What types of thyroid gland disorders occur in dogs?
The most common dysfunction of the thyroid gland in dogs is associated with decreased production of thyroid hormones. This condition is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may occur due to two main causes: lymphocytic thyroiditis (an inflammatory condition) or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy (shrinkage of the gland due to an unknown cause). These two causes account for approximately 95% of the cases of hypothyroidism. With either cause, the thyroid gland eventually is unable to make sufficient thyroid hormone. The remaining causes of thyroid hormone disorders are rare, and include failure of the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce adequate hormone (secondary hypothyroidism), as well as congenital (birth) defects in thyroid hormone production, and cancer of the thyroid gland. What tests are used to diagnose hypothyroidism in dogs? Thyroid hormones have widespread effects on the body, and are involved in the metabolism of food as well as the daily metabolic funct
