| |
Addisons Disease
Allergies Anesthesia Cancer Digestive
Disorders Elbow
Dysplasia Eye
Problems Heart
Disease Hernia Hip
Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Kidney/Liver Laryngeal
Paralysis Missing
Teeth Osteochondrosis
Dissecans (OCD) Panosteitis Perianal
Fistulas Polyneuropathy Reproduction Temperament
| |
Hypothyroidism
| What
is it? | Hypothyroidism
is a disease in which a dog's immune system attacks itself and destroys the thyroid
gland, resulting in a decreased production of thyroid hormone. There are different
types of hypothyroidism and not all of them are hereditary. Hypothyroidism is
common in all dogs including Leonbergers where it unfortunately appears with a
greater frequency than in the general dog population. The majority of Leonbergers
have Autoimmune Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, a form of hypothyroidism which is considered
hereditary. | | Symptoms: | This
can cause a multitude of symptoms including weight gain, lethargy, poor hair/coat,
infertility, and chronic infections. | | Diagnosis: | Blood
tests (a complete thyroid panel) are usually very reliable in confirming hypothyroidism
and determining which type it is. If your dog is being tested for hypothyroidism,
please have your veterinarian send the blood sample to one of the OFA registered
labs and consequently to the OFA
Thyroid Registry. |
| Treatment: |
Is relatively easy and very effective
by giving your dog a daily, predetermined dose/doses of pills containing synthetic
thyroid hormone. | | Links: | |
| |
