Veterinary Clinical Medicine-II

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Diagnosis

• A complete history
• Physical examination
• Minimum data base: T₄ concentration - 1.5 – 3.5 µg/dL;       TSH response test ; TRH response test  
• Antithyroglobulin antibody is found in 36% to 50% of hypothyroid dogