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DISEASES OF THE THYROID GLAND

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

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.

The thyroid gland is a very important organ, and the hormones that it produces have their effects all over the body. 

The thyroid is located in the neck and it has two parts which are found on either side of the windpipe. It's main role is the production of two thyroid hormones called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Essentially these hormones affect the metabolic rate of tissues in the body. When the thyroid gland is diseased one of two things usually happen :

  • Thyroid hormone production can decrease leading to low concentrations in the bloodstream. This condition is called hypothyroidism , and it is one of the most common hormonal disorders seen in dogs. It is uncommon in cats. Common signs of hypothyroidism include inactivity (lethargy) and skin problems including hair loss. CLICK HERE for more details.
  • Thyroid hormone production can increase leading to excessively high concentrations in the bloodstream. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common diseases of older cats. It is uncommon in dogs. Common signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, enlargement of the thyroid gland (called goitre) increased activity and a high heart rate. CLICK HERE for more details.

Blood tests to measure the concentration of thyroid hormones are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, but fortunately both conditions can be treated with good results to be expected for the majority of cases.

These thyroid disorders affect mainly older animals, so it is important to have your pet checked by your veterinarian if it starts to show any of the signs listed for either form of thyroid disease....even if the signs themselves (such as weight gain or hair loss) do not seem to be particularly serious.

 

Updated October 2013