Diagnosis of Canine Hypothyroidism

Canine hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition that occurs when a dog's thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones.  This condition tends to occur in mid-to large breed dogs, and is most frequently exhibited by those between four and ten years of age.  Reports show that spayed females appear to develop the disease more often than those who are still intact. 

Medical evidence gives an indication that some breeds may be predisposed to developing canine hypothyroidism.  Some of the breeds in this category include Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, and Miniature Schnauzers.

In conjunction with a complete physical examination, the veterinarian will need to conduct a blood test to make an appropriate diagnostic verification of hypothyroidism.  A baseline T4 blood test is the most commonly used blood analysis.  The T4 test gives an indication of the levels of thyroid hormone found in the dog's blood.  The thyroid gland is the only part of a dog’s body that produces T4 therefore, if lower than normal levels are present, it is an indication of a damaged or impaired thyroid gland.