You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Canine autoimmune thyroiditis (the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs) can now be screened for by using a simple blood test for thyroglobulin antibodies using the VT-20 system

Autoimmune damage to the thyroid gland is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in dogs. Now there is a simple blood test for thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) called the VT-20 system which is available in the UK from Proceed Animal Welfare (PAW). The screening  test can be used to detect the presence of active autoimmune thyroiditis before clinical signs associated with hypothyroidism are present, and one objective is to avoid breeding from affected animals in an attempt to reduce the incidence of the disease in susceptible breeds.

The test is being made available direct to dog owners, breeders and breed dog clubs as well as through the veterinary profession. Animals with a negative test are issued with a Certificate and PAW recommend that only "clear" animals are used for breeding. However, as onset of the disease can occur at any time, repeat testing every 2 years is recommended.

Provet believe that this test can be a useful addition to a Senior Healthcare Screening Programme and would like to hear from veterinarians who are using it as a screening test in apparently healthy middle-aged to old animals. Please send details to feedback@provet.co.uk 

Thank You

Last updated : January 2016