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by Pharaoh on 24 July 2011 - 22:07
The Thyroid Panel includes tests to determine the level of three forms of thyroid hormone (T-4, free T-4 and T-3). I will occasionally also run at thyroglobin auto-antibody test to determine if autoimmune thyroid disease is present.
It is important to understand that other health problems in your pet can cause the test results to be low. So before treatment is begun, the pet's general health needs to be completely examined.
Blood levels of T-4 are normally about 1.0-4.0 micrograms/deciliter. Normal levels of T-3 are 45-150 nanograms/decileter and normal levels of Free T-4 are 11-43 picomols/leter. I become suspicious of hypothyroidism when the numbers for T-4 hover at about one unit and T-3 and Free T-4 levels are low-normal - even if the lab reports the case as normal. Falsely low thyroid hormone levels can be due to administration of steroids (cortisone) or concurrent systemic disease. A TSH stimulation test can be run if the diagnosis is in doubt. In borderline cases, sometimes, the best approach is to provide the pet with a small thyroid supplement for 30 days and just see if it improves. However, there are risks in this approach. If thyroxine levels become too high, other body organs can be damaged. So this approach needs frequent monitoring of your pet's blood thyroxine level.
One must be cautious in diagnosing hypothyroidism in sight hounds (greyhounds, Italian greyhounds, whippets, salukis). These breeds seem to naturally have lower thyroid hormone levels than other dog types. (ref)
What Medications Are Available To Help My Pet?
Fortunately, thyroid hormone is available in inexpensive tablet form. I generally prescribe the T-4 form of the hormone, l-thyroxine (levothyroxine sodium). All dogs need their dose individually tailored to their needs. Signs that the initial dose may be too high are agitation, excessive thirst, and diarrhea. When these occur the dose needs to be lowered. Thirty days after beginning treatment, I assay a second blood sample for Free T-4. If levels are still not adequate the dose is increased. I then retest the dog every six months. Once a dog is placed on medication, it should be given for the rest of the pet’s life. Each veterinarian will have their own opinion as to dose and treatment plan, based on what has worked best for them in the past.
When the disease is diagnosed early and treated faithfully, you can expect your pet to live a long and happy life.
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