Symptoms of Canine Thyroid Disease

A thyroid is a small gland responsible for regulating growth and metabolism in a dog. It does this by secreting the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. If the thyroid does not make enough, disease can occur. According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," this is an inherited condition, and any dog that has this should not be bred.

Time Frame

Symptoms of thyroid disease in dogs most often occur when they are at least 5 years old, often older. Once a dog develops the disease, it will have it for life.

First Symptom

"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" states that the first symptom is strange bald patches that don't itch, often in the same area on both sides of the body.

Other Symptoms

According to Drs. Foster & Smith, other usual symptoms of hypothyroidism include lack of energy, sudden weight gain, intolerance of the cold and higher blood cholesterol.

Potential

If not treated early, hypothyroidism degenerates into skin lesions, thyroid cancer and pyoderma, a skin disease. Complications can also come from weight gain, such as heart disease.

Considerations

Breeds most prone to getting hypothyroidism include hounds, retrievers, rottweilers, Irish setters, dobermans, dachshunds, cocker spaniel and Shetland sheepdogs.

Resources

• "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms"