<body><div><figure></figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OQilq_0b1c7rJ300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OQilq_0b1c7rJ300" width="760" height="430" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p class="wp-caption-text"> (Picture Credit: Getty Images) </p><p> Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a condition caused by the thyroid gland in the neck overproducing&nbsp;thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. Metabolism is important because it’s the process of converting&nbsp;food into fuel for a dog’s organs and entire body. </p><p> Hyperthyroidism is rarer in dogs than <a href="http://dogtime.com/dog-health/53777-hypothyroidism-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatments" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> hypothyroidism </a> , and it usually results from an aggressive thyroid tumor. It can cause a number of symptoms in canines that range from frequent urination and diarrhea to heart and kidney failure if left untreated. </p><p> If you spot the signs of hyperthyroidism, then it is important to <strong> get to your veterinarian right away </strong> . Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of hyperthyroidism in dogs. </p><h2> Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs </h2><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0jjdA5_0b1c7rJ300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0jjdA5_0b1c7rJ300" width="760" height="430" ><p class="wp-caption-text"> (Picture Credit: Getty Images) </p><p> The symptoms of <a href="https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/hyperthyroidism" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> hyperthyroidism in dogs </a> result from an increase in metabolism that sends the body into overdrive. Because of this, there may be irregularities in all of the body’s systems. </p><p> Most commonly, the condition results in weight loss, despite an increase in appetite. </p><p> Here are a few symptoms you might see in dogs with hyperthyroidism: </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><ul><li> Excessive weight loss </li><li> Increased appetite </li><li> Frequent urination and increased thirst </li><li> Vomiting </li><li><a href="http://dogtime.com/dog-health/1878-dog-diarrhea-wsu" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Diarrhea </a></li><li><a href="http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/301-depression" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Depression </a></li><li> Weakness </li><li> Excitability </li><li> Enlarged thyroid gland, felt as a lump in the neck </li><li> Difficulty breathing </li><li> Irregular heart beat </li></ul><h2> Causes Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs </h2><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=37LQcx_0b1c7rJ300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=37LQcx_0b1c7rJ300" width="760" height="430" ><p class="wp-caption-text"> (Picture Credit: Getty Images) </p><p> Hyperthyroidism in dogs is usually caused by excessive production of thyroxine brought on by aggressive thyroid cancer. The tumor interferes with normal functions of the thyroid, which results in secretion of certain hormones, affects metabolism, and leads to visible symptoms. </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p> An excess of thyroid hormones doesn’t necessarily have to originate in a dog’s thyroid. Another source of thyroid hormones is from hypothyroid medication, which usually includes a synthetic form of thyroxine. An over-correction of low thyroxine levels can sometimes result in hyperthyroidism. </p><p> Additionally, raw food diets that include an <a href="http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/11/04/hyperthyroidism-dogs.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> excessive amount of thyroid hormones </a> can also cause the condition. These diets often include&nbsp;gullets, head meat, and animal necks, which contain higher levels of thyroid hormones. </p><p> Varying a dog’s protein source or avoiding these animal parts can prevent a dog from ingesting too many of these hormones. </p><h2> Treatments Of Hyperthyroidism In Dogs </h2><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4FrD8p_0b1c7rJ300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4FrD8p_0b1c7rJ300" width="760" height="430" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p class="wp-caption-text"> (Picture Credit: Getty Images) </p><p> Treatment of <a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_hyperthyroidism?page=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> hyperthyroidism in dogs </a> depends on the cause of the condition. In cases where a reaction to medication causes hypothyroidism, usually a vet can adjust the dosage of drugs until the hormone levels stabilize. </p><p> If your vet prescribes medication, then you may want to see if you can can fill the prescription <a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101l7yvb/pubref:dogtime/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fb%2Fpharmacy-2515" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><strong> online at Chewy’s pharmacy </strong></a> and have the meds delivered. </p><p> If hyperthyroidism results from a diet that has high levels of hormones, then a dietary change is usually enough to reverse the condition. </p><p> Unfortunately, it’s more common for hyperthyroidism to result from aggressive thyroid cancer, which is often deadly. Treatment in this case will depend&nbsp;on the size of the tumor and whether it has metastasized. </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p> Treatment may entail&nbsp;partial removal of the tumor or removal of the entire thyroid gland. This will, however, depend on what your vet deems the most appropriate course to pursue. </p><p> Additionally, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are other options to fight the cancer and are, at times, used alongside surgery. Benign tumors are easier to manage and may respond well to treatment, but malignant tumors can often spread to vital organs in the neck. </p><p> The earlier treatment begins, the better the chance at recovery. In cases where dogs recover, dietary restrictions will have to be strictly followed, especially to preserve the health of the kidneys. </p><p> Do you keep an eye out for health issues like hyperthyroidism in your dog? What are your tips for keeping your dog healthy? Let us know in the comments below! </p><p> The post <a href="https://dogtime.com/dog-health/53833-hyperthyroidism-dogs-symptoms-causes-treatments" rel="nofollow"> Hyperthyroidism In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments </a> appeared first on <a href="https://dogtime.com" rel="nofollow"> DogTime </a> . </p><iframe height="0" srcdoc="<script async src=&quot;https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js&quot;></script><script>window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/4403/th/dogtime/ros', [[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-300x250').addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('pos', 'F').setTargeting('ct', 'article').setTargeting('ci', '53833').setTargeting('content_detail', '1').setTargeting('kw', 'chewy,cover-panel,evergreen,hyperthyroidism,medical-treatment,pbtracker,symptoms').setTargeting('coppa', 0).setTargeting('site', 'dogtime');googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();googletag.enableServices();});</script><div id=&quot;div-gpt-ad-300x250&quot; style=&quot;width: 300px; height: 250px;&quot;><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(&quot;div-gpt-ad-300x250&quot;);});</script></div>		<script>(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');ga('create', 'UA-2208727-1', 'dogtime.com');ga('require', 'displayfeatures');ga('set', 'referrer', 'http://www.newsbreak.com/');ga('send', 'pageview', '/hyperthyroidism-dogs-symptoms-causes-treatments');</script>" style="border: none;" width="0"></iframe></div></body>

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Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a condition that is caused by the thyroid gland in the neck overproducing thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. If you spot the signs of hyperthyroidism, it is important to get to your veterinarian right away.
The post Hyperthyroidism In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments appeared first on DogTime.