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Congenital Hypothyroidism

hormone

This a medically manageable condition that arises from an inherent inability to produce the hormone thyroxine (T4). This hormone has many roles in the body, from the skeleton to the brain, due to its role in metabolism.

  • Signs and symptoms

    Congenitally hypothyroid pups are usually lethargic and overweight with a characteristic "tragic" facial expression due to increased water retention in the facial folds. They may also present with dwarfism of the long bones and spine as well as delayed mental development. Abdominal hair loss, as well as a characteristic goiter, which is actually an enlarged thyroid gland attempting to produce thyroxine (to no avail), are also common.

    Signs first develop in puppyhood and continue throughout their lives if untreated.

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  • Diagnosis

    Genetic and laboratory testing along with clinical signs are used to diagnose this disease.

  • Treatment

    Hypothyroidism is a lifetime condition and can be managed medically with thyroxine supplementation. If untreated, dogs can enter a rare condition known as myxedema coma, where lethargy can progress to a comatose state and have a reduced heart rate, breathing rate, and low body temperature. This is an emergency situation that requires intensive care.

  • What to do if your dog is at risk

    Actions

    • Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and regular blood work are key to managing this condition well.

  • Genetic Information

    This mutation was first described in the Rat Terrier.

    This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must have two copies of the mutation to be affected.

    Gene names:

    TPO ‐ chr

    Inheritance type:

    recessive

    Citations:

    Pettigrew et al 2007 , Fyfe et al 2003

  • Breeds affected

    This health condition affects the following breeds

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