Thyroid gland

What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?

The thyroid gland is a small gland located in your dog's throat. It consists of two lobes located on either side of the windpipe. The thyroid gland produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate your dog's metabolism, i.e. how it obtains energy from food, how it generates heat, how it grows and develops, how it builds and breaks down muscle, how it stores and uses fat and how it deals with stress. Thyroid hormones also influence other organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and brain.

The amount of thyroid hormones your dog needs depends on various factors, such as his size, age, breed, activity level and the time of year. To produce the right amount of hormones, the thyroid gland is controlled by another hormone: thyrotropin (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH signals the thyroid gland to produce more or less hormones, depending on how high or low the hormone level in the blood is.

What thyroid diseases are there in dogs?

There are various diseases that can affect the thyroid gland in dogs. The most common are

• Hypothyroidism: This is an underactive thyroid gland in which too few hormones are produced. This can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, lethargy, sensitivity to cold, infections and behavioral changes. Hypothyroidism usually occurs in medium to large dogs, especially in breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers and Irish Setters. The cause is often an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Sometimes inflammation or a tumor can also damage the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure T4 and TSH levels. Treatment consists of lifelong administration of synthetic thyroid hormones in tablet form.
• Hyperthyroidism: This is an overactive thyroid gland in which too many hormones are produced. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, nervousness, palpitations, diarrhea and vomiting. Hyperthyroidism rarely occurs in dogs, usually as a result of a malignant tumor in the thyroid gland. Diagnosis is also made with blood tests that measure the T4 level. Treatment may consist of surgery to remove the tumor or radioiodine therapy, in which radioactive iodine is injected to destroy the overactive thyroid gland.
• Thyroid enlargement: This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland without a change in hormone production. This can lead to a visible swelling in your dog's neck, sometimes referred to as a goitre. An enlarged thyroid gland can have various causes, such as iodine deficiency, hormonal imbalances or tumors. Diagnosis is made with a physical examination and, if necessary, ultrasound or biopsy. Treatment depends on the cause and can consist of dietary adjustments, hormone therapy or surgery.

How can you have your dog's thyroid gland examined?

If you suspect that your dog has a thyroid condition, you should take him to a vet who can carry out a thorough examination. The vet will ask your dog about his symptoms, history, diet and lifestyle. He will also palpate his neck to assess the size and shape of the thyroid gland. To check the function of the thyroid gland, the vet will take a blood sample and have it analyzed in the laboratory. In particular, the values of T4 and TSH are measured, which indicate whether the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little hormone. Sometimes other blood values such as cholesterol or liver enzymes can also be altered if the thyroid gland is not working properly.

Depending on the results of the blood tests, the vet may order further tests, such as an ultrasound or a biopsy of the thyroid gland, to find the cause of the condition. He will then recommend the right treatment for your dog and explain how you can support him.

How can you support your dog with a thyroid condition?

If your dog has a thyroid condition, it is important that you regularly give him the treatment prescribed by the vet and monitor his response to it. You should also have regular follow-up visits to check your dog's blood levels and adjust the dose if necessary.

In addition to medical treatment, you can also help your dog by providing him with a balanced diet that meets his needs. You should make sure that he doesn't get too much or too little food and that he drinks enough water. You should also make sure that he gets enough exercise to stimulate his metabolism and control his weight. But you should also make sure that he is not overworked and that he keeps warm in cold weather.

Finally, you should give your dog lots of love and attention to promote his well-being. A thyroid condition can affect your dog's behavior and mood, so it's important that you show him that you care and that you understand him.