Treatment of Canine Hypothyroidism |
Canine hypothyroidism is a very treatable disease with the use of a thyroid replacement hormone. One such drug is called thyroxine and will need to be administered daily for the rest of the dog’s life. Most clinical signs of the disease will clear up with a daily regimen of medication. When the presence of hypothyroidism is suspected, a complete physical examination begins the diagnostic process, with a blood test to follow. The baseline T4 and the baseline T3 tests are the most commonly tests used in diagnosing hypothyroidism. These tests evaluate the levels of the T3 and T4 thyroid hormone in the dog’s blood. The T4 is the most commonly run test when hypothyroidism is suspected in a dog. A third test, the TSH Level test is used to measure the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood stream. The severity of the disease will dictate the dose and frequency when giving thyroxine to an afflicted dog. Time may be needed to regulate the dosage, although once the appropriate dose has been reached, symptoms will begin to wane. Periodic blood testing will be required check the dog’s response to the medication. Laboratory testing will give an indication of any adjustments that need to be made in medication dosage. Although incurable, canine hypothyroidism is a very treatable disease. Most dogs with hypothyroidism are able to live normal healthy lives. |
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