Hypothyroidism

[Keira&Phoenix]

Hi All,

Well after some research I have a strong feeling my 3yo Keira might have hypothyroidism. Which I will be discussing with our vet tomorrow afternoon at our appointment.

What led me to this assumption is as follows -

Firstly my vet gave us some homeopathic medicine called Volcomin, which I googled, it is used to treat Thyroid problems amongst other things.

From there I searched thyroid problems in dogs and hypothyroidism (not to be mistaken for hyperthyroidism but has similar symptoms) came up I looked at the symptoms and she has several that are listed as follows -

Loss of hair/Patchiness - She has this along her spine on her tail and patchiness in various spots on her body

Dry skin/fur - This is true around the area where she has lost hair etc

Hyperpigmentation of skin - She has patches of skin which are much darker than normal, on her legs, where she is losing fur, on her stomach etc

She is also skinny and lost weight over the last 12 months or so even though her food consumption has been the same. It was the same time she started losing weight that the above symptoms also started showing.

She also had a bout of pancreatitis late last year which we couldn't figure why when she hadn't had a change in food but I just looked it up and pancreatitis can be caused by hypothyroidism because of the hormone inbalance.

Anyone have experience with this?? What did you do to treat? Homeopathic medicine or thyroxin?

As I said will be speaking to my vet but want to see what sort of options I should speak to him about.

It also says that dogs with Hypothyroidism can be hyperactive and aggressive, Keira can be both of these (only aggressive to dogs on walks, which I have previously posted about)

Edited March 15, 2011 by Keira&Phoenix

[Golden Rules]

If you google Dr Jean Dodds, you will find a wealth of info on this subject, she is the leading world expert in this field.

[GoldenGirl85]

If you google Dr Jean Dodds, you will find a wealth of info on this subject, she is the leading world expert in this field.

This, and PM Erny, she knows a lot about it and Jean Dodds

[Keira&Phoenix]

Thank you both. Will PM Erny and google Jean Dodds. Cheers

[Keira&Phoenix]

Also found another symptom she is showing which is Uveitis Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or sometimes called Dry Eye. I have noticed recently she has had a lot of discharge (like gunky sleep) from her eyes but all the time during the day etc.

Would it be worth sending blood to Dr Jean Dodds? Has anyone used her, what sort of cost was it? Was it worth it?

Also does anyone know which of Dr Jean Dodds tests should be requested? Thanks

Edited March 16, 2011 by Keira&Phoenix

[Tassie]

My first dog I had as an adult was a KelpiexBC desexed bitch, who started developing hair loss at aboiut age 2 or so. Vet thought it was demodex - treated - but no success - in the end he sent me to another vet, who said he didn't really know but could be hypothyroidism. In those days there was no blood test for it in dogs in Tasmania, so we just did trial and error with giving her Oroxine tablests (the human ones - nothing for dogs then.) Luckily it worked, and on a very high dose of Oroxine, she lived happily and hairily for another 13 years.

Vets then said that sometime you got multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism - but sometimes it might be only one - in Jess's case, just the hair loss (and then secondary skin infrections - dark lizard skin.) The clue in the hairloss apparently is that it's bilaterally symmetrical.

It's worth doing at least the basic screening blood test, although as Erny will tell you, that is only an indicator - you need to do more thorough tests (as per Dr Dodds) to really get the full picture.

[GoldenGirl85]

Erny can tell you all about her, she has used her quite a few times.

When it comes to the transport of the blood, Erny uses FedEX, they are expensive, and require special packaging of the blood, so if you are going to use them call them ahead to arrange everything. I sent some bloods off to her but used Australia Post, they were heaps cheaper, and didnt require any 'special' packaging, but they are slower at getting the blood there, so you wont be able to have a FBC run, but the thyroid tests will be fine (FBC can get done by any lab here)

[Keira&Phoenix]

My first dog I had as an adult was a KelpiexBC desexed bitch, who started developing hair loss at aboiut age 2 or so. Vet thought it was demodex - treated - but no success - in the end he sent me to another vet, who said he didn't really know but could be hypothyroidism. In those days there was no blood test for it in dogs in Tasmania, so we just did trial and error with giving her Oroxine tablests (the human ones - nothing for dogs then.) Luckily it worked, and on a very high dose of Oroxine, she lived happily and hairily for another 13 years.

Vets then said that sometime you got multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism - but sometimes it might be only one - in Jess's case, just the hair loss (and then secondary skin infrections - dark lizard skin.) The clue in the hairloss apparently is that it's bilaterally symmetrical.

It's worth doing at least the basic screening blood test, although as Erny will tell you, that is only an indicator - you need to do more thorough tests (as per Dr Dodds) to really get the full picture.

Thanks Tassie. Keira previously had demodex as a puppy and I know what that looks like this is definitely not demodex.

The hair loss she is experiencing is along her spinal area and on her tail mostly well thats more thinned out lots. She has a patch missing on her lower chest right in the middle and the back of both of her ears have some missing hair. And yes she has dark lizard skin in several spots.

