Hypothyroidism
What is it?: hormonal disease due to a dysfunction of the thyroid glands.
Cause: thyroid glands, located on each side of the trachea, function thanks to the hypophysis, which is located at the bottom of the brain. The thyroid glands are necessary to the management of the metabolism (fat, sugar, protein, calcium, phosphorus) and to the well functioning of the body. With a hypothyroidic animal, these glands are either atrophied or destroyed (often times because of an abnormal production of antibody who attacks them) and so do not secrete enough hormones anymore.
Symptoms: most of the time, there is a loss of hair (alopecia) on the sides, belly, tail & neck. The skin becomes black (hyperpigmentation) and the fur is dull. Cutaneous infections and dandruffs. Great fatigue, digestive trouble, weight gain (sometimes), behavioral issues (nervousness, irritability, aggressive reactions out of fear or anxiety), intolerance to the cold. Weak libido. Cardiovascular problems (decrease of the cardiac ryhthm) and neuro-muscular issues (stiffness). Otitis.
Diagnosis: a blood test performed by your vet can analyse the amount of the T4 hormone (secreted by the thyroid) and TSH (secreted by the pituitary gland). The replacement of the hormone (levothyroxine - T4) with pills will then be necessary in most cases for the survival of the dog.
Natural treatment: there are some natural supplements (Thyro-pet, thyroid Soothe) that help to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland and increase the production of thyroidic hormones naturally (they contain astragalus, a plant that revitalizes the endocrinal system, of which thyroid is part, and iodine).
Food: healthy food is crucial for the well-being of the animal. Furthermore, iodine is an indispensable trace element to the production of thyroid hormones (found in kelp for instance), and so beneficial for the affected pet. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties for the body cells and stimulates the immune system.
On a daily basis: a good lifestyle (going out in the fresh air, a little exercise, comfort and affection) contribute to the well-being of the pet, and when they are in good spirits, then the rest follows. Use gentle shampoos (like those with tea tree) and natural supplements that help the skin and hair to look healthy again.
Useful links:
The Chichi Factory Rescue case: Arnold arrived to us almost naked, with a flaky skin, very bad-tempered and tired. After a blood test that confirmed a thyroid issue, our vet prescribed Forthyron (levothyroxine). In addition to natural supplements and a balanced diet, hair started to grow back in some areas and his overall state was much better; he was more happy and energetic. After a few months, we stopped the medicine and continued with the natural treatment, and he felt great for about three years. Fur grew back all over except on his body, but we feel he had been in that state for too long for everything to grow back.
Sadly, his overall health deteriorated when he was about 13 years old (not just because of hypothyroidism, but he had been neglected for too long before we got him) and passed at the age of 14 (heart and kidney failure).
Arnold was definitely a character, a little grumpy, but so grateful and loving. We got a few remarks while stolling in the streets because of his weird look, but we didn't care, we adored him!
Arnold when he arrived, almost hairless.
After a few months of treatment, hairs grew back on many areas.
A very special guy for sure!