Hypothyroid & Anemic Dogs

While hypothyroidism and anemia in dogs may be intertwined with one another, this isn't always the case. A dog with hypothyroidism may experience anemia, but a dog with anemia may not always have hypothyroidism. In fact, anemia is sometimes a symptom of hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, there are a handful of other hypothyroid symptoms. Understanding both conditions will help you recognize possible symptoms in your dog and know whether the two are related.

  1. Anemia

    • Red bloods cells in the blood of all vertebrate animals contain a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin gives blood its color and is responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia is a condition where blood has a lower-than-normal level of red bloods cells in the blood. Dogs with anemia must work harder to supply a sufficient level of oxygen to the body. Anemia is caused by any number of factors, including blood loss, poor nutrition, toxins, hemolysis, cancer, diseases or hypothyroidism.

    Hypothyroidism

    • As in humans, the thyroid gland in dogs is located in the back of throat. The thyroid gland takes iodine, converts it to a thyroid hormone called thyroxine, and subsequently secretes that hormone into the bloodstream. Thyroxine controls metabolism in every cell in the body and is needed for canine growth. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not secrete an adequate level of thyroxine into the bloodstream. Some causes include cancer, reactions to certain medications, lymphocytic thyroiditis, idiopathic thyroiditis or a deficiency of the pituitary gland.

    Symptoms

    • Anemic symptoms include weakness, depression, lethargy, pale gums, pale eyes, pale ears, loss of appetite, irregular breathing, heart murmur, fainting, vomiting or bloody urine or feces. Hypothyroidism symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to the cold, lethargy, high cholesterol, reproductive problems, chronic constipation, irregular heartbeat, eye problems, vomiting and, of course, anemia. Hypothyroidism typically affects middle aged dogs. Golden retrievers, Doberman pinchers and Irish setters are more susceptible to the disorder than are other breeds.

    Action

    • If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. A number of tests can be performed to detect either anemia or hypothyroidism. Possible tests include blood tests, urine samples or a bone marrow biopsy. Depending on the condition and its cause, any number of treatments may be prescribed.