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Evaluation of thyroid function in dogs suffering from recurrent flank alopecia
1Département de sciences cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|September 19, 2000
Summary
Canine recurrent flank alopecia (CRFA) in dogs is not caused by thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid function tests, including total thyroxine (TT4) and thyrotropin (TSH), can help distinguish CRFA from hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Canine Dermatology
Background:
- Canine recurrent flank alopecia (CRFA) is a dermatological condition of unknown etiology.
- Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, can manifest with dermatological signs, necessitating differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thyroid function in dogs with CRFA.
- To determine if thyroid hormone levels differ between euthyroid, CRFA, and hypothyroid dogs.
- To assess the utility of thyroid hormone testing in diagnosing CRFA.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of total thyroxine (TT4), thyrotropin (TSH), and thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAA) were measured.
- Blood samples were analyzed from three groups: euthyroid dogs (n=20), dogs with CRFA (n=18), and hypothyroid dogs (n=21).
Main Results:
- Hypothyroid dogs showed significantly lower TT4 and higher TSH levels compared to euthyroid and CRFA dogs.
- No significant differences in TT4 and TSH were observed between euthyroid and CRFA dogs.
- Thyroglobulin autoantibodies were found in 10% of euthyroid dogs, 11.1% of CRFA dogs, and 61.9% of hypothyroid dogs.
Conclusions:
- Dogs with CRFA exhibit normal thyroid function.
- Serum TT4 and TSH levels can differentiate CRFA from hypothyroidism in most cases.
- Concomitant occurrence of CRFA and hypothyroidism is possible but uncommon.