Hyperthyroidism in dogs is an endocrine disease caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones and hypermetabolic basal metabolism. It is characterized clinically by high metabolic rate syndrome, high neurostimulantity, and goiter. Cats are common, and dogs occasionally occur.
Generally speaking, hyperthyroidism in canines is often seen in the age of 4-18. Boxer dogs, beagles and golden retrievers are prone to hair.
1. Causes of hyperthyroidism in dogs:
Canine hyperthyroidism is caused by thyroid tumors, which are located on the ventral side of the neck to the chest. Generally speaking, 1/3 of the primary thyroid tumor in canine is adenoma and 2/3 of it is adenocarcinoma. Thyroid adenomas are usually thin in diameter less than 2 cm, with a clear cystic appearance, and some are larger. Among dogs, boxer dogs are most likely to suffer from thyroid adenoma.
2. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in dogs:
1. If the dog has hyperthyroidism, it will cause excessive drinking, thirst, increased appetite, subsequent weight loss, weight loss, increased bowel movements, fatigue, hyperactivity of heartbeat and pulse, and increased electrocardiogram voltage; in addition, dogs like cold places, irritability, panting, and easy fatigue;
2. Protruding eyeballs, eyelid edema, tears, congestion of the eye conjunctiva;
3. Palpation of the underneck from the throat to the chest along both sides of the trachea, and swollen thyroid tumors can be felt (not normally touched).
4. Thyroid tumors can cause symptoms of dysphagia and breathing in dogs.
3. Treatment of hyperthyroidism in dogs:
1. Surgical removal can be used for thyroid cancer that has not been metastasized in the early stage. Thyroid adenocarcinoma that has been metastasized or difficult to completely remove should not be removed surgically. Radioiodine therapy can be performed.
2. For dogs with severe hyperthyroidism, before surgical removal of thyroid adenoma, they should first take orally with iodine compound iodine glycerol 0.2ml or hydrogen iodide syrup: once a day, for 3 to 10 days or antithyroid drugs (such as propylthiouracil 1mg/kg body weight, 2 or 3 times a day) for a period of time.
3. Thyroid adenomas are usually small in individuals and grow slowly. If the thyroid function is affected, an excision can also be performed. Both thyroid glands are removed and the dog needs to be fed to thyroid powder for life.