What Is Hyperthyroidism in Dogs?
Thyroxine is one of the hormones that the thyroid glands produce. The overproduction of these hormones by the glands in hyperthyroid canines brings various metabolic concerns. 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 regulate your dog’s metabolic process 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, hyperthyroidism is most likely caused by a combination of circumstances.
What canine hyperthyroidism symptoms are there?
Many dogs will exhibit almost no symptoms in the condition’s early stages 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 spots 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, may be necessary to determine its extent if a tumor is found. Visit trusted facilities like the River Oak Veterinary Hospital for a complete dog screening.
What treatment options are there?
Depending on the extent of the individual case and the underlying reason, there are three main types of treatment used to treat hyperthyroidism in dogs.
Drug Prescription
The synthesis of thyroid hormones is suppressed by medication when a pet owner chooses non-invasive therapy. The problem frequently goes away by preventing the body from producing more hormones in the pet. A vet internist can manage hyperthyroidism with the help of medicines. However, if thyroid carcinoma is to blame, several variables, such as the stage at which it is discovered, will affect the likelihood of recovery. Click on this page for more information.
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 entails the vet’s total removal of the thyroid gland, albeit this is often only done when more than one gland is creating issues. This way, the body retains one functioning thyroid gland. The opposite condition, hypothyroidism, might develop if both thyroid glands are removed. Check out this vet surgery near me page for your dog’s surgical requirements.
Close Monitoring
Other treatment methods are more comprehensive, necessitating monitoring of animals and their prolonged stay in a vet facility. Depending on the stage of thyroid cancer, the size of the tumor, and the degree to which neighboring tissue is affected, other therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and iodine therapy, may 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 discovered and treated early. With the correct treatment, 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 challenging and depend on several aspects. However, dogs may develop hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy, characterized by low thyroid hormone levels. To cure hypothyroidism, dogs need a long-term thyroid supplement.
