What is a thyroid tumor?
• Dogs have two thyroid glands that are located along side of the neck and produce a hormone called thyroxine that regulates the body’s metabolism. • A mass located on the bottom side of the neck, should alert you to the possiblity that your dog may have a thyroid tumor. • These tumors frequently are malignant, meaning that they have a high risk for spread to regional lymph nodes and the lungs. • About 35 to 40% of dogs that are presented for evaluation of a thyroid tumor will have evidence of spread to other areas of the body. • About 60% of the dogs have these tumors in both thyroid glands and half of these patients have malfunction of the thyroid glands. • About 10% of thyroid tumors produce excessive amounts of thyroxine which can cause serious side effects.
