We know that a visit to the vet can be stressful when you’re dealing with unfamiliar medical jargon, an under-the-weather pup, and the uncertainty about what’s actually going on with your furry best friend. That’s why we’ve approached a few of our favorite pet experts from Rover’s Dog People Panel, veterinarians Dr. Rebecca Greenstein and Dr. Gary Richter, and asked them for some assistance in breaking down some of the most common pet afflictions. Read on for some straightforward information that’ll help put your mind at ease, and will also help you communicate with one of the most important people in your pup’s life – their veterinarian!
What exactly is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your pup’s thyroid gland is not producing enough of the hormone (thyroxine) that helps convert food into fuel. This condition is most often caused by their immune system suddenly attacking the thyroid, and tends to be a genetic issue, although it can occasionally be caused by rare diseases, including cancer. Though this condition can’t really be prevented, it is something that can be effectively treated with the help of your vet, so never fear!
Though hypothyroidism is a fairly common disease for all dogs breeds, it is most commonly found in middle-aged pups, and in middle to large sized breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, Boxers, and even some Spaniels.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
According to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, our trusted pet expert and Veterinary Medical Advisor of Rover.com’s Dog People Panel, “Hypothyroidism can make your pet seem really lethargic, and can even cause them to pant excessively. It can also change the quality of their coat and skin, and cause them to be overweight and a little cranky.” She also points out that since many of these symptoms are also associated with “old age” in dogs, if you suspect that it’s something more, make sure to bring up your concerns with your vet so that they can decide if it’s Hypothyroidism, or something else.
When should I take my dog in to the vet?
As soon as you notice symptoms you should take your dog to the vet to have them checked out. There’s definitely no harm in putting your mind at ease, and confronting any problems head-on. After all, it’s possible that your pup just needs a change in diet, has some sort of allergy, or is having some other issue that can be easily treated if it’s diagnosed by an expert.
Are there any specific questions that I should make sure to ask them?
Our other renowned veterinary expert, Dr. Gary Richter, encourages concerned dog parents to ask their vet about specific bloodwork that can help diagnose Hypothyroidism. “Be sure to ask for the tests that include the measurement of thyroid levels,” he told us. “Once you have that information and the condition is diagnosed, they’ll be able to start treatment for your dog.” The most common screening test is total thyroxin (TT4) level which measures the main thyroid hormone in the blood sample and will show if there is a low level of total thyroxin. Then, a thyroid panel that tests the levels of multiple forms of thyroxin should be able to tell you for sure if your pup is suffering from hypothyroidism.
Dr. Richter explains that the usual treatment for Hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy, which is a lifelong treatment. It’s also important to understand that achieving the correct dosage of hormones might take a few beats to figure out, but once the correct dosage has been decided, your pup should be feeling better in no time. But since this is a condition that can’t be cured, you’ll need to continue to bring your dog to the vet for regular check-ups and bloodwork monitoring to ensure that they’re on the right path for continued health.
Help! What if I don’t understand everything my vet is talking about?
Just remember, it’s always appropriate to check in with your vet with any follow-up questions or concerns that you have. Though we’ve tried to break down the medical jargon into easy-to-understand content, we know that some of what you hear when you’re in the office might be confusing and even scary. Don’t be ashamed to ask for clarification! It’s always better to get input from a real, live person versus trying to decipher your vet’s words by searching online.
Don’t forget, your dog is depending on you to keep them healthy, so do your best to be your furry friend’s advocate!