Thyroid

The thyroid glands are essential glands that are present on both sides of the neck. They secrete hormones namely the thyroid hormones to maintain the metabolism of our body. The excess and low quantity of this hormone causes medical problems, naming hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the metabolic rate and hypothyroidism decreases the metabolic rate. In dogs, hypothyroidism is common, whereas, hyperthyroidism is not a very commonly reported issue and is usually tagged with thyroid cancer. The condition of hypothyroidism is usually detected in middle-aged dogs and some of the dogs’ breeds are more susceptible to the disease. For instance; Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers. Low metabolic rate, reduced energy level, increase in weight, thinning of hair, various skin infections, are symptoms of hypothyroidism. The remedy to low thyroid levels is an outside supply of thyroid hormone in the form of oral supplementation. As long as the condition is being treated, dogs can live a normal and healthy life.