Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in dogs

1. If a dog suffers from hyperthyroidism, it will initially show symptoms of polydipsia, polydipsia, and increased appetite, followed by weight loss, weight loss, increased defecation frequency, and physical fatigue. Weakness, strong heartbeat and pulse, and elevated electrocardiogram voltage. In addition, dogs like cold places, behave restlessly, pant easily and get tired.
2. Dogs have exophthalmos, eyelid edema, tearing, and conjunctival congestion.
3. Palpate under the neck along both sides of the trachea from the pharynx to the chest, and you can feel the enlarged thyroid tumor (which cannot be touched normally).
4. Thyroid tumors can cause symptoms of difficulty swallowing and breathing in dogs.

Causes of hyperthyroidism in dogs

Hyperthyroidism in dogs is caused by thyroid tumors, which are located from the ventral side of the neck to the chest. Generally speaking, 1/3 of primary thyroid tumors in dogs are adenomas and 2/3 are adenocarcinomas. Thyroid adenomas are usually thin, less than 2cm in diameter, transparent cyst-like, and some are larger. Among dogs, Boxer dogs are most susceptible to thyroid adenoma.

Treatment methods for hyperthyroidism in dogs

1. Surgical removal can be used for early-stage thyroid cancer that has not metastasized. For thyroid adenocarcinoma that has metastasized or is difficult to completely remove, radioactive iodine therapy can be used instead of surgical removal.
2. Dogs with severe hyperthyroidism should take 0.2 ml of iodine compound iodine glycerin or 1 ml of hydrogen iodide syrup orally once a day for 3 to 10 days or more before surgical removal of thyroid adenoma. Antithyroid drugs (such as propylthiouracil 1mg/kg body weight, 2 or 3 times a day), treatment for a period of time.
3. Thyroid adenomas are usually small and grow slowly. If the thyroid function is affected, removal surgery can also be performed. Both thyroid glands are removed, and the dog needs to be fed thyroid powder for life.