thyroid problem...makes dogs fat

[carrie]

One function of the thyroid hormones is to regulate metabolism. Hypothyroydism is a failure in the complex system involved in the release of these hormones or, more usually, the thyroid gland itself. A common symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain and obesity. Diagnosis is simple by a blood test and treatment is given by synthetic hormones for the duration of the dogs life.
Golden Retrievers are prone to this condition but you have to ask why did this dog get to such a size before help was sought? People,eh? Hope this answers your question.

[angelssunrise]

One function of the thyroid hormones is to regulate metabolism. Hypothyroydism is a failure in the complex system involved in the release of these hormones or, more usually, the thyroid gland itself. A common symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain and obesity. Diagnosis is simple by a blood test and treatment is given by synthetic hormones for the duration of the dogs life.
Golden Retrievers are prone to this condition but you have to ask why did this dog get to such a size before help was sought? People,eh? Hope this answers your question.

I have a 8 year old Golden Retriever who was just taken to the vet yesterday because she had dry flacky spots all over she was extremely overweight and having a hard time getting around. When they weighed her she was 143 pounds, we knew she had been gaining weight and could not understand why she was eating the dosage that the last vet said to give her. The last vet saw her about a year ago and said give her 2 1/2 to 3 cups a day. So this is what we did since at the time she was overweight.

About 8 months later we moved and figured she gained weight due to not moving around much. It seemed like she was still gaining weight we were at a loss. So since we are in an area that gets colder she had a very hard time getting up one day. Between the skin and this issue we said enough, and took her to this vet here. The moment she saw her she suspected hypothyrodism this was before she even touched her. They did the bloodwork which cost us 65 dollars normally it would of been 150.

We got the bloodwork today and she barely even registered numbers, and she is slightly anemic. So Thursday we go pick up the pills and she starts the treatment for the rest of her life. They are saying that this will help her lose weight. I am hoping.

My point is that people looked at her and thought we were feeding her to much. What they did not know is that she was put on a strict diet, she did not get people food or lots of extra treats. For the past several years we had her walking on a treadmill daily until it died. I took her to a vet when she had the exact symptoms just not as bad as now. His answer was she eats to much put her on a diet.

My only regret in all of this is I wish I known that the skin condition was a sign of a more serious condition instead of the breed is known for skin issues. If I had known this and the constant ear infections was something more serious I would of insisted that they dig deeper. I was trying to be the proper parent to my dog. So again please do not automatically assume that it is the owners fault by loving the dog to much or whatever the reasons would be.

If I can remember how to get back to this page I will post how she does on this medicine and how her progress is. If there are other owners out there who are like me they know they are feeding there dog the correct amounts and they are still gaining weight talk to your vet about other causes, and ask about this test. It has to be the full panel that is why it cost more but you might get the answers that you are looking for.

[Karen]

Awww, glad you finally got a diagnosis - thyroid issues can be tricky to diagnose in humans*, never mind dogs! Do keep us up to date and let us know how she is doing!



*From experience, my thyroid and I parted company this summer!

[mon]

Just wanted to thank the person that gave me some advice. My Aunty's 17 yr. old dog had such a terrible skin problem. I was told they should do blood work and that Asia would probably need steroids. That's exactly what they did. They took her back to a different vet. She took steroids for a while after the bloodwork and she is fine as wine now! My Aunt and Uncle and I'm sure Asia are so relieved and grateful. Thanks SO much!! I love Pet talk

[Karen]

Just wanted to thank the person that gave me some advice. My Aunty's 17 yr. old dog had such a terrible skin problem. I was told they should do blood work and that Asia would probably need steroids. That's exactly what they did. They took her back to a different vet. She took steroids for a while after the bloodwork and she is fine as wine now! My Aunt and Uncle and I'm sure Asia are so relieved and grateful. Thanks SO much!! I love Pet talk

That's good to hear!