Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/8/2008

Question
Hi Dr,

Our 7 yr old lab was recently diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.  He was fat, lithargic and losing hair.  The vet prescribed thyrosin and his hair and energy came back and he lost an incredible amount of weight.  Back to being a puppy too.  However, he has really been nervous as of late and has taken to extraordinary amounts of panting and sometimes a little shaking.  At times, his desire for attention is oppressive and we can't keep him from trying to crawl up in our laps (a little too big at 75 lbs).  He scratches at the door now and has began to escape the yard by crawling through the smallest of openings.  He used to be extremely afraid of going through narrow doorways.  I'm a little worried that he is experiencing side effects of the medicine or if there is something else going on.  He has no issues with excercise or eating or drinking and the panting isn't from being hot.  I'm concerned he is in pain, but I don't speak dog so I'm at a loss.  Just wondering if you have any thought.

Thanks,
Bill

Answer
Bill -

Ask your veterinarian to check the therapeutic level of the medication your dog is taking.  Perhaps he is getting too high concentration of thyroxine. I think that may be why he is so active - his metabolism may be running rampant.  Your veterinarian can perform a blood test  and submit it to lab.  The lab results will indicate whether or not he is getting too much medicine in his system.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM