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Diagnosing canine hypothyroidism
Author(s) -
Ramsey Ian
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.19.7.378
Subject(s) - lethargy , medicine , thyroid , clinical history , differential diagnosis , medical diagnosis , physical examination , atrophy , thyroid function tests , thyroid function , pathology , intensive care medicine , pediatrics
HYPOTHYROIDISM is usually caused by immune‐mediated destruction or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis is initially based on historical and clinical findings consistent with the condition. If the history or clinical examination are inconsistent with the diagnosis, then other differential diagnoses should be thoroughly investigated before any investigations are conducted on the thyroid gland. Unfortunately, many dogs present with a history that is at least suggestive of hypothyroidism (for example, lethargy and poor coat condition), but clinical examination proves unrewarding. In these cases further tests are indicated. This article discusses the interpretation ‐ and limitations ‐ of specific tests of thyroid function and sets out a diagnostic protocol.