Symptoms of Hyperthyroid in Dogs
Thyroxine is one of the hormones that the thyroid glands produce. The overproduction of these hormones by the glands in hyperthyroid dogs brings different metabolic issues. Dogs can get hyperthyroidism, even though it is a condition that affects them very rarely. When it happens, your dog might experience some severe health problems as a result. Rapid action is required to achieve the best outcomes from treatment for hyperthyroidism, which poses a severe health risk.
What functions does a dog’s thyroid serve?
The thyroid in your dog’s neck creates a host of vital hormones that help control your dog’s metabolism and body temperature.
What is hyperthyroidism?
A pet can experience weight loss, anxiety, diarrhea, and other symptoms when its body overproduces the thyroid hormone. Typically affecting older animals, hyperthyroidism is most likely brought on by a combination of circumstances.
What canine hyperthyroidism symptoms are there?
Many dogs will exhibit almost no symptoms in the condition’s early stages or may only have a bump on the underside of their neck. When symptoms become apparent, they may include:
- Cardiomyology (enlarged heart)
- Change in bark
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulties swallowing
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Enlargement of thyroid
- Excessive water consumption
- Facial swelling
- Frequent urination
- Gagging and vomiting
- Heart murmur
- Hyper-excitability
- An increased amount of stool
- Increased appetite
- Swelling under neck
- Weight loss
How is hyperthyroidism in dogs diagnosed?
An appropriate blood test that detects thyroid hormones can quickly and readily identify hyperthyroidism. Your dog may have a tissue sample removed and examined under a microscope if the doctor discovers a lump in the neck region. Further examinations, such as diagnostic imaging, may be necessary to determine its extent if a tumor is discovered. Check out this dog check up near me page for a reliable dog screening.
What treatment options are there?
Depending on the severity of the individual case and the underlying reason, there are three main types of treatment used to treat hyperthyroidism in dogs.
Drug Prescription
The synthesis of thyroid hormones is inhibited by medication when a pet owner chooses non-invasive therapy. The problem often goes away by preventing the body from producing more hormones in the pet. A vet internist can manage hyperthyroidism with the aid of medicines. However, if thyroid carcinoma is to blame, several variables, such as the stage at which it is discovered, will affect the likelihood of recovery. Check out this internal medicine vet near me page if you’re looking for an internist.
Surgery
When a thyroid tumor in a dog is surgically removed, the results are usually excellent as long as it’s easy to move, is less than 4 cm in size, and has not yet migrated to other sections of your pet’s body. Surgery entails the veterinarian’s complete removal of the thyroid gland, albeit this is often only done when more than one gland creates issues. This way, the body retains one functioning thyroid gland. The opposite condition, hypothyroidism, may develop if both thyroid glands are removed. Look for reputable facilities like River Oak Veterinary Hospital if you need help with your pet’s hyperthyroidism.
Close Monitoring
Other treatment methods are more extensive, necessitating monitoring of animals and their prolonged stay in a veterinary clinic. Depending on the stage of thyroid cancer, the size of the tumor, and the degree to which neighboring tissue is affected, other therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and iodine therapy, may also be utilized, either alone or in combination.
What is the prognosis for canine hyperthyroidism patients?
The prognosis for dogs with thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism is favorable when detected and treated early. With the proper care, many dogs can live for one to three years with a good quality of life. Surgery is curative when a benign tumor is present. Treating a malignant thyroid tumor might be difficult and depend on a few elements. However, dogs may develop hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy, characterized by low thyroid hormone levels. To cure hypothyroidism, dogs need a long-term thyroid supplement.
