Symptoms of Canine Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Explained
Symptoms of Canine Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Explained
Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a common endocrine disease. Dogs can also develop hyperthyroidism, which can lead to a number of health problems. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, please take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your dog recover.
I. Causes of Canine Hyperthyroidism
The main cause of canine hyperthyroidism is thyroid tumors. These tumors are usually located in the ventral part of the neck from the pharynx to the chest. Thyroid tumors are mainly divided into two types: adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Adenomas are usually less than 2cm in diameter and are translucent cystic, while adenocarcinomas can be larger.
Among dogs, Boxers are most susceptible to thyroid adenomas. In addition, Beagles and Golden Retrievers are also more likely to develop hyperthyroidism.
II. Symptoms of Canine Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism usually become progressively worse as the disease progresses. Common symptoms of canine hyperthyroidism include:
Increased thirst and urination: Your dog will drink more water than usual and urinate more frequently.
Increased appetite, weight loss: Your dog will be very hungry, but despite eating a lot, it will still lose weight.
Increased defecation, weakness: Your dog will defecate more often than usual and may experience weakness.
Increased heart rate and pulse, increased ECG voltage: Your dog's heart will beat faster than usual, and its pulse will be stronger.
Preference for cold places, restlessness, panting and easy fatigue: Your dog may be sensitive to high temperatures and prone to restlessness, panting and easy fatigue.
Protruding eyeballs, swollen eyelids, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia: Your dog's eyes may protrude and the eyelids may swell, accompanied by tearing and conjunctival hyperemia.
Palpable enlarged thyroid tumor under the neck: Palpate from the pharynx to the chest along both sides of the trachea under the neck, and you can feel the enlarged thyroid tumor. Normally, you can't feel it.
Difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing: Thyroid tumors can compress the trachea, causing your dog to have difficulty swallowing and breathing.
III. Treatment of Canine Hyperthyroidism
The treatment plan for canine hyperthyroidism depends on the type, size and location of the tumor.
Early stage thyroid cancer without metastasis: Surgery can be performed to remove the tumor.
Metastatic thyroid adenocarcinoma or difficult to completely remove: Surgery is not recommended, and radioactive iodine therapy can be performed.
Severe hyperthyroidism: Before surgery to remove thyroid adenoma, iodine compound glycerol or hydrogen iodide syrup should be administered orally or antithyroid drugs should be used for treatment.
Thyroid adenoma: If the individual is small and grows slowly, even if it affects thyroid function, it can be surgically removed. After both thyroid glands are removed, the dog needs to be fed thyroid powder for life.
IV. Prevention of Canine Hyperthyroidism
Although canine hyperthyroidism cannot be completely prevented, the following measures can reduce the risk of developing the disease:
Regular checkups: Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups, which can help to detect the disease early.
Healthy diet: Feed your dog high-quality dog food and avoid overfeeding.
Keep exercising: Regularly take your dog for outdoor exercise, which helps to keep them healthy.
V. Conclusion
Canine hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease that can lead to a number of health problems. If your dog shows any symptoms of hyperthyroidism, please take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your dog recover.
Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a common endocrine disease. Dogs can also develop hyperthyroidism, which can lead to a number of health problems. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, please take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your dog recover.
I. Causes of Canine Hyperthyroidism
The main cause of canine hyperthyroidism is thyroid tumors. These tumors are usually located in the ventral part of the neck from the pharynx to the chest. Thyroid tumors are mainly divided into two types: adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Adenomas are usually less than 2cm in diameter and are translucent cystic, while adenocarcinomas can be larger.
Among dogs, Boxers are most susceptible to thyroid adenomas. In addition, Beagles and Golden Retrievers are also more likely to develop hyperthyroidism.
II. Symptoms of Canine Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism usually become progressively worse as the disease progresses. Common symptoms of canine hyperthyroidism include:
Increased thirst and urination: Your dog will drink more water than usual and urinate more frequently.
Increased appetite, weight loss: Your dog will be very hungry, but despite eating a lot, it will still lose weight.
Increased defecation, weakness: Your dog will defecate more often than usual and may experience weakness.
Increased heart rate and pulse, increased ECG voltage: Your dog's heart will beat faster than usual, and its pulse will be stronger.
Preference for cold places, restlessness, panting and easy fatigue: Your dog may be sensitive to high temperatures and prone to restlessness, panting and easy fatigue.
Protruding eyeballs, swollen eyelids, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia: Your dog's eyes may protrude and the eyelids may swell, accompanied by tearing and conjunctival hyperemia.
Palpable enlarged thyroid tumor under the neck: Palpate from the pharynx to the chest along both sides of the trachea under the neck, and you can feel the enlarged thyroid tumor. Normally, you can't feel it.
Difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing: Thyroid tumors can compress the trachea, causing your dog to have difficulty swallowing and breathing.
III. Treatment of Canine Hyperthyroidism
The treatment plan for canine hyperthyroidism depends on the type, size and location of the tumor.
Early stage thyroid cancer without metastasis: Surgery can be performed to remove the tumor.
Metastatic thyroid adenocarcinoma or difficult to completely remove: Surgery is not recommended, and radioactive iodine therapy can be performed.
Severe hyperthyroidism: Before surgery to remove thyroid adenoma, iodine compound glycerol or hydrogen iodide syrup should be administered orally or antithyroid drugs should be used for treatment.
Thyroid adenoma: If the individual is small and grows slowly, even if it affects thyroid function, it can be surgically removed. After both thyroid glands are removed, the dog needs to be fed thyroid powder for life.
IV. Prevention of Canine Hyperthyroidism
Although canine hyperthyroidism cannot be completely prevented, the following measures can reduce the risk of developing the disease:
Regular checkups: Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups, which can help to detect the disease early.
Healthy diet: Feed your dog high-quality dog food and avoid overfeeding.
Keep exercising: Regularly take your dog for outdoor exercise, which helps to keep them healthy.
V. Conclusion
Canine hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease that can lead to a number of health problems. If your dog shows any symptoms of hyperthyroidism, please take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your dog recover.
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