| Thyroxine is a hormone which is secreted by the | | | | heart rate. |
| thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a condition that | | | | Diagnosis |
| occurs when the gland overproduces thyroxine. It is a | | | | The veterinarian will start out by performing a physical |
| rare condition for dogs. When it does occur, it normally | | | | exam. This will allow him to check for an enlarged |
| affected middle-aged and old dogs. | | | | thyroid gland and elevated heart rate. Your dog will |
| Cause | | | | have to submit a blood sample to analyze with a |
| Dog hyperthyroidism is usually brought on by cancer of | | | | variety of tests. Although this condition drastically |
| the thyroid gland. The cancer prompts the growth of a | | | | changes the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, |
| tumor, which will prevent the gland from functioning | | | | the current level at the veterinarian's office may be |
| properly. This in turn causes the gland to overproduce | | | | normal. Therefore, you may have to return in a few |
| thyroxine. | | | | weeks to have it checked again. |
| Symptoms | | | | Treatment |
| Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a slow, progressive disease | | | | Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a condition which can |
| which can affect many organ systems. Virtually all | | | | effectively be treated. Medications can be prescribed |
| dogs with this condition suffer weight loss. Most dogs | | | | to control production of thyroid hormones. Another |
| will eat more than usual, but some will eat less. | | | | treatment option in surgery. |
| This disease causes many dogs to experience | | | | Surgery involves removing one or both thyroid glands, |
| hyperactivity. For others, it's the complete opposite as | | | | but this may lead to hypothyroidism instead. |
| they will appear lethargic. Other common symptoms | | | | Hypothyroidism is a condition in which too few thyroid |
| include increased urination, weakness, and increased | | | | hormones are produced. |