The thyroid gland is an organ in the neck that produces hormones call T3 and T4 which regulates metabolism. If your pet’s thyroid is underactive or overactive, the metabolism will be affected and lead to various health issues.
Types
1) Hypothyroidism: more common in dogs
It occurs when there is a reduced level of thyroid hormones, causing metabolism to slow down. There are certain breeds that are more likely to develop such condition, such as the Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, Airedale Terrier, and Miniature Schnauzer.
2) Hyperthyroidism: more common in cats
It occurs when there is a reduced level of thyroid hormones, causing metabolism to slow down. Certain breeds are more likely to develop such conditions as the Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, Airedale Terrier, and Miniature Schnauzer. mulating hormone production, or abnormal thyroid gland development. The disease can also be hereditary, meaning dogs who are genetically related have a higher risk of developing the same disease.
Causes
Hypothyroidism in dogs:
It can be caused by an immune- mediated disorder causing disrupted and reduced thyroid hormone production or it can be caused by a gradual decline of the thyroid tissue without known causes. There are other less common causes including congenital diseases, unusual thyroid-stimulating hormone production, or abnormal thyroid gland development. The disease can also be hereditary, meaning dogs who are genetically related have a higher risk of developing the same disease.
Hyperthyroidism in cats:
It is typically caused by a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the thyroid gland that is overproducing hormones. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. Some deficiencies or excesses of certain substances in the diet or exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals found in food or the environment could maybe contribute to the disease process. related have a higher risk of developing the same disease.
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