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Dog Hypothyroidism Causes and TreatmentDog hypothyroidism is mostly caused by an inherited condition known as autoimmune thyroiditis. Conventional treatment is the use of
thyroxine hormone replacement. In addition, some natural remedies may be helpful for dogs with hypothyroidism.
Common Causes of Dog HypothyroidismImmune Problem
Research shows that in most dogs, hypothyroidism is caused by problems in the dogs' own immune systems. In fact, most cases of canine hypothyroidism (about 80%)
are caused by a disease called autoimmune thyroiditis (also known as lymphocytic thyroiditis). This particular disease is an
autoimmune disease. This means that the dog's immune system has identified
the thyroid glands as being something abnormal and it attacks and destroys them. Very often, several different areas in the body will be
affected as a result, e.g. the skin, the thyroid, and the digestive system.
Thyroid Gland Atropy
This condition is not fully understood by veterinarians - the one thing that is known in this condition is that the thyroid gland is being replaced by fat.
Excessive Inbreeding
According to Dr. Dodds, breeders have been inbreeding and line-breeding dogs for years in order to get certain physical and behavioral traits. This selective breeding
may pass along a number of undesirable inherited conditions, such as autoimmune thyroiditis.
Medication
The use of certain medication can reduce the production of thyroid hormone. For example, the use of corticosteroids for treatment of skin allergy or other inflammations
can actually cause hypothyroidism.
Lack of Exercise
A lack of exercise will decrease the production of thyroid hormone.
Toxins
As our dogs are being exposed to toxins more and more these days, they are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism. Toxins such as pesticides, food
preservatives, household cleaning chemicals are the main culprits. Many holistic veterinarians now regard excess vaccines as a source of toxin intake as well.
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Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment for Dog HypothyroidismTo diagnose hypothyroidism, many veterinarians only test for T4 (thyroxine) blood levels in the dog patient. However, this is not enough to come to a definitive conclusion. According to Dr. Dodds, a complete baseline thyroid profile should minimally include:
Natural Remedies for Dog Hypothyroidism
If you prefer natural thyroid hormone to synthetic one, you can use natural thyroid extracts made from bovine or porcine thyroid glands. However, the dosage has to be
adjusted because some of these products contain both T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.
Natural supplements such as herbs can also be used in conjunction with thyroid replacement therapy to enhance thyroid gland function, although these supplements usually
cannot fully replace the need for hormone replacement. Nevertheless, they may lower the dosage required.
Dog with hypothyroidism can benefit from kelp because of its rich iodine content and
high levels of other nutrient minerals and vitamins. It is an effective herb that can regulate and balance glandular systems such as the thyroids.
Licorice root not only stimulates an unproductive thyroid gland, but also strengthens and
balances the whole body.
Astragalus or Siberian Ginseng can help to improve the energy levels and can also prevent thyroid atrophy.
If other organs or parts of your dog are also affected, consider other herbs that are good for such organs. For example:
Prevention of Dog HypothyroidismUnlike diabetes, which can be prevented in most cases with proper nutrition, diet and exercise, there are no clearcut preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing hypothyroidism in dogs. However, proper diet and nutrition and the use of natural supplements will boost the immune system and keep the body in the best health possible.Learn more about the functions of thyroid gland.
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