Hypothyroidism
My
dog's thyroid levels detected from blood samples are low by half. My
vet prescribed thyroxine: but I'm leery about continually giving my
animal a medication if there is another way to up those levels naturally.
Please advis
Low blood thyroxine levels, or hypothyroidism, is a common condition in older dogs, dogs under stress, and in certain breeds of dogs. Fortunately, most cases of hypothyroidism are not considered serious. This condition is easily treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the natural thyroid hormone. Daily medication is very safe, and often long term. The veterinarian follows cases of hypothyroidism by running periodic blood tests, modifying the levothyroxine dose as necessary. Many non-age related cases are able to eventually discontinue the medication entirely.
Since iodine is the precursor to thyroxine, iodine supplementation formerly was used as a natural method of thyroid gland function improvement. However, the high quality of commercial dog foods have almost eliminated iodine deficiency as a cause of canine hypothyroidism. Also, iodine is toxic when over supplemented. Therefore, you may hear of iodine used as a natural treatment, but only in outdated texts. The conventional, levothyroxine, although synthetic, is safe and effective, and the only current treatment.
Return to Petsdoc.com home page
Return to Ask the Vet Index page
