One commonly seen condition in Miniature Schnauzers is Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when a dog doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone, which regulates many of the body’s systems.
This condition affects a dog’s metabolism, leading to depression, weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and even an intolerance to the cold. If Hypothyroidism goes untreated, it can lead to issues with the immune system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive system. Luckily, testing and treatment are both relatively easy and inexpensive.
Symptoms:
Overactive thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer, a tumor which causes the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine
Response to treatment for hypothyroidism may cause the overproduction of thyroxine
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Disheveled look
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and/or urine
Rapid breathing, or difficulty doing so
Heart murmur or rapid heart rate
Further symptoms of hypothyroidism also include the following:
Gaining weight without an increase in appetite
Cold intolerance
Slower heart rate
Hair loss or thinning
Slower healing of wounds
Chronic skin infections
Itching
Frequent ear infections
Thyroid disease is very common in dogs. Rest assured, proper treatment is safe and can help enable a full and active life for your dog. The treatment usually lasts for life and involves a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, adjustable by the vet based on your dog’s progress. The most common form of treatment is L-thyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement, and can come in either liquid, tablet, or chewable form.
Many of the initial symptoms will resolve within weeks to a few months, but it’s important to get your dog checked based on your vet’s recommendations and to continue proper dosage. Left untreated, a thyroid disease will affect the quality of your dog’s life.
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