Are golden retrievers prone to thyroid issues?
Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to a type of thyroid disease called autoimmune thyroiditis. This disease occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and is more common in the Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Beagle, and Golden Retriever.
What causes thyroid issues in dogs?
What causes hypothyroidism? In dogs, hypothyroidism is usually caused by one of two diseases: lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. The former disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is thought to be an immune-mediated disease.
How common is hypothyroidism in golden retrievers?
Outline: Insufficient blood levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), due to disease of the thyroid glands, affects up to 25% of Golden retrievers.
When is a golden retriever prone to hypothyroidism?
If your dog’s thyroid glands are underactive, the thyroid will be attacked by your dog’s immune system, leading to health issues. Golden retrievers are prone to hypothyroidism, and it most commonly occurs at 4-10 years of age.
What kind of medication should I give my Golden Retriever for his thyroid?
Medication that can cause thyroid suppression include corticosteroids and trimethoprim-sulphonamide antibiotics. Your vet may recommend not giving your dog this medication and allowing it to wash out of your dog’s system. This can then help your dog’s thyroid levels bounce back to normal. Allow the vet to run blood tests on your dog.
When to take a golden retriever to the vet?
Take your Golden Retriever to the vet for an evaluation if you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as mental slowness, weight gain, or a dull coat. If your vet diagnoses your dog with hypothyroidism, you will need to give it a thyroid hormone replacement medication, usually in the form of a tablet.
Can you breed a dog with hypothyroidism?
The thyroid does not recover from hypothyroidism, so your dog will need to take thyroid pills for the rest of its life. It is recommended that dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism should not be bred from, because of the likely genetic link. Get your dog back to a healthy weight.
Is it common for Golden Retrievers to have hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition that is common in dogs, although the golden retriever, along with the Doberman pinscher and the Irish setter, seem to be more prone to hypothyroidism than other breeds.
Medication that can cause thyroid suppression include corticosteroids and trimethoprim-sulphonamide antibiotics. Your vet may recommend not giving your dog this medication and allowing it to wash out of your dog’s system. This can then help your dog’s thyroid levels bounce back to normal. Allow the vet to run blood tests on your dog.
What kind of dog is prone to hypothyroidism?
Golden retrievers are prone to hypothyroidism, and it most commonly occurs at 4-10 years of age. Other breeds such as Doberman, Old English sheepdog, miniature schnauzer, boxer, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel are also prone to hypothyroidism. Note if your dog has low energy.
Take your Golden Retriever to the vet for an evaluation if you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as mental slowness, weight gain, or a dull coat. If your vet diagnoses your dog with hypothyroidism, you will need to give it a thyroid hormone replacement medication, usually in the form of a tablet.