Behavior Disorders
Detecting Thyroid Disorders in Dogs through a Canine Thyroid Testing Service
Hypothyroidism due to the impaired production and secretion of thyroid hormone may be the reason behind a dog’s sluggishness, abnormal behavior, and appearing unwell. Finding an accurate canine thyroid testing service can help pet owners recognize the reasons behind the problem and take the appropriate steps to correct them.
By appearance alone, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can thus mimic those of other conditions making it difficult for veterinarians to make a definitive diagnosis. Hypothyroidism most commonly occurs in dogs between two to ten years old, and while it occurs less often in toy and miniature dogs, it can be quite common in mid- to large-sized breeds.
The progressive symptoms pet owners may notice include lethargy, mental dullness, weight gain and cold intolerance. These stem from the slowing down of the dog’s metabolic rate, but only become obvious once 70% or more of thyroid output has been impaired. Aside from this, skin problems occur in up to 60% of hypothyroid dogs. Some dogs may also display a “tragic facial expression” due to a proliferation of layers within the skin.
As these symptoms also occur in a number of other conditions, testing is required to determine whether the cause is truly thyroid dysfunction. The problem is that this is one of the most confusing disorders to identify correctly in small animal practice, and so appropriate testing should be done to help ensure the pet’s health.
While most larger veterinary laboratories offer canine thyroid testing, not all have the best technology or services to benefit the owner. Given the difficulty in diagnosing the problem, care must be taken to choose a service that interprets results based on the age, sex and breed type of the dog. Active canine athletes also have different basal thyroid ‘norms’. An added bonus is offering a service that interprets the results in a way the owner can understand. Using this type of service can make a great difference in the pet’s health and longevity.
Resource Box:
Hemopet offers the most advanced
canine thyroid testing
, featuring quality patented green technology. This service offered by the company benefits dogs with
canine thyroid diseases
such as hypothyroidism. To learn more about the company’s testing services, visit Hemopet.org or call 714-891-2022.
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