Question:
I have a female black Lab. I had her on diet dog food, but she kept gaining weight. My vet did a thyroid test, but it wasn't a full-panel thyroid test. The dog was losing hair on her pressure points and had what looked like a baboon-butt for a backside. She was put on fungus medication, and finally my vet suggested I take her to a dermatology-and-allergy specialist. He ran a full-panel thyroid test, and the dog was found to have a poorly functioning thyroid. Her zinc levels were very low, also. Thank goodness for zinc! Maggie's hair is coming back, and she's feeling fine.If a vet doesn't know how a rare problem can be solved, I suggest they recommend a doctor of dermatology.
C.S.M., Fort Myers, FL Jul 02, 2006
Answer:
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland, which can result in hair loss, reduced activity, weight increase and chronic skin infections and other complications) is common in dogs today and should not take a veterinary dermatologist or other specialist to diagnose correctly. Many factors can play a role in the onset of this disease, from adverse reactions to vaccinations to drugs like deracoxib and aspirin (often given to arthritic dogs) and chemical contaminants in the dog's food and water.I see this disease as primarily man-made. Dogs can be like canaries in the coal mines -- indicators of a potentially toxic environment. Other environmental and genetic factors can alter animals' nutrient requirements, with some breeds requiring more zinc or vitamin A, or less copper. Hence the need for full-panel diagnostic tests. They are costly but essential before appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
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