid gland for analysis if your vet is concerned about thyroid cancer.
As with all health conditions, the earlier a thyroid problem is diagnosed, the sooner the treatment can be implemented. This will improve your dog’s long-term outlook. So if you spot anything that is concerning you it is important you get a vet to take a look.
Diagnostic costs can vary between practices. It is likely that your dog will need long-term management and monitoring for their thyroid problem, so costs can start to add up.
Treatment options for thyroid issues in dogs
Your dog’s treatment plan will depend on whether they have been diagnosed with hyper or hypothyroidism.
Dogs with hypothyroidism will need to have ongoing management with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
This is given in the form of a daily medication known as levothyroxine. Your vet will need to take more blood samples after treatment has been started at regular intervals to make sure that your pet is getting the correct dose of medication.
Your vet may also advise you on diet and exercise for your pet, especially if they are overweight.
If your dog has hyperthyroidism, then this can be more challenging to manage. They will usually require surgery to remove the cancer in their thyroid gland that is causing problems.
Follow-up chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be required to mop up any remaining cancer cells. But remember that hyperthyroidism in dogs is rare.
Preventive care and long-term management
There is nothing you can do to actually prevent a thyroid issue from happening in the first place. But it's not all doom and gloom! Spotting a thyroid problem early helps to significantly reduce the chances of symptoms getting too bad.
Regular vet check-ups and blood tests help with early detection, but a vet is there to be a resource for you too; they can advise you further on the medication needed to keep your dog’s thyroid ticking and the best diet for your pet.
Dog insurance can help cover vet fees, like diagnostic tests, medication, treatment and ongoing care. This can give you peace of mind, particularly for a thyroid condition that will need long-term management.
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