Middle-aged dogs can suffer from thyroid problems just like humans, and producing too much or not enough thyroid hormones can negatively impact a dog's health. Vets can test to see if the dog's thyroid levels are within normal ranges.
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Causes
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Canine hyperthyroidism occurs when a dog's thyroid glands produce too much of a hormone called thyroxin. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the same hormone.
Testing
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Baseline T3 and T4 tests can indicate that there is a problem with a dog's thyroid glands. Extreme cases require the dog to undergo an ultrasound in order for the veterinarian to examine the condition of the dog's thyroid glands.
Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism is typically caused by damaged thyroid tissue, and is a common condition in spayed and neutered dogs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sudden weight gain, cold intolerance, lethargy, slow heart rate, chronic skin disorders, diarrhea and constipation.
Hyperthyroidism
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Dogs who suffer from hyperthyroidism frequently experience irritability, restlessness and hyperactivity. An elevated heart rate often accompanies the condition.
Treatment
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In most cases, dogs with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism respond well to medication, which has to be taken for the rest of the affected dogs' lives. Extreme thyroid cases require surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism sometimes requires the dog to undergo radiation therapy. Sometimes low canine thyroid levels result from an iodine deficiency, so adding the mineral to a dog's diet will restore the normal function of the gland.
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