A Dog’s Hyperthyroidism Guide for Owners
Thyroxine is one of the hormones that the thyroid glands produce. The overproduction of these hormones by the glands in hyperthyroid dogs brings various metabolic issues. Dogs can get hyperthyroidism, even though it is a condition that affects them very rarely. When it happens, your dog might experience some severe health issues as a result. Rapid action is needed to achieve the best outcomes from treatment for hyperthyroidism, which presents a severe health risk.
What functions does a dog’s thyroid serve?
The thyroid in your dog’s neck creates a host of vital hormones that help control your dog’s metabolism and body temperature.
What is hyperthyroidism?
A pet dog can experience weight reduction, anxiety, diarrhea, and other symptoms when its body overproduces the thyroid hormone. Typically impacting older animals, not just dogs; even cats are susceptible. A combination of circumstances most likely brings on hyperthyroidism. A thorough dog & cat checkup should be part of your wellness plan.
What canine hyperthyroidism symptoms are there?
Several dogs will show no symptoms at the onset of the condition or may only have a bump on the underside of their neck. When symptoms become apparent, they might include:
- Cardiomyology (enlarged heart)
- Change in bark
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulties swallowing
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Enlargement of thyroid
- Excessive water consumption
- Facial swelling
- Frequent urination
- Gagging and vomiting
- Heart murmur
- Hyper-excitability
- An increased amount of stool
- Increased appetite
- Swelling under neck
- Weight loss
How is hyperthyroidism in dogs diagnosed?
An appropriate blood test that detects thyroid hormones can quickly and readily identify hyperthyroidism. Your dog may have a tissue sample removed and examined under a microscope if the doctor discovers a lump in the neck region. Further examinations, such as diagnostic imaging, might be essential if a tumor is discovered to determine its extent.
What treatment options are there?
Depending on the seriousness of the individual case and the underlying factor, there are three main types of treatment utilized to deal with hyperthyroidism in dogs.
Drug Prescription
The synthesis of thyroid hormones is suppressed by medication when a pet owner selects non-invasive therapy. The problem often goes away by preventing the body from producing more hormones in the pet. An animal internal medicine vet can manage hyperthyroidism with the aid of medicines. However, if thyroid carcinoma is responsible, several variables, such as the stage at which it is discovered, will affect the likelihood of recovery.
Surgery
When a thyroid tumor in a dog is surgically removed, the results are usually excellent as long as it’s easy to move, is less than 4 cm in size, and has not yet migrated to other sections of your pet’s body. Surgery involves the veterinarian’s total removal of the thyroid gland, albeit this is often only done when more than one gland creates problems. This way, the body retains one functioning thyroid gland. The opposite condition, hypothyroidism, may develop if both thyroid glands are removed. Visit trusted facilities like the River Oak Veterinary Hospital for surgical needs.
Close Monitoring
Other treatment methods are more comprehensive, necessitating monitoring of animals and their prolonged stay in a veterinary clinic. Depending on the stage of thyroid cancer, the size of the tumor, and the degree to which surrounding tissue is affected, other treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and iodine therapy, might also be utilized, either alone or in combination.
What is the prognosis for canine hyperthyroidism patients?
The prognosis for dogs with thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism is favorable when detected and treated early. With the correct care, many dogs can live for one to three years with a good quality of life. Surgery is curative when a benign tumor is present. Treating a malignant thyroid tumor might be difficult and depend on several aspects. However, dogs might develop hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy, characterized by low thyroid hormone levels. To treat hypothyroidism, dogs need a long-term thyroid supplement.
