Canine hypothyroidism: diagnosis and therapy

HYPOTHYROIDISM is a common endocrine disorder of dogs that may be both under‐ and overdiagnosed. The cost, ethical and medical consequences of unnecessary lifelong thyroid replacement therapy heightens a veterinary surgeon's responsibility to make confident diagnostic classifications of hypothyroidism or euthyroidism. Failure to recognise and treat hypothyroidism has a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life. This article discusses the problems associated with diagnosing hypothyroidism in dogs, describes the various laboratory tests available for evaluating thyroid disease and dysfunction, including their respective advantages and disadvantages, and provides guidance on how the results obtained should be interpreted.