Hypothyroidism in Basset Hounds

Have you heard of people with hypothyroidism? It’s usually associated with weight gain and once diagnosed, medication can help set things straight and bring weight back to a normal level. Did you know this can happen to dogs like the Basset Hound? Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes a deficiency in hormones T4 and T3, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a Thyroid Hormone Deficiency. The lack of hormones T4 and T3 causes the body’s metabolism to go haywire so to speak. If your dog has hypothyroidism then he may shows symptoms like lethargy, weakness, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, excessive shedding, poor hair growth, mental dullness, skin infections, intolerance to cold, tilting of the head to one side and even seizures or infertility. Some cases are seen in medium sized dogs between 4 to 10 years of age although it can happen to any dog no matter the age or breeding. Talk to your veterinarians Downingtown, PA for more information.