The Happy Hound                  

A number of dogs, when they get to be 3 or 4, have thyroid problems.  It seems to be especially common in dogs who have allergies as well.  We encourage everyone to routinely have their dog’s thyroid tested—when other health problems (such as allergies) a...re present.  As well, a dog whose emotional health is compromised through fear, anxiety, or aggression should always have their thyroid tested before beginning any behavior modification protocol.  A functioning thyroid is an important component to a dog’s overall well being.    

The test needs to be a COMPLETE THYROID PANEL which includes:

• T4
• T3
• T4free
• T3free
• T3 Antibodies
• T4 Antibodies  

The most thorough test in the country is done by Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet.  Dog thyroid is her schtick.  You get the best thyroid test in the country.  If you choose, you can simply have your vet draw and spin the blood according to the instructions on the forms (see below) and then you can ship the blood in a USPS flat rate priority mail box (the small one).  I wrap the tube in a gob of paper towels, and seal it in a zip-lock sandwich bag, and then place it in the priority mailer.  You can get the whole thing done for right around $100.   

Dr. Dodd's mailing address is:  Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet, 11561 Salinaz Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843

You can find information Dr. Dodds here: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM  

The on-line test request form is here;  https://www.labordatenbank.com/cake/hemopet/samples/hemopet_form   It's format is a bit confusing, so for the thyroid only (Profile 5) test check this box and make sure your vet follows these instructions.  If your dog is not on thyroid medicine, simply indicate that on the form: 

 Dr. Kevin Brummet at The Ark Veterinary Clinic (615-444-7714)  in Mt Juliet will send thyroid tests to Dr. Dodds.  Many veterinarians don’t do the full test.  Many veterinarians underestimate the effect of a “slightly low” thyroid.  We encourage everyone who thinks that their dog has a thyroid problem to work with a vet who will get the test done through Dr. Jean Dodds and to treat even a slightly low thyroid according to her recommendations.   As well, Dr. Judith Howell at Value Vet in Bellevue (615-244-3040) appreciates the importance of a good thyroid test.  The lab they use, Antech, does a good thyroid analysis. 

Great link:  www.diamondsintheruff.com/HowtoAnayzeYourDogsThyroidTestResults.pdf 

Symptoms of thyroid problems include: (not a complete list)

• Hair loss
• Two-toned coat on a solid coat dog (e.g. brown on a black dog)
• Pink nose (that used to be black)
• Lethargy
• Inability to lose weight, even on strict calorie reduction
• Heat seeking
• Heightened emotions (a fearful dog becomes more fearful, an edgy dog becomes more edgy, an anxious dog becomes more anxious)
• Sudden mood swings
• Insatiable appetite
• Aggression

Of course, by the time many of these symptoms become apparent, 70% of thyroid function is gone! This is something that it is wise to check annually!