IRISH BOXER DOG CLUB

HYDOTHYROIDISM

Boxers have a predisposition for hypothyroidism, a hormonal condition in which the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can be caused by problems in the dog's own immune system, or it can be caused by certain medications, toxins, or even a lack of exercise. Since the thyroid hormone is responsible for metabolism, a dog with hypothyroidism has a slowed metabolism, and will show signs and symptoms such as an increase in weight without an increase in food consumption, joint pain, skin problems (e.g. hair loss, dry skin, recurrent skin infections), intolerance of the cold and exercise, and lethargy. Hypothyroidism is easy to diagnose with a blood test that checks the level of various thyroid hormones including T4. Hypothyroidism in dogs is easily treated and consists of placing the dog on a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine (levothyroxine). There are numerous brand names of this drug. The dose and frequency of administration of this drug varies depending on the severity of the disease and the individual response of the animal to the drug. A dog is usually placed on a standard dose for his weight and then blood samples are drawn periodically to check his response and then the dose is adjusted accordingly. Once therapy is started, the dog will need to be on treatment for the rest of his life. There does not appear to be a sex predilection but spayed females appear to develop it more often than intact females.

Although Hydothyoidism may appear to be a relatively harmless condition, if left untreated over a prolonged period of time it can have serious if not life threating consequences, as the thyroid regulates the metabolism and therefore the functions of many vital organs in the body. Usually after the treatment is started, the majority of the symptoms resolve.