CANINE HYPOTHYROIDISM - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 108 CASES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 177  (11) , 1117-1122
Abstract
Hypothyroidism, defined as a serum concentration of < 70 ng triiodothyronine (T3)/dl or < 1.5 .mu.g thyroxine (T4)/dl, or both, was diagnosed in 108 dogs by radioimmunoassay techniques. Both T3 and T4 values were determined in 96 dogs. Both values were low in .apprx. 50% (47/96) of the hypothyroid dogs; 25% (24/96) were T3 hypothyroid (low T3, normal T4), and 26% (25/96) were T4 hypothyroid (normal T3, low T4). The T3 values varied markedly between animals. Common clinical signs were alopecia, changes in coat (dryness, dullness, dandruff, scales, coarseness and slow regrowth of hair), hyperpigmentation and pyoderma. Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Poodles, Schnauzers, Irish Setters and Boxers accounted for 50% (54/108) of the hypothyroid dogs. Therapy consisted of T4, T3 or combination T3 and T4 replacement. A good clinical response was observed with T4 replacement in 40.4% (19/47) within 2 mo. and in 21.3% (10/47) within 5 mo. A poor clinical response was observed in 25.5% (12/47) after 6 mo. of therapy. Posttherapeutic evaluation was based on peak serum concentrations of T3 and T4, pretreatment (basal) thyroid hormone values, type of replacement therapy, dosage and time of sampling after treatment, concurrent clinical problems and, most important, clinical response to thyroid replacement therapy.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: