THYROID ISSUES IN CANINE REPRODUCTION MEDICINE/PEDIATRICS

摘要

Hypothyroidism is perceived by the dog fancy to be a common disorder of great concern. Hypothyroidism is blamed for sub-optimal hair coats, tendencies to gain weight, reproductive problems and lackluster athletic performances. Hypothyroidism is perceived by the veterinary community as a frustrating disorder to correctly diagnose, or, more commonly not diagnose. Many dogs presented to reproductive clinicians are already on thyroid supplementation, generally sodium levothyroxine, less commonly sodium liothyronine or a combination product. Some of these dogs have historical laboratory and clinical data supporting the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but many may not. Most commonly, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism was made based on a single total T4, usually part of a comprehensive general chemistry profile, and often performed when the dog was ill or on confounding medication. Some dogs were placed on thyroid supplementation by referring veterinarians based on perceived clinical signs, without clinical documentation. Some dogs have had numerous thyroid tests performed, all with normal results (sometimes “low” normal), but were placed on supplementation anyway as a therapeutic trial. Mention of breed specific normals higher than established normal levels at commercial laboratories has been made as a rationale for therapy despite normal test results. Some clients have given their dog’s thyroid supplementation at their breeder’s insistence.