Canine Hypothyroidism Disease

What is hypothyroidism in dogs? Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in dogs. One of the major glands in the body of the thyroid gland. It is part of the production of hormones of the endocrine system. It is in the dog's neck halfway up under the skin. Produce trilodothyronine called T3 and thyroxine or T4, hormones that your dog needs for normal metabolic function. A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid gland becomes ill or is destroyed and can not secrete enough hormones, resulting hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism or increased activity of the thyroid in dogs is rare and occurs in cases of thyroid cancer or thyroxine drug overdose.
thyroid effects all physical symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose the disease. The dog may go through a number of contradictory symptoms including weight gain and changes in personality. Digestion and reproduction system of the dog may be affected also. This may cause infertility and diarrhea in dogs.
Dogs who have thyroid disease may suffer from intolerance to cold, high cholesterol or inflammation of the ear. The dog may be suffering from circulatory problems like slow heart rate.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

    Skin problems and hair, such as itching, loss or thinning hair.
    Unexplained weight gain
    Chronic ear infections, skin and foot and yeast infection
    Apathy, fatigue
    Aggression, anxiety and irritability
    Stiffness
    Nosebleeds and other external signs of bleeding
    Gas and constipation
    Irregular heat cycle
If left untreated, thyroid disease can cause a terminal illness and death. You should look for abnormal behavior such as aggression, fear and anxiety. They can indicate early signs of hypothyroidism. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year for behavioral problems, when in fact, may have suffered a malfunction of medically treatable thyroid.
Nearly 90% of cases of canine hypothyroidism result of inherited disease called autoimmune thyroiditis.
Some breeds are more prone to thyroid dysfunction, such as Labrador and Golden Retriever, Doberman and Shetland sheepdog. No race is immune from the disease.
The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made by performing a complete training for dogs check the levels of the thyroid. A complete profile of the thyroid includes total T3, T4, free T3, free T4 and TgAA.
Hypothyroidism treatment is to give your dog hormones thyroxine replacement orally twice daily, between meals. Most dogs show rapid improvement and can live a long and healthy life, as long as they remain in the thyroid medication