Discover Hypothyroidism In Beagles
Though they are not at greater risk of hypothyroidism, Beagles in rare cases have the tendency to develop this disease. Notice your Beagle shedding hair? Check it out because it may not be a skin infection caused by fleas and ticks, the shedding maybe because of hypothyroidism.
One of the largest and most important endocrine glands, the thyroid gland plays an important role in a dog’s body. This gland, located at the back at the base of the neck produces thyroxine. Thyroxine or thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate. It controls how quickly the body burns calories and makes proteins. Deficiency in the production of thyroxine causes hypothyroidism to occur.
Middle to large size breeds are prone to this disease. But also occurs in Beagles in rare cases. It usually develops in dogs between 4 to 10 years old, more common in neutered animals than in intact ones.
Deficiency of thyroxine or thyroid gland is distinguishable through various symptoms. Excessive shedding and difficulty in growing hair are likely to happen. Excessive black pigment in the skin of their groin is also visible. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include mental dullness, obesity, low tolerance to cold, slow heart rate, high blood cholesterol and anemia. These symptoms when combined together will be the basis of your veterinarian in diagnosing the presence of hypothyroidism in Beagles.
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through various tests. These tests are T4 test, T3 test and TSH Stimulation test. The most common is the T4 test wherein blood sample is drawn and then tested. This is to determine the level of T4 thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. T3 test is similar to T4 but is not quite accurate in early case of hypothyroidism. To ensure accuracy, T3 test is oftentimes used together with T4 or TSH Stimulation tests. TSH Stimulation test is used when results of T3 and T4 tests are in doubt.
Luckily, hypothyroidism is not a life-threatening disease. This disease is treated with the use of synthesized thyroid hormone or thyroxine, available in tablet form. Dosage of this drug varies depending on the severity of the condition. Dosage is usually based on the dog’s weight, blood samples and to the dog’s response to the drug. Once a dog is placed on thyroxine medication, it should be given for the rest of the dog’s life.
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