Yeah I think I will find out what the cost is just to have the test done over here and if it isn't over the top go with that and see what the results are and then might look at sending some away.

Erny can tell you all about her, she has used her quite a few times.

When it comes to the transport of the blood, Erny uses FedEX, they are expensive, and require special packaging of the blood, so if you are going to use them call them ahead to arrange everything. I sent some bloods off to her but used Australia Post, they were heaps cheaper, and didnt require any 'special' packaging, but they are slower at getting the blood there, so you wont be able to have a FBC run, but the thyroid tests will be fine (FBC can get done by any lab here)

Thanks GG. Will PM Erny to see which of the tests is most suitable.

[Erny]

Would it be worth sending blood to Dr Jean Dodds? Has anyone used her, what sort of cost was it? Was it worth it?

Also does anyone know which of Dr Jean Dodds tests should be requested? Thanks

Yes, yes and yes. The cost works out at something like this :

$50 - $70 for your own Vet to draw the blood and have it spun down to serum.

$70 - $80 for Fed-Ex Courier (if you can take to a Fed-Ex drop off point yourself - I tend to find this is the most trouble free method. They have contracted couriers who pick up and take to the drop off points but I've never had this happen smoothly and without stress, so I don't bother with that anymore.)

$125.00 USA for Dr Jean Dodd's fee.

Have responded to your PM. The test you would want is the "Thyroid Profile 5 Plus".

Follow up tests (Profile 5 as opposed to Profile 5 Plus), if you need them, are about $75.00 USA, so a bit cheaper.

Also, our Aussie dollar is worth a tad more than the USA dollar at the moment, so if you're going to do this, now is a good time.

I wouldn't be satisfied with a negative result thyroid test unless it was conducted by Dr Jean Dodds. And I trust her medication prescription more too, because her analysis takes into account size, age and breed. In Oz, only size is taken into account.

Edited March 16, 2011 by Erny

[Staranais]

Also found another symptom she is showing which is Uveitis Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or sometimes called Dry Eye. I have noticed recently she has had a lot of discharge (like gunky sleep) from her eyes but all the time during the day etc.

Uveitis just a term that means the iris, ciliary body or choroid of the eye is inflammed, from any cause. Whereas KCS is an autoimmune condition where the tear glands are destroyed by the dog's own body. Both conditions need a vet diagnosis (uveitis via an ocular exam, KCS via a Schirmer tear test). Luckily there are lots of far more common and far less serious reasons to have gunky eyes.

[Keira&Phoenix]

Would it be worth sending blood to Dr Jean Dodds? Has anyone used her, what sort of cost was it? Was it worth it?

Also does anyone know which of Dr Jean Dodds tests should be requested? Thanks

Yes, yes and yes. The cost works out at something like this :

$50 - $70 for your own Vet to draw the blood and have it spun down to serum.

$70 - $80 for Fed-Ex Courier (if you can take to a Fed-Ex drop off point yourself - I tend to find this is the most trouble free method. They have contracted couriers who pick up and take to the drop off points but I've never had this happen smoothly and without stress, so I don't bother with that anymore.)

$125.00 USA for Dr Jean Dodd's fee.

Have responded to your PM. The test you would want is the "Thyroid Profile 5 Plus".

Follow up tests (Profile 5 as opposed to Profile 5 Plus), if you need them, are about $75.00 USA, so a bit cheaper.

Also, our Aussie dollar is worth a tad more than the USA dollar at the moment, so if you're going to do this, now is a good time.

I wouldn't be satisfied with a negative result thyroid test unless it was conducted by Dr Jean Dodds. And I trust her medication prescription more too, because her analysis takes into account size, age and breed. In Oz, only size is taken into account.

Thanks Erny I did get your PM! Thank you also for breaking down the cost, I am glad that I get 4 weeks holidays paid out next week (because I have left my job) and will have the cash to pay for it. She is my million dollar dog (ok thats a bit exaggerated but she is expensive )

Oh so she tells you what medication the dog should be on also? I assume you then have to get your vet to agree and give you said medication?

ETA Looked up fedex drop off points and there is one at Bris Airport and the other is at Burleigh Gold Coast, both are a pain, would help if I had a day off between finishing old job and starting new job but no such luck. Will have to try to race it to one of them one day.

Also found another symptom she is showing which is Uveitis Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or sometimes called Dry Eye. I have noticed recently she has had a lot of discharge (like gunky sleep) from her eyes but all the time during the day etc.

Uveitis just a term that means the iris, ciliary body or choroid of the eye is inflammed, from any cause. Whereas KCS is an autoimmune condition where the tear glands are destroyed by the dog's own body. Both conditions need a vet diagnosis (uveitis via an ocular exam, KCS via a Schirmer tear test). Luckily there are lots of far more common and far less serious reasons to have gunky eyes.

