Thyroid Disease in Pets

Learn more about Thyroid Disease in Pets

This is a common disease that affects middle to old age cats and dogs.  Cats get an overactive thyroid and dogs tend to get an underactive thyroid.  Cats classically present losing weight despite eating ravenously.  They often have a dull matted coat, are more vocal than usual, and quite nervous or skittish. Your vet may also be able to detect that one or both of the glands, which are situated either side of the windpipe, are enlarged, and a high heart rate and blood pressure.

Dogs usually tend to gain weight, and are more lethargic or less keen to walk/exercise than normal.  Keen owners may notice increased drinking and urinating, as well as a change in coat colour.  Your once black Labrador will now appear to have a dark brown coat.  Symmetrical hair loss can also be seen. 

Diagnosis is by means of a simple blood test for both cats and dogs.  Treatment, which is always advised, involves lifelong tablets for dogs, and a choice of tablets, diet, surgical removal of the enlarged gland, or radioactive iodine in cats.  Routine bloodwork is always recommended to check general health, as for instance, cats quite often have underlying kidney or heart conditions which are affected by the elevated thyroid level.

Book your Appointment

• Please note this service is not available to book online. Please call the practice directly on 01 885 3253 and specifically ask for James our Vet so that he can give you all the necessary information.
• *If your pet is sick, please book in for an Illness Consultation when booking online or call us directly to book.