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Even though dogs with thyroid issues suffer from hypothyroidism, the condition when their glands don’t produce enough thyroid hormones, in the rare case, they may also get affected by hyperthyroidism. The condition if untreated can cause serious threats to their heart and kidneys. Now, let us try to find out what is hyperthyroidism in dogs, and what are the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hyperthyroidism.
What Is Hyperthyroidism In Dogs?
It is a condition caused by the excessive production of hormones in your dog’s thyroid glands.
Hyperthyroidism is a rare case in dogs but is a very dangerous issue that may lead to thyroid carcinoma which is an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer that affects thyroid glands in dogs.
What Are The Causes Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs?
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is a cancerous mass like thyroid carcinoma or thyroid adenocarcinoma that overproduces thyroid hormones.
However, thyroid masses usually exist within the thyroid gland, but sometimes there can be thyroid tissues in abnormal places which is known as ectopic thyroid tissue that is present below a dog’s tongue, or at pp3 the base of the heart.
As a result, tumors start developing in this area and lead to hyperthyroidism. Sometimes, a benign mass namely thyroid adenoma within the thyroid gland is also responsible for hyperthyroidism.
When a dog has commercial raw meat foods contaminated with thyroid tissue, it likely causes hyperthyroidism. Supplements containing kelp or seaweed are also responsible for hyperthyroidism in dogs. Even overmedication with hypothyroid supplements given to dogs that have hypothyroidism can also result in hyperthyroidism.
Any dog breed may get hyperthyroidism. But some dog breeds like Beagles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies are having a greater chance of getting hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism most often affects older dogs.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs?
Hyperthyroidism doesn’t show any symptoms in earlier stages. Once it becomes evident they can include one or more of the below-mentioned symptoms.
- Swelling under neck
- Weight loss
- Gagging and vomiting
- Increased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased stool
- Enlargement of thyroid
- Difficulties in swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Hyper excitement
- Rapid heart rate and enlarged heart
- Change in bark
- Heart murmurs
- Swelling in the face
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Diagnosis Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs:
Following are the methods that are needed to diagnose a dog with hyperthyroidism.
1. Routine Physical Exam
In this test, the vet tries to palpate a mass in and around the neck region or find a mass under the tongue.
The vet will also check for increased heart rate, increased temperature, weak pulses, or rapid weight loss. During this testing, enlarged lymph nodes may or may not be found.
2. Comprehensive Blood Work
It contains a blood cell count (CBC), a chemistry panel along with calcium level, and a thyroid panel. The bloodwork results include abnormal thyroid levels and increased calcium levels.
3. Urinalysis
When dogs have hyperthyroidism, they often drink more water and urinate frequently. This test is performed to rule out the common causes of increased thirst and urination such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and diabetes. reports results for a dog with hyperthyroidism will come as normal.
4. Ultrasound Of The Neck And The Heart
When the mass is palpable in the neck region during the general examination, ultrasound is used to determine if the mass is within the thyroid gland and the size of the tumor.
Even an ultrasound of the heart or Echo can also be needed to check for an ectopic thyroid mass that can be present at the base of the heart.
5. CT Scan Or MRI
It is an advanced imaging technique that can be used to measure the mass and diagnose if the tumor has adhered to the surrounding tissue. This helps the vet to figure out whether the mass can be removed surgically.
6. Thyroid Scintigraphy
This test also known as a thyroid scan is used to diagnose the thyroid glands to check if there is a mass.
Your vet would not have to recommend a biopsy or a fine needle aspiration and cytology of a thyroid mass as the thyroid gland contains many blood vessels and the aspirates or biopsies will often become inconclusive because of the number of RBCs present in the sample. Moreover, there are chances of severe hemorrhage if a biopsy tool or a needle is inserted into the thyroid tumor.
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Treatment For Hyperthyroidism In Dogs:
Hyperthyroidism can be treated using the following treatments.
1. Surgery
If there is a thyroid tumor that is unattached to the surrounding tissue, then surgical removal of the thyroid tumor, called a thyroidectomy is recommended.
Surgery can also be carried out for removing the thyroid mass under the tongue, or at the base of the heart.
Sometimes, the vet can prescribe an oral medication named methimazole, when surgery cannot be performed immediately.
- When a thyroid tumor is attached to the surrounding tissue, then it is not possible to remove the tissue surgically. A surgeon may remove most of the tumor and then schedule chemotherapy or radiation to treat the remaining tumor cells.
- When a thyroidectomy is done, a condition called aspiration pneumonia may happen. The dog needs to be kept under close observation for respiratory distress.
2. Radiation Therapy
It can be carried out if metastatic cancer is present or if the surgery becomes too complicated to perform based on the size of the mass or how it affects the surrounding tissues.
3. High-Dose Radioactive Iodine (I131) Therapy
This is an effective treatment for cancerous thyroid masses that can’t be removed surgically or the ones which have reached metastate size.
It may also be useful when some cancerous cells are left behind after thyroidectomy.
4. Chemotherapy
Many chemotherapy drugs are used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism caused by a cancerous thyroid mass.
The most effective drugs being used are toceranib phosphate (Palladia), doxorubicin, and cisplatin.
5. Diet Change Or Discontinuing Seaweed/Kelp Supplements
It is better to stop giving your dog foods containing seaweed or kelp supplements if he has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
If your dog has been consuming commercial raw meat diets that contain thyroid tissues, it has to be stopped immediately.
6. Adjusting The Dosage Of Thyroid Supplement
If your pooch is taking an overdose of thyroid supplementation for maintaining hypothyroidism, the dosage has to be decreased to prevent symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
7. Palliative Care For Cancerous Thyroid Tumours
If you are unwilling to pursue surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for treating your dog, then you can opt for Methimazole medication and Hill’s y/d diet to manage hypothyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones.
This treatment also provides palliative care and helps to minimize the symptoms for a period.
It does not completely reduce the thyroid tumor and hence the growth of tumour continues and can still develop in other parts of the body.
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Recovery And Management Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs:
Recovery and maintenance of your dog’s hyperthyroidism depends on the root cause.
If hyperthyroidism results from a tumor, the recovery may vary based on the stage of cancer and how much it has affected other organs.
If the cancer is advanced, the prognosis for recovery will be poor and If the main reason for hyperthyroidism is due to a thyroid condition, medical, or nutritional management, consistent check-ups for your dog’s hormone levels are important.
Preventive Measures For Hyperthyroidism In Dogs:
The best way to prevent hyperthyroidism in your dog is to feed him a healthy diet. When feeding a raw diet, make sure that it doesn’t contain some ingredients like gullets, animal necks, and head meat that may have higher amounts of thyroid hormones that may trigger hyperthyroidism in your dog.
If your dog has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, then be cautious because giving a high dose of hypothyroid medications can have the same effect as an overactive thyroid gland.
If you ever find the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, consult your vet as soon as you notice any of them. Your vet will help you in correcting the dosage.
Final Thoughts
Hyperthyroidism in dogs is relatively uncommon in dogs, but if left undiagnosed and untreated initially can have negative health consequences.
If your dog is under medications for thyroid treatment, then you need to make it a point that he should not be fed a diet that contains extra thyroid hormones.
Even if the medication for hypothyroidism is leading to the development of hyperthyroidism, then consult your vet and check with him whether to minimize the dosage of medications.
You need to consult your vet when you notice any slight changes in your dog’s health. If your dog shows one or more symptoms of hyperthyroidism you need to schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible for the safety of your dog.
So, this is all about Hyperthyroidism in dogs.
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