Thanks Staranais, it is just another issue that has shown up in the past 12 months and I feel that they must be connected in some way. I will be seeing Dr Rowan Kilmartin at Animals Options tomorrow so will be running everything past him and will get him to check her eyes out also.

Edited March 16, 2011 by Keira&Phoenix

[Erny]

Oh so she tells you what medication the dog should be on also? I assume you then have to get your vet to agree and give you said medication?

Assuming your dog proves positive for thyroid issue, yes. She will make the suggested medication (thyroxine) level and your Vet should be able to arrange this.

ETA Looked up fedex drop off points and there is one at Bris Airport and the other is at Burleigh Gold Coast, both are a pain, would help if I had a day off between finishing old job and starting new job but no such luck. Will have to try to race it to one of them one day.

Some people have had success in using Aussie International Courier system. Cheaper and easier, so I understand. When I went to use them the fellow I spoke with catagorically insisted that no animal bloods, not even those spun down to serum, were allowed to be shipped by Aussie Post. He even went away and checked with another of his colleagues. Yet there are others (DOL members) here who have had no such response; advice to the contrary; and no issue. Perhaps you might like to look into this?

[sas]

Link to send bloods: http://www.hemopet.org/services.html

[Keira&Phoenix]

Thanks everyone.

Ok so I asked the vet last night if he thought she had thyroid problems. He said no but mentioned hormone imbalance as the issue, I do trust him so I will be following through with our current medication which is volcomin (to both balance her hormones and help her joints), another joint medication and some chinese herbs which are also for both joints and hormone. I will be closely monitoring all the signs over the next 6 weeks or so and if there is no improvement I will speak with him again and ask for blood to be taken so I can get it tested even if he is still adamant it is not that. I would prefer to fork out the money and rule it out then for it to be the cause and not to know.

On another note her hips do seem better, she seems to be walking better so yippee

Thanks again All

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

Panda was diagnosed with Hypo-thyroidism in 2008. His symptoms included general lethargy, overweight, loss of coat, and a ""dirty" brown colour to his skin.

He was seen by a specialist dermatologist (at great expense) who diagnosed "follicular dysplasia". Unfortunately the specialist did not check his T4 levels and it wasn't until he "collapsed" after a hydrotherapy session and his heart was checked out by a Cardiologist who suggested checking out the T4 levels that the problem was finally "seen to".

Panda is on 1/2 tablet of thyroxine, x2 daily and is now fit and healthy with a lovely thick coat again.

[Erny]

Panda was diagnosed with Hypo-thyroidism in 2008. His symptoms included general lethargy, overweight, loss of coat, and a ""dirty" brown colour to his skin.

These are the typical clinical symptoms that occur when the thyroid tissue is 70% destroyed. Thyroid dysfunction to this extent is usually what our Aussie tests will pick up. The OS (Dr Jean Dodds) tests are more thorough and can pick up thyroid issues before the thyroid is that far gone.

He was seen by a specialist dermatologist (at great expense) who diagnosed "follicular dysplasia". Unfortunately the specialist did not check his T4 levels and it wasn't until he "collapsed" after a hydrotherapy session and his heart was checked out by a Cardiologist who suggested checking out the T4 levels that the problem was finally "seen to".

Panda is on 1/2 tablet of thyroxine, x2 daily and is now fit and healthy with a lovely thick coat again.

I wondered whether Dermatologists would think to test for Thyroid. I think thyroid test would be the best done first and then dermatologist, if thyroid unequivocally (as possible) found to be A Ok.

But not to badger the OP. I've already shared a PM with her and she has a pretty solid plan . Perhaps for other readers though.

And as ever, it's only my personal opinion and experience from whence I speak .

[stormie]

Thyroid was a suggested test for us. But alas, normal

[Erny]

Thyroid was a suggested test for us. But alas, normal

Lol. It's funny to wish a disease, isn't it? But when your dog's not well, of all the ones which are possible, thyroid is the easiest, least invasive to check for and the easiest and often most successful to medicate for.

I know I felt like celebrating when I found my boy to be thyroidic. Yet at the same time it felt wrong to feel that way.

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

Erny, the Cardiologist was very surprised that the Dermatologist didn't check Panda's T4 levels.

[GoldenGirl85]

Thyroid was a suggested test for us. But alas, normal :D

Lol. It's funny to wish a disease, isn't it? But when your dog's not well, of all the ones which are possible, thyroid is the easiest, least invasive to check for and the easiest and often most successful to medicate for.

I know I felt like celebrating when I found my boy to be thyroidic. Yet at the same time it felt wrong to feel that way.

Erny did I ever tell you that i solved Lexis lethargy problem? I didnt click at first because it was a very slow change, but I had taken her off her puppy food and put her on an adult formula, and she lost weight, so another breeder suggested I put her on a working dog food for the high fat content, which I did, and she reacted to it and got crazy hotspots, and then the lethargy hit...put her back on her old puppy food, and she has been fine ever since, no hotspots, and is full of energy