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Canine hypothyroidism: a retrospective study of 108 cases
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Hypothyroidism in dogs can manifest with low triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) levels, or both. Treatment with T4 replacement showed a good clinical response in over 60% of dogs within five months.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs.
- Diagnosis relies on serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
- Clinical signs vary but often include dermatological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose hypothyroidism in dogs using radioimmunoassay.
- To characterize clinical signs and breed predispositions.
- To evaluate the efficacy of T3 and T4 replacement therapy.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum T3 and T4 concentrations in 108 dogs.
- Clinical signs and breed data were recorded.
- Dogs received T4, T3, or combination therapy, with response assessed over time.
Main Results:
- Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 108 dogs; 50% had low T3 and T4, 25% low T3 only, and 26% low T4 only.
- Common signs included alopecia, coat changes, hyperpigmentation, and pyoderma.
- Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Poodles, Schnauzers, Irish Setters, and Boxers were frequently affected.
- T4 replacement therapy led to good clinical response in 40.4% within 2 months and 21.3% within 5 months.
- A poor response was noted in 25.5% after 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Hypothyroidism in dogs presents with varied hormonal profiles and clinical signs.
- Certain breeds show a higher predisposition.
- Thyroxine (T4) replacement therapy is effective for many hypothyroid dogs, though response times vary.