Canine Hypothyroidism Flashcards
The majority of T4 is bound to which protein while in circulation?
thyroxine binding protein
Most of the steps involved in thyroid hormone synthesis is catalyzed by which enzyme?
thyroid peroxidase
How is thyroid hormone controlled?
hypothalamus –> TRH –> anterior pituitary –> TSH –> thyroid gland –> iodine trapping, T4/T3 release
excess circulating free T4 and T3 = negative feedback loop –> anterior pituitary and hypothalamus
What are some major functions for thyroid homrones?
- metabolism
- growth
- CNS development
- tissue turnover
- (+) inotrope/ chronotrop
- cholesterol synthesis & metabolism
- stimulates erythropoiesis
What are the 3 types of thyroid disease?
- primary = thyroid gland
- secondary = pituitary
- tertiary = hypothalamus
What’s the most common form of hypothyroidism?
primary, acquired –> lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid atrophy
Which breeds with high prevalence of thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAAs)?
- Golden Retriever
- English Setter
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Cocker Spaniel
- Boxer
How is lymphocytic thyroiditis diagnosed?
- biopsy = gold standard
- can also be inferred with thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAAs)
What’s the typical signalment for canine hypothyroidism?
- 7yo
- predisposed purebreds may have an earlier onset
- intact males and spayed females
What are the most common c/s of canine hypothyroidism?
- dermatological and metabolic concerns
What are the metabolic concerns with hypothyroid dogs?
- obese/ weight gain
- decreased metabolism
- shivering, heat seeking
- lethargy, mental dullness
What are some dermatological abnormalities associated with canine hypothyroidism?
- poor hair coat
- alopecia (truncal, rat tail, bilateral symmetrical)
- non-pruritic
- dry, scaly skin; seborrhea, otitis, hyperpigmentation, secondary bacterial infection
What’s the cause of the “tragic facial expression”?
Myxedema - accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the dermis
What are some of the ECG changes noted in canine hypothyroidism?
- low voltage R wave
- inverted T wave
- bradycardia
What are some echocardiogram changes noted in canine hypothyroidism?
- decreased fractional shortening
- mild increased L ventricle end systole diameter
How does thyroid hormone affect the heart>
it increases the heart’s sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation –> (+) inotrope
Are hypothyroid dogs often clinical for the cardiovascular changes?
no
What are some neuromuscular changes noted in canine hypothyroidism?
- no direct causal effect, BUT
- central vestibular disease –> suspect related to atherosclerosis –> brain infarction or metabolic derrangement
- fatal myxedema coma has been reported
- may be difficult to ddx between neuropathy vs myopathy
What eye abnormality is noted in canine hypothyroidism?
arcus lipoides (esp in German Shepherd Dogs)
What reproductive changes are noted in canine hypothyroidism?
- short term: fertility is normal, but prolonged parturition and lowered pup survival
- long term: decreased fertility, and increased peri-parturient mortality , lower birth rate
- male repro indices are not affected