Hypothyroidism is a disease that is seen almost exclusively in dogs. It is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone that the body usually needs. This results in the metabolism of the pet slowing down drastically and cause a list of possible symptoms.
If a pet is hypothyroid some of the symptoms you could see are; weight gain, decreases energy, hair loss, flaky skin, decreased heart rate and dark patches on the skin. Seeing any or all of these symptoms will be able to point a veterinarian in the right direction to make a diagnosis but the only definitive way to diagnose hypothyroidism is with a blood test. It can measure the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood, and by interpreting this with a full wellness blood panel, the veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis.
There is only one treatment option, and it is quite simple. Lifelong medication to supplement the thyroid hormone is the solution. The dose will depend on how much extra thyroid hormone that the pet requires, which may change over time. This is also why the veterinarian will most likely recommend periodic blood panel rechecks.
Written by Jordan Christensen