Shadow is a mutt (lab mix). He'll be 10 in December. He's had skin issues since winter. I just took him to the vet on Friday because he was very lethargic and wouldn't eat. They drew blood and said his thyroid is very low. We'll start his meds tonite. I'm just wondering why he won't eat. I tried everything from warm water on his food to hand feeding him. He acts like it hurts. He's been drinking tons of water. I did finally get him to eat some chicken noodle soup yesterday. Any ideas? Thanks!
2006-08-28 08:28:51 · 7 answers · asked by browbot 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Some veterinarians also suspect a link between behavior problems and hypothyroidism. Increased aggression is the most commonly suspected behavior change, but some veterinarians speculate that a few hypothyroid dogs may develop anxiety- related or compulsive behaviors. If your pet develops a sudden behavioral change, have your dogs thyroid status examined.
Veterinarians treat hypothyroidism by prescribing supplemental thyroid hormone, which the owner must administer to the dog orally once or twice a day. These medications are initially prescribed according to your pet’s weight. Your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog in the initial stage of treatment by retesting the thyroid level- T4- to make sure the animal is getting the appropriate dosage. Too little hormone won’t alleviate the signs, while too much can cause a dog to develop hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone causing agitated and overactive behavior, weight loss, excessive drinking, and excessive urination). Once thyroid- hormone levels have stabilized within a normal range, your veterinarian will likely check the levels every six months to every year. The dose levels of medication used to treat this disease in dogs is much higher than the rate use to treat hypothyroidism in people.
Once treatment begins, most hypothyroid dogs are increasingly active and show fewer behavior problems within a week. Hair growth typically accelerates in about a week, too, although bare spots may take months to fully grow in. Most dogs begin to lose excess weight within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment.
In order to get the dog to eat try making some oatmeal and brown rice with homeade gravy. most dogs find this yummy. If it has any stomach irritation the oatmeal and brown rice may just be the thing it needs.
2006-08-28 11:10:16 · answer #1 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-12-20 21:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hypothyroidism will clarify the skin difficulty whether no longer the urge for nutrition disaster. would decide for a liver profile better yet get a CBC finished on the area of an finished geriatric examination. it is not astounding at his age to start having liver or kidney themes, which might in all probability clarify the consistent eating.
2016-10-01 00:21:49 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hypothyroidism will explain the skin condition but not the appetite problem. May need a liver profile better yet get a CBC done along with an entire geriatric exam. It is not odd at his age to start having liver or kidney problems, which may explain the constant drinking.
2006-08-28 08:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by bereal1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's wrong
2016-07-27 11:40:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd get 1 of each kind of food then i'd see which 1 he likes then i'd buy some medicine u just do the directions on the back then if he doenst eat it alone mix it with your dogs food
2006-08-28 08:39:05 · answer #6 · answered by joker 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Was wondering the same thing
2016-08-23 05:33:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