7/13/2023 0 Comments Euthyroid sick syndromeConcurrent dilated cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism, with significant improvement in cardiac function following thyroid supplementation, has been reported in two Great Danes. Cardiac abnormalities may include sinus bradycardia and decreased contractility. Megaesophagus and laryngeal paralysis have also been reported to occur in hypothyroid patients, although a causal relationship has not been proven. Seizures may occur secondary to severe hyperlipidemia. Less common clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism include neuromuscular abnormalities such as weakness, facial nerve paralysis, and vestibular disease. On the other hand, obesity is very common in the canine population, but the vast majority of obese dogs are not hypothyroid. Dermatologic manifestations occur in about 70% of hypothyroid dogs and include a symmetrical endocrine alopecia, thinning hair coat, hyperpigmentation, seborrhea, and "rat tail." Because of the insidious onset of disease, owners often attribute lethargy and weight gain to an increase in the dog's age, without recognizing it as abnormal. The most common clinical signs reported in hypothyroid dogs include dermatologic abnormalities, decreased activity level, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Golden retrievers, Dobermans, Great Danes, Shelties, and other breeds predisposed to hypothyroidism tend to develop the disease earlier (2-3 yrs old) than other breeds. Primary hypothyroidism is most prominent in middle-aged dogs (2-6 years old). Secondary hypothyroidism, caused by inadequate production of TSH from the pituitary gland, accounts for fewer than 5% of hypothyroid cases. Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy in dogs, and is usually the result of lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic atrophy.
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