Thyroid Disease in Dogs

Thyroid issues are rampant in Ridgebacks. Some thyroid problems have been proven to be a result of over-vaccination, some heredity and some environmental.

Trying to figure out what the thyroid test results mean requires an education. That said, Denise Flaim, the author of The Holistic Dog Book and a staff writer, a pet columnist for Newsday and the owner of champion Rhodesian ridgebacks....has written an excellent article that explains the thyroid dillemma in laymen's terms. Click HERE for the article.

Another must read about how thyroid disease can affect behavior is by renowed veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds.

The good news for most dog owners is that a pill each day helps alleviate most symptoms...and there are many...caused from a thyroid levels that are either low or high. It is reasonable and if you had to choose a disease for your dog to have, this would be the least worrisome.

That said, until we find a genetic marker for the disease, breeders still need to be diligent in doing their best to not breed affected dogs, at the very least.

Here are some of the symptoms of thyroid problems. This disease is sometimes hard to diagnose, so if your dog has any of these problems, you should have a thyroid test done at Michigan State University versus a local lab and it should be a FULL PANEL. If you own a Yandisa bred puppy and they have these symptoms you MUST let me know!

Alterations in Cellular Metabolis

weakness / stiffness / laryngeal paralysis / facial paralysis / tragic expression / knuckling or dragging feet / muscle wasting / megaesophagus / head tilt / drooping eyelids

Neuromuscular Problems

seizures / mental dullness / exercise intolerance / neurologic signs polyneuropathy / lethargy / weight gain / cold intolerance / mood swings hyperexcitability / stunted growth / chronic infections

Dermatologic Diseases

dry, scaly skin and dandruff / coarse, dull coat / bilateral symmetrical hair loss / rat tail, puppy coat / hyperpigmentation / seborrhea or greasy skin pyoderma or skin infections / myxedema / chronic offensive skin odor

Reproductive Disorders

infertility of either sex / lack of libido / testicular atrophy / hypospermia aspermia / prolonged interestrus interval / absence of heat cycles / silent heats / pseudopregnancy / weak, dying or stillborn pups

Cardiac Abnormalities

slow heart rate (bradycardia) / cardiac arrhythmias / cardiomyopathys

Gastrointestinal Disorders

constipation / diarrhea / vomiting

Hematological Disorders

bleeding / bone marrow failure / low red blood cells / low white blood cells / low platelets

Ocular Diseases

corneal lipid deposits / corneal ulceration / uveitis Keratococonjunctivitis / sicca or dry eye / infections of eyelid glands (Meibomian gland)

Temperament Issues

Unexplained aggression

Other Associated Disorders

lgA deficiency / loss of smell (dysosmia) / loss of taste / glycosuria / chronic active hepatitis / other endocrinopathies adrenal, pancreatic, parathyroid