Treating Hypothyroidism in Dogs with Soloxine

Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects a large percentage of dogs, but it can be treated with Soloxine.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Just as with humans, a dog's thyroid gland is responsible for many important functions, most noticeably regulating metabolism. The thyroid gland controls metabolism by producing two key hormones, T3 and T4, which are important in regulating many different functions.

If your dog has hypothyroidism, his body isn't producing enough hormones, which slows down the hormone. As you would suspect, symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from dog to dog, but include:

  • Weight gain
  • Lethargy
  • Hair loss
  • Dry coat
  • Excessive shedding
  • Cold intolerance
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Low heart rate
  • High cholesterol
  • Sudden behavioral changes, such as increased aggression
  • Anemia

In serious cases, in which the symptoms go undetected for long periods of time, your dog may suffer from seizures, cardiac irregularities, corneal ulceration, loss of smell or taste and chronic hepatitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism

A definitive diagnosis for hypothyroidism can only be acquired by a blood test, which measures levels of hormones in the bloodstream. If these levels are below the normal range, which is quite wide, your dog is hypothyroid. If the levels are too high, he has hyperthyroidism, which is more rare but does occur.

If your dog's blood panel shows low levels of T3 and T4, your veterinarian will recommend medication that will increase hormone levels and help restore your dog's energy and metabolism.

Treating Hypothyroidism with Soloxine

Soloxine comes in pill form and is given to your dog twice a day, every 12 hours, for the rest of his life. The pill must be given an hour before mealtime to be most effective. Soloxine is available in eight different strength levels, 0.1 mg to 0.8 mg, for easy treatment options, depending on the size of your dog and the effectiveness of his body to produce normal hormones.

Soloxine contains Levothyroxine sodium, which stimulates metabolism, growth and development as T3 and T4 do in healthy pets. Once your dog swallows the pill, the Levothyroxine sodium is easily absorbed into the blood from the digestive tract.

Since the pill is small and easy to digest, most dogs will take it readily with cheese or peanut butter. However, observe your dog while he is taking the pill because some dogs spit out the pill when you aren't looking.

Side Effects of Soloxine

If given the proper dosage, there aren't any side effects of Soloxine since the pill is made of a naturally occurring salt. However, the dosage may require some adjustments when treatment begins or as your dog gets older and the production of hormones changes again.

At first, hypothyroid symptoms such as lethargy and weight gain may get worse or stay the same. It can take months for the hormones to stabilize in your dog's body. If the dosage is too high, hyperthyroid symptoms may occur, including, weight loss, increased thirst, hunger and urination, hyperactivity or behavior changes.

Hypothyroidism is easy to treat with Soloxine, but if you have any concerns about the dosage or symptoms, discuss those problems with your veterinarian. Since your dog's body may change with age, the dosage may have to change as well.

 

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