March is Thyroid Month
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone
The thyroid glands play an important role in the normal metabolism of all body cells. Hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder of dogs and typically affects dogs between 4 to 10 years of age. Common signs of this illness include:
- Lethargy, reluctance to play or go on walks
- Tires easily after exercise
- Not as bright and alert or aware of surroundings as before
- Weight gain
- Heat seeking behavior – tends to seek sunlight, next to the refrigerator or heating vents to lie because these areas are warm
- Intestinal problems that may come and go such as diarrhea or vomiting
- Skin problems including hair loss that is symmetrical on both sides of your pet, dull dry coat, increased pigment to the skin, bacterial skin infections are also more common
- Some pets with hypothyroidism also have a slower than normal heart rate
Treatment involves daily thyroid hormone supplementation.
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid gland produces too much hormone
The thyroid glands play an important role in the normal metabolism of all body cells. Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder of cats and typically affects cats over 8 years of age. Common signs in cats include:
- Voracious appetite
- Weight Loss
- Vocalization
- Heart murmurs due to cardiomyopathy
- Rough hair coat
- Blindness
Various treatment options exist including medications and surgery depending on the needs of the individual patient.
