Hypothyroidism
is a common illness that most often occurs in medium to large size dogs like
the American Water Spaniel. It generally affects dogs between the ages of 4 and
10 years old and most often occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce
needed T4 and T3 hormones. Without these hormones, your pup is unable to
maintain a healthy metabolism. Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism often
include lethargy, weight gain, weakness, hair loss or poor hair growth, mental
or brain fog, skin infections that don’t heal well, seizures and even
infertility. If your dog has any of these signs, notify your vet right away. He
will need to see your dog to run tests and make an accurate diagnosis. These
symptoms don’t always point to hypothyroidism. Only your vet can tell you
whether the illness is the cause or not. For more information, consult with
your Crown Point, IN veterinary clinic.
