Hyperthyroidism in dogs: symptoms, causes and treatment

Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a difficult pathology to diagnose, so it is important to know how to recognize it. Let’s find out how and what to do.

The thyroid it performs very important functions not only in the organism of all of us, but also in that of our four-legged friends. This is an endocrine gland made up of two lobes, which are each positioned on one side of the trachea.

But why is the thyroid gland so important to the body? Practically its function is to regulate metabolic processes and energy consumption, and it does so by producing Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones that are synthesized through iodine.

If these hormones were to undergo an alteration, there will inevitably be the appearance of a series of negative effects on the organism, and one of these is precisely hyperthyroidism.

With hyperthyroidism, there is an excessive production of thyroid hormones, far superior to what is the organism’s need.

If Fido were to suffer from this pathology every cell and organ of his body would be affected and the organism would show an acceleration of its vital functions.

Hyperthyroidism can be treated and kept under control if diagnosed promptly, but when this does not happen it can become the trigger for other far more serious diseases.

This is why it is essential to know what it is hyperthyroidism in dogs, recognize his symptoms and above all know what to do to help Fido.

Hyperthyroidism in dogs

As in humans, this endocrine disease can also develop in dogs: it affects females and large breeds of dogs, such as Labradors or Dobermanns, more frequently.

If Fido has hyperthyroidism, due to the excessive production of thyroid hormones in your body, you are witnessing one “Hypermetabolic state”. But how to recognize it? What are the symptoms to identify?

Symptoms

One of the alarm bells is represented by the appearance of a lump in the neck, easy to feel with palpation, but if not visible here the symptoms to watch out for, all to be attributed to the increase in basal and energy metabolism.

• hyperactivity: Fido displays explosive energy that he cannot control;
• restlessness and nervousness: for no reason seems more anxious;
• altered appetite and thirst: the dog has an excessive desire to eat and drink;
• weight loss and loss of muscle mass: even if his hunger is uncontrollable, the dog begins to lose weight, due to the loss of adipose deposits and lean mass;
• tachycardia and tremors;
• increased respiratory rate and wheezing;
• increased urination;
• change in skin and coat: the skin is reddened and its coat dull and bristly, in some cases there is also an excessive loss of hair;
• vomiting and diarrhea: the excessive production of thyroid hormones negatively affects the “vomiting center” and the intestine slows down its absorption function;
• muscle weakness;
• convulsions.

Causes of hyperthyroidism in dogs

The main cause of hyperthyroidism is the formation of a lump or of a thyroid cancer: the first consists of a benign tumor, the second instead in a malignant form, both interfere with the regular activity of the thyroid gland, which begins to function excessively.

Other causes they can be:

• a malformation of the thyroid gland;
• a immune system dysfunction, which by attacking the tissues of the thyroid causes the excessive production of hormones;
• a diet low in iodine.

Unfortunately this pathology manifests itself gradually (as well as hypothyroidism in dogs), the symptoms are visible only when it is very advanced, for this reason it can be very dangerous.

This is why as soon as we notice strange behaviors in Fido, or when we stroke him we notice a “ball” on his neck, it is important to take him immediately to the vet.

You may also be interested in: Horner’s syndrome in dogs: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect that Fido may be suffering from hyperthyroidism, you must immediately take him to your trusted veterinarian, to whom you must communicate all the symptoms you have encountered in the dog.

The vet will submit him to a specific and careful examination, thanks to which he will be able to understand if it is really hyperthyroidism and above all what is the cause that triggered it. The investigations he will carry out are:

• complete blood count and urinalysis;
• measurement of thyroxine: useful for defining the concentration of this hormone;
• complete biochemical profile: to monitor the functionality of organs and systems;
• radiography and ultrasound: to identify any tumors or metastases.

Only after all these tests will the veterinarian be able to prescribe the most suitable treatment for our beloved four-legged friend.

Generally the treatment is pharmacological: in the form of antithyroid tablets or ointments (to be placed behind the ear), thanks to which the level of T4 will be kept constant.

However, when the cause is a tumor, the treatment varies according to the severity:

• in some cases the only solution is to completely remove the thyroid gland: surgery that can have complications, such as excessive blood loss, and in this case a transfusion is necessary;
• in other cases, however, when the tumor is not operable, the more certain option is a course of radiotherapy: with the hope that the tumor will shrink.

Our task in all cases is to have Fido follow the drug treatment correctly and guarantee him continuous check-ups to monitor the values ​​of the thyroxine hormone.