Hypothyroidism in dogs

casuistry in Hospital Veterinary School (HEV) of College Max Planck

Abstract

The thyroid is an endocrine gland whose main function is to synthesize thyroid hormones tetraiodothyronine or thyroxin. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder frequently diagnosed in the canine species, characterized by hypofunction of the thyroid gland, resulting in deficient thyroid hormone production. The clinical records of the Small Animal Clinic of the "Veterinary School Hospital" (HEV) of Max Planck College (Indaiatuba - SP) were evaluated. By means of visual observation of the records, positive cases of hypothyroidism were recorded in dogs, in a total of 70 confirmed cases, whose observed characteristics reflect what the national and international literature reserves regarding clinical and laboratory signs. However, it is noted that the casuistry evaluated points to a non-historical trend for hypothyroidism: high incidence register in SRD dogs. The first medical evaluation for several complaints of owners often does not lead to the primary diagnosis of hypothyroidism, however, the unsatisfactory response to the treatment instituted leads to suspicion and investigation for hypothyroidism, stimulating the conclusive hormonal examination.