SIMPLE & SATISFYING
Treatment of your hypothyroid dog is simple and consists of thyroid hormone replacement. This results in full control of the disease and complete recovery of your dog.
Increase in physical and mental activity occurs after about ten days of treatment and can be astonishing. Mean body weight will decrease by 5-10% during the first months of therapy. Improvement of skin and coat mostly occurs within 6 weeks. Frequently an increased shedding of hair prior to re-growth is seen; this can initially lead to hairless spots. The majority of dogs will essentially return to normal within three months. Therapy is life-long as withdrawal of medication will lead to the return of symptoms.
Sammy - Before treatment Sammy - After 3 months of treatment
TREATMENT - THYROID HORMONE REPLACEMENT
T4 is the major secretory product of the thyroid gland, so this has to be replaced. Administering synthetic levothyroxine (L-T4 or L-thyroxine) is the recommended treatment for all forms of hypothyroidism.
Forthyron® is an example of a product containing synthetic levothyroxine sodium as the active substance. The Forthyron® tablets contain either 200 microgram (Forthyron® 200) or 400 microgram levothyroxine (Forthyron® 400).
Both tablets can easily be divided in four parts, which makes precise dosing possible.*
HOW MUCH?
The recommended starting dosage is 10 microgram/kg body weight orally every 12 hour. Always keep the timing of treatment and its relation to feeding consistent from day to day, as the absorption of levothyroxine may be influenced by the presence of food. As dogs vary in their absorption and metabolism, the dosage may require alterations before a complete clinical response is observed. The initial dosage and frequency of administration are merely a starting point. Therapy has to be highly individualised and tailored to the requirements of the individual dog.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Usually the 1st follow up examination is scheduled 4-8 weeks after start of therapy. Physical and mental condition are then evaluated as well as blood values. When blood values are within the normal range it is advised to monitor the dog every 6-12 months by physical examination and a blood test.
* Product availability and - specifications may differ per country. Forthyron® is a Eurovet Animal Health product.