In 0.5% of dogs, average age of 7 years and an increased risk in castrated dogs. It diagnosis includes a clinical picture, response to treatment, blood tests and ultrasound. you can look here for more in this.

Blood tests

TT4 determination is a sensitive but non-specific screening test. About 33% of hypothyroid dogs have a normal TSH! With a low fT4 and high TSH, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is 86% certain. The clinical indication and the response to treatment are an additional indication for the diagnosis. ‘Diagnostic treatment’: administering levothyroxine, improving symptoms, stopping the medication, symptoms worsening that is an additional indication of hypothyroidism. Possible additional blood tests: hematology, biochemical profile, cortisol and electrolytes.

Echo

Indications are a decrease in echogenicity and volume of the thyroid tissue.

Therapy

Levothyroxine, 0.02 mg/kg every 12 hours, possibly total daily dose every 24 hours is recommended by doctors.

Prognosis

Clinical response: energy increases within 1 – 2 weeks after the start of treatment. Weight loss and improvement of skin complaints only become apparent at least one month after the start of treatment. Hair growth can take several months. Possible (rare) neurological complaints can improve quickly in the beginning, but full recovery can take several months.

Follow up

You should follow up unless there rather phenomena of hyp there thyreoïdie must be 4 weeks after the start of treatment or after a change in dose by a check. Monitoring based on TT4 and clinical response. If TT4 value is on the level then you need to check TT4 every 6 months.

Normal values: 12.9 – 51.5 nmol / l (VetMedLab). A level TT4 value exists if the measured TT4 value is in the middle of the reference range during trough measurement (before medication) and if the measured TT4 value is just below or just above peak measurement (4-6 hours after medication) the highest reference value.

A TT4 peak concentration is measured with a 12-hour medication. If the TT4 value is up to standard, an attempt can be made to switch to 24-hour medication. With 24-hour medication, both must be measured, TT4 peak and TT4 trough concentrations. in the case of a TT4 peak value on the level, but at the same time a too low TT4 trough value, we must abandon the 24-hour medication and continue with a 12-hour medication. Another option is to regulate for TSH (if it is too high). Normal value TSH is more than 0.5 ng/ml.

Costs for the owner (approximately)

The first consultation will cost approximately $ 200. This is based on a consultation with blood tests (TT4, fT4 and TSH). If complicating diseases are suspected, there will be additional costs for blood tests (hematology, cortisol, biochemical profile, electrolytes): approximately $ 175. A check (consult plus TT4 measurement) costs around $ 100. In general, the thyroid hormone value is fast on the level. Usually, it is done in 2 to 3 consultations. The follow-up costs amount to approximately $ 100 per 6 months.

Remarks

Continue to give the same product. otherwise set the correct dosage again. Certain medicines can lower thyroid levels. Initial it dose 25-50% lower in patients with cardiomyopathy. Being alert to or researching complicating diseases.