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Ask the Veterinarian/dog suffering from hypothyriodism

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Expert: - 6/19/2011


Question
weenie
weenie
Hi,
My dog is female of 2 yrs and 7 months. She got spayed on 18 th March, 2010. For past 2 months she is shedding hair excessively, she walks only for few meters and becomes tired .She is very playful but can't play only for 15 - 20 mins. My vet is saying she is suffering from Hypothyroidism as there is no facility of blood test for animals I want to know what other characteristics I have to look for. She was very active before operation and after operation I gave her 50 mg of thyroxin for a month as prescribed by the vet. I don't want to start with the medicine unless I am 100% sure.  She suffered from mange when she was 2 months old.

Answer
Weight gain and hair loss are common findings in hypothyroidism.  Ear problems and skin infections are also associated with low thyroid. Thickened skin, warmth seeking, anemia, and sometimes seizures can also occur.  Your vet can send blood off somewhere to get it tested for thyroid hormones to confirm the diagnosis.

Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf

Expertise

Dermatology and ear diseases of dogs and cats

Experience

I am the author of "Small Animal Ear Diseases; An Illustrated Guide" published by W.B. Saunders. I have over 25 years of clinical experience with a special interest in dermatologic conditions and ear diseases.

Organizations
American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology

Publications
Veterinary Forum
Veterinary Medicine
Waltham Focus

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