Effect of oral administration of sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in combination on thyroid function in dogs

The effect of oral administration of sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in combination on serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (fT4) and the thyroid hormone response to thyrotropin administration was assessed. Six dogs were administered sulfadiazine (12.5 mg/kg) and trimethoprim (2.5 mg/kg) orally for 28 days; six untreated dogs acted as controls. Serum T4, T3 and fT4 were determined weekly during and for four weeks after treatment. Thyrotropin response tests were performed prior to treatment, after four weeks of treatment and three weeks after stopping treatment. There were no significant differences in mean serum T4, T3 or fT4 concentrations between treated and control groups at any time during the study. Mean concentration of serum T4 over time did not differ significantly from baseline concentration in either group. Significant differences in the mean serum T3 and fT4 concentrations occurred at several time points in treatment and control groups, and were apparently unrelated to treatment. Significant differences in the T4 or T3 response to thyrotropin administration within or between groups were not present. Serum T3 and fT4 concentrations fluctuate in normal dogs. Administration of sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in combination does not affect tests of thyroid function in the dog.