Is your dog lethargic and overweight? Does
your cat eat everything in sight but still
lose weight? They both may suffer from
disease of the thyroid gland. Located in
the neck, the thyroid gland controls the
body’s metabolism.
Dogs often suffer
from hypothyroidism, a lack of thyroid
hormone production, leading to a slowing
of their metabolism. Cats often suffer from
hyperthyroidism, an excessive production
of thyroid hormone, leading to a speeding
up of their metabolism.
Hypothyroid dogs usually act lethargic,
gain weight, have dry, thin hair coats, may
shed excessively and often don’t like the
cold weather. Although any dog may suffer
from this illness, certain breeds—such as
Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers,
and Rottweilers—are more likely to be affected.
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed
through a thorough physical examination
and blood tests. Special thyroid hormone
testing may also be necessary. In many
cases, a firm diagnosis is difficult, and your
veterinarian may suggest trying testing or
trying medication to see if it helps.
Hypothyroidism is treatable but not
curable. If diagnosed with the condition,
dogs are given oral thyroid hormone
replacement medication, usually for life.
Most dogs will need to have their thyroid
hormone levels checked a few times each
year. The good news is that most problems improve with treatment, and many dogs
lead normal, healthy lives.
Cats usually have the opposite thyroid
problem from their canine friends. Their
thyroid gland may develop a benign tumor
that produces too much thyroid hormone.
This speeds up their metabolism, leading
to excessive appetite, with symptoms of
weight loss, increased thirst and urination,
vomiting and/or diarrhea, and a poor hair
coat. Usually, only geriatric cats, those
more than eight years old, are affected.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination
and often a single set of blood
tests to check overall body health and a
thyroid hormone called T4. Unfortunately,
hyperthyroidism can affect many of the
cat’s vital organs, including the heart and
liver, and may cause significant high blood
pressure.
The good news for hyperthyroid cats is
that many of them can be cured. A single
injection of radioactive iodine, given at a
special veterinary facility licensed to handle
radiation, is safe and may often be all that is
required. Other treatment options include
surgery to remove the affected thyroid
gland (which often leads to a permanent
cure) and oral medications that stop the
production of excessive thyroid hormone.
The disadvantage of the medications is that
while they control the disease, they don’t
cure it. These medications must be given
for the life of the cat and may have serious
side effects. The best treatment plan should
be discussed with your veterinarian.
So, if Bowser suddenly acts lethargic
and is gaining weight, or Kitty is always
eating but losing weight, schedule an
examination with your veterinarian to
determine whether they are suffering from
disease of their thyroid gland.
