DOGS & HYPOTHYROIDISM ~ SYMPTOMS

Q: How can I tell if my middle-aged dog has hypothyroidism or is simply an under-active, overweight dog? I have tried to put her on a diet and take her for frequent walks but she continues to put on weight.

A: Overweight dogs are often misdiagnosed as having a weight problem when in fact they may actually be hypothyroid. Dogs that suffer from hypothyroidism share many of the symptoms found in humans with this disease, such as weight gain and lethargy.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a fair degree of frequency in dogs, yet it is still a relatively uncommon disease. It is rarely diagnosed in cats. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland no longer produces enough thyroid hormone for the body. The body needs thyroid hormone because it plays a critical role in controlling metabolism and is essential for normal growth.

The early signs of hypothyroidism can be insidious and hard to detect. Dogs with hypothyroidism tend to become overweight, even though they don't eat very much. They also tire quickly, don't like the cold, and seem to act old "before their time".

As the disease progresses, the clinical signs can become truly legion and can involve all major body systems such as cardiovascular (slow heart beat, irregularities), neuromuscular (seizures, muscle and joint problems), gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), reproductive (infertility, decreased libido), ocular (corneal ulcers), hematologic (anemia) and cutaneous (hair loss, ear infections, recurrent skin infections, etc.).

The "classic" signs that should make a pet owner suspicious of hypothyroidism include some or all of the following: a gradual thinning of the hair coat and hair loss that spares the extremities; a dull, dry hair coat with hair that can be easily pulled out and fails to regrow when clipped; puffy skin that is cool to the touch; darkening of the skin; and an absence of itchiness.

If this is the case with your dog, you should have her tested for hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, hypothyroidism isn't always easy to diagnose. The thyroid hormone levels in the blood (referred to as T3-T4 levels) can be measured, but because of daily variations, can prove misleading.

Regardless of which diagnostic test your veterinarian uses, the ultimate and final confirmation of the diagnosis is a dog's response to treatment with thyroid hormone supplementation. Treatment of hypothyroidism is very effective and fairly straightforward. Oral supplementation twice daily with thyroid replacement hormone is usually successful.

Dr. Bernhard Pukay is an Ottawa veterinarian. Address letters to Pet Care, Ottawa Citizen, PO Box 5020, Ottawa K2C 3M4. E-mail: pets@ottawacitizen.com

 

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Weight+might+traced+thyroid/5044467/story.html#ixzz1TzlMzJEP

 

~ THE MIND'S EYE, ASS CREAM AND THE FAT GUY ~

 



MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE



I've just started to watch this interesting yet unconventional TV drama about three guys stepping up to the big 50. I've been a fan of Ray Romano and his humour for a decade or more, I've always appreciated his softness and his honesty mingled with a bit of common sense wisdom.


In his new show, Ray is the more mystically inclined of the three friends, he worries about running over an opossum with his car. He erects a rock sculpture for the deceased and contemplates how this ritual will help release the spirit to a greater unknown.
 

It's quietly funny at times, bittersweet and uncomfortable at other times but so very valuable and entertaining. He's always acting between the lines, a certain motif which brings both warmth and expression. If you pay close attention, you'll find much merit in this series, I'm already hooked. 


The music used in this artistic adventure is superb. If you grew up with these songs, it'll be a nostalgic touch of sweetness to hear these tunes again. Perfectly scripted into every scene and loud enough for impact, you'll find yourself jazzed up and dancing around the room. Someone behind the scenes here, knows exactly what they're doing. Totally stimulating at every note.  
 

One thing which strikes me as genius, is that along with compelling stories and crazy situations about friends and family, Ray's teaching *manners.* I like this about him. This show reminds me slightly of that other terribly fascinating yet profound series called
*Leave it to Beaver.*


If there's anything the world needs now,
it's a refresher course in manners.