What does it mean when a dog has underactive thyroid?
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a medical condition in which a dog’s thyroid is not releasing enough of the hormone thyroxine into the bloodstream. What causes hypothyroidism in dogs?
How old do dogs have to be to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is most often diagnosed in dogs between 4 and 10 years old. In most cases, an autoimmune disorder that shrinks or inflames the thyroid tissue causes hypothyroidism in dogs. There are no known genetic causes. However, according to the American Kennel Club, medium to large breeds are at greater risk than toy and miniature breeds.
Can a dachshund have hypothyroidism at any age?
Dachshunds are one of the breeds susceptible to hypothyroidism in dogs. Photography by iStock. Any dog can develop low thyroid at any age, but there are certain breeds and age groups that are at higher risk.
What causes a dog to have too much thyroxine?
When the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, your dog’s metabolism will kick into overdrive. Known as hyperthyroidism, this thyroid disease is the rarer of the two in dogs and can be caused by: Overactive thyroid nodules. Thyroid cancer, a tumor which causes the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a medical condition in which a dog’s thyroid is not releasing enough of the hormone thyroxine into the bloodstream. What causes hypothyroidism in dogs?
How old do dogs have to be to have hypothyroidism?
It usually happens in middle-aged dogs (ages 4 to 10) of medium to large breeds. Neutered males and spayed females also have a higher risk, but vets are unsure why. It is thought that in some cases of hypothyroidism, your dog’s immune system attacks his thyroid. Other causes are the shrinking of his thyroid and, although rare,…
Dachshunds are one of the breeds susceptible to hypothyroidism in dogs. Photography by iStock. Any dog can develop low thyroid at any age, but there are certain breeds and age groups that are at higher risk.
Can a dog with a low thyroid be neutered?
If a dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, hypothyroidism can also affect the reproductive system. The most common signs of low thyroid problems in dogs include: