Hyperthyroidism


Hyperthyroidism
My dog's blood test showed a high T4 level. The vet said it could be the result of an infection or maybe a thyroid tumor and wants to retest in 3-4 weeks. Can you please give me some more information on this?
T4 is a measure of the thyroxin level in your dog's blood. The thyroid gland produces this powerful hormone to regulate metabolic rate. A high level indicates the dog's thyroid gland is over producing, which is rarely a problem in dogs (much more common in cats). The thyroid gland responds to the dog's needs for increased metabolism by producing more hormone. Such needs include stress, infections, pregnancy, tumors, medications, and diseases. Your veterinarian's advice is excellent. You should be alert to possible problems, and retest several weeks later. Most hyperthyroid conditions in dog's resolve without treatment. If the level is still high, then your dog will need to have further testing.
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T4 is a measure of the thyroxin level in your dog's blood. The thyroid gland produces this powerful hormone to regulate metabolic rate. A high level indicates the dog's thyroid gland is over producing, which is rarely a problem in dogs (much more common in cats). The thyroid gland responds to the dog's needs for increased metabolism by producing more hormone. Such needs include stress, infections, pregnancy, tumors, medications, and diseases. Your veterinarian's advice is excellent. You should be alert to possible problems, and retest several weeks later. Most hyperthyroid conditions in dog's resolve without treatment. If the level is still high, then your dog will need to have further testing.

Hyperthyroidism

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