What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in dogs?
My Schnauzer is shedding quite a bit and he’s hyperactive. I’ve read that dogs with a thyroid problem can be lethargic or hyperactive but I’d like to hear from someone who has experience with this.
90% of thyroid problems in dogs are caused by a hypoactive thyroid, meaning that the thyroid gland is under functioning. Symptoms that the owner usually notices is that the dog is usually overweight (and not just slightly), lethargic, exercise intolerance and usually has patchy hair or the hair coat isn’t as thick as it used to be. To diagnose this, it’s a very simple blood test and the condition is easily controlled by daily oral medication, but has to be monitored by more blood testing to find the right dosing of the medication. Easiest thing to do for your little guy is to just call your Vet for an exam and ask for some blood work! Best of luck.
Hair loss can be a symptom. Weight issues can be as well. If you suspect that your Schnauzer has this problem, all you need to do is take him to your Vet for a simple blood test. Your Vet then can prescribe medication for him, if needed.
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In dogs, hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.
The clinical signs of hpyerthyroidism can be found here:
http://www.dog-illnesses.com/canine-hyperthyroidism/
It does list hyperactivity but only in conjunction with other signs. Hyperactivity in itself will not be due to hyperthyroidism.
(Hypothyroidism is discussed here:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dog-hypo.htm )
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90% of thyroid problems in dogs are caused by a hypoactive thyroid, meaning that the thyroid gland is under functioning. Symptoms that the owner usually notices is that the dog is usually overweight (and not just slightly), lethargic, exercise intolerance and usually has patchy hair or the hair coat isn’t as thick as it used to be. To diagnose this, it’s a very simple blood test and the condition is easily controlled by daily oral medication, but has to be monitored by more blood testing to find the right dosing of the medication. Easiest thing to do for your little guy is to just call your Vet for an exam and ask for some blood work! Best of luck.
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I’m an Animal Health Technologist.
Hypothyroid (low functioning thyroid gland) dogs and cats can be lethargic, have weight gain, the coat begins to look sparse, dry & flaky.
Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) is less common. Dogs will have poor, dry coats also, but will have hyperactivity, weight loss, tremors, increase in thirst & urination.
Your vet can test his thryoid gland function with a blood test Good luck.
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Generally dogs with thyroid issues have HYPO thyroidism, meaning low thyroid function.Symptoms range from lethargy, poor or thinning hair coat, weight gain without additional calorie intake, slow or irregularar heart rate, and occasionally skin rashes/infections and ear infections may also be noticed. Although possible, it is very rare for dogs to have an over active thyroid.
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vet tech 19yrs
My bullmastiff who recently passed, had thyroid problems all his life. We got them under control and he was great! The first signs were lethargy, patches of fur began to fall out and all you saw was his skin, rat tail (fur fell off his tail), a foul odor coming from his skin, chronic ear infections and he didnt want to eat much. He also would get very hot very easily and would seek out the coldest place in the house to sleep. i had labwork run on him and he had hypothyroidism and had to take a synthroid twice a day with meals. I would have his labs run once a year to be sure his dosages did not need to be changed. It is very manageable and he should go back to normal within in 30 days of treatment.
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