According to W. Jean Dodds, D.V.M., an internationally recognized authority on thyroid issues in dogs, low thyroid can bring about a wide range of clinical symptoms. However, low thyroid in dogs, or canine hypothyroidism, can be controlled with medication.
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Features
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Hypothyroidism can cause aggressive and aberrant behavior. Canine hypothyroidism is a thyroid hormone deficiency in dogs. It can bring about behavioral changes often misunderstood as disobedience. Other symptoms can include changes in a dog's coat, weight, energy level and skin color as well as skin infections, flaky skin, bleeding and neuromuscular disorders.
Treatment
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Proper dosage can change over time. Treatment requires that the missing thyroid hormone be replaced with an appropriate dosage supplement under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Side Effects
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Excess thyroid medication can cause severe problems. Overmedication can cause irritability, hyperactivity, excessive weight loss, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing and excessive hunger.
Considerations
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Appropriate doses may need to be adjusted periodically. If a dog being treated for low thyroid experiences excessive hunger, or another of the mentioned side effects, its thyroid levels should be rechecked.
Significance
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Excessive hunger, weight loss/gain, energy levels, irritability and other symptoms due to hypothyroidism can be reversed with appropriate levels of medication, which may need to be adjusted periodically in relationship to the dog's weight (see Resources below).
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