Dogs and humans with hypothyroidism simply run out of

							                                                                “Dogs and humans with
                                                                 hypothyroidism simply
                                                                  run out of energy.”

Q   I have been told that my dog has                  Q   How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?                     or twice daily. These tablets can be placed at
    hypothyroidism. What is this disease
    and is it life threatening?                       A   Clinical signs are important. You may notice
                                                          your dog seems old beyond its years. A
                                                                                                               the back of the tongue or in a small amount
                                                                                                               of food. No other treatment is generally
                                                                                                               needed. Your veterinarian may ask you to
A   Hypothyroidism is defined as a subnormal
    amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the
                                                          hypothyroid dog is commonly listless and
                                                          becomes obese on normal rations. The                 bring your hypothyroid patient back for
                                                          dog will usually stay in warm places and is          retesting just before you run out of tablets.
    blood and the resulting disease. It is not life
                                                          intolerant of cold.                                  This procedure may be necessary two or
    threatening if properly treated.
                                                          A physical examination performed by your             three more times before the proper dose
                                                          veterinarian may reveal a slower heart rate,         has been established. After that, an annual
Q   What is thyroxine?
                                                          dry coat and/or scaly skin. Hair may be thin         or twice yearly blood test of the thyroid
A   Thyroxine, or T-4 as it is commonly called, is
    a natural hormone produced by the thyroid, a
                                                          or missing on both sides of the dog, around          hormone level is recommended to confirm
                                                          the tail or behind the legs. A blood test to         the dose is adequate.
    small endocrine gland located near the larynx         assess the thyroid hormone level in your dog
    or Adam’s apple. Regulation of thyroxine
    production is complicated and influenced by
                                                          is recommended. A thyroid hormone level          Q   How long must treatment continue?
                                                          that is below the normal range, in conjunction
    the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, both           with one or more of the above signs, confirms    A   Unless your dog’s condition is temporary
                                                                                                               and caused by another disease, thyroxine
    associated with the brain. Circulating T-4 is         a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.                       replacement treatment of dogs, just as for
    converted to T-3 in body tissues and organs.
                                                                                                               humans, is needed for life. But it is
    T-3 acts like a furnace thermostat and
    increases the rate of metabolism. Dogs and
                                                      Q   How is hypothyroidism treated?                       a small price to pay for your

    humans with hypothyroidism simply run out         A   Treatment is simple and effective. Basically,
                                                          a hypothyroid dog needs thyroid hormone
                                                                                                               canine best friend.

    of energy.
                                                          supplementation. Your veterinarian will
                                                          likely dispense a 90-180 day supply of
Q   What causes hypothyroidism?
                                                          levothyroxine sodium tablets, such as
A   There are many possible causes of
    hypothyroidism, but as in humans, the true
                                                          nvThyro-Tab™ caplets to give your dog once

    cause in each case may never be known.
    Some breeds of dogs are more prone to
    the disease than others. It is also more
    common as dogs get older.




                                  HYPOTHYROID PATIENTS COME IN ALL SIZES. SO SHOULD YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS.
                                                                                Canine
    patient product information                                             Hypothyroidism
                                                                           and its Treatment

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