Hypothyroidism

Hi
Has anyone got any experience of a dog with hypothyroidism
RV

Is that the same as an over-active thyroid? (the neighbours cat has this).

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) seems to becoming more prevalent in Boxers. Does Rosie have this problem RV?

A couple of information articles:
http://www.newcastleboxers.com/thyroid.shtml
http://www.2ndchance.info/doghypothyroid.htm

lol I was close SB!

You had a 50-50 chance of being right eRaze

yeah trust me to be wrong
got terrible luck i have

Cheer up. You were almost right ... well, no you weren't, but I won't tell anyone.

Wouldn't mind those odds on winning the lottery

lol dont 4get us Dogwebbers if you win mind!

Thyroid Remedies

Human methods to prevent an cure thyroid can help us understand and help our pets with natural alternitives...


A number of modern factors have resulted in an unprecedented rate of under-functioning thyroid conditions in North America today. Foremost among the reasons are:

-the fluoridation of water supply, toothpastes and dental treatments
-the devitalization and depletion of soils due to modern chemical farming practices

Besides causing a sluggish metabolism, an underactive thyroid leads to fatigue, dull, dry hair, poor complexion, and depressed immune function.

The following three remedies address the need for adequate iodine
See full article and buy their herbal medicine:
http://www.woodlandnaturalremedies.c...e/thyroid.html

See article on human causes...
http://curezone.com/dis/read.asp?C0=842
see full article:
http://curezone.com/dis/1.asp?C0=842

Information for you dog now...
Here is another website that provides additional information on canine epilepsy and other diseases that cause seizures in dogs including canine hypothyroidism.* Their canine epilepsy section provides information about canine epilepsy, what happens when your dog has a seizure, possible causes of seizures by age, what tests are used to diagnose canine epilepsy, and information from our Guardian Angels on what they would do differently "if they knew then what they know now."* Under medications you will find information a number of medications that are used to control seizures in dogs.* Those medications include the more commonly used Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide as well as newer drugs such as Gabapentin and Felbamate.* The section on thyroid contains several articles on canine hypothyroidism and the connection between low thyroid and seizures.*
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/

Dennis W. Thomas, DVM - "As a pet owner, it is important to know that persistent or recurring ear infections in a dog commonly are manifestations of other concurring disease processes. Allergies and hypothyroidism are good examples. Systemic allergies often cause dermatitis and itching in the ear canal, which predispose self-trauma and subsequent ear infection. Hypothyroidism may manifest itself as increased thickness of the skin and continual release of exudate in the ear canal, which favors an environment for otitis externa. It is not wise to use cotton tip applicators in the ear canal. This can be quite painful to the dog. Also, I don't recommend using alcohol in a dog's ear. Alcohol will dry the ear, but if there is inflammation or small scratches in the canal, the alcohol will burn and cause tremendous pain and further inflammation. If you must use a product from the shelf at home, use white vinegar diluted 50:50 with water.
see : http://www.inkabijou.co.uk/ear.htm

Hypothyroidism will also cause chronic ear problems, as will an ear mite infestation." see: http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/livi...ts/9583610.htm

Selenium: Selenium plays a special role in the brain. At least one human study in epileptic children suggests that "Selenium depletion in the brain amongst patients with epilepsy constitutes an important triggering factor for the origin of intractable seizures and subsequent neuronal damage." Selenium deficiency is also linked to hypothyroidism.
Calcium: Hypocalcemia (low Calcium) can cause seizures because it can effect the nervous and neuromuscular systems. Calcium is essential for nerve impulse conduction. It plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters and activates some enzymes which generate neurotransmitters.
Zinc: Zinc is necessary for the production of brain neurotransmitters. Dr. Pitcairn recommends zinc supplements (in addition to others) for epileptic dogs. "Results of the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, published in 1995, suggest that Zinc intakes are declining. This is likely to be due to lower meat and higher cereal consumption, food processing methods which reduce Zinc content of food and lower soil concentrations of Zinc."
see: http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/healthydiet.html

Hope this help you... good luck, Jonothan

Hi Everyone
Thanks TopDog for all your help and advice, I will visit those sites.

Rosie was "borderline" 2 years ago for hypothyroidism, vet then decided to leave things and see how they went. Her symptoms over the past year have got slightly worse so the Vet has did more tests and we get the results next week.

I'd like to be prepared and consider alternative methods as I know that conventional medicine may have its problems too - one of the reasons the vet did not want to proceed previously unless absolutely necessary.

Of course she may decide to "fox" everyone again and be borderline!

RV