Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/20/2011

Question
My dog (a lab) has been on SOLOXINE 0.8 MG since this past June.  Though we have seen a big difference in him, happier, playfulness, has lost weight, we have notices that his fur is more coarse than usual.  Is this because of his medication.  We give it to him twice daily. Should we stop it or cut back on the dosage?

Thank you,

Answer
Normally when dogs are on Soloxine for 60 days, we measure the serum T4 concentration about 2 hours after the morning pill.  That tells us if the dog is getting too much or not enough of the medicine.  If the amount is OK, then there is something else going on with the skin and coat that needs to be addressed.  If the medication level is too high, then in it needs to be decreased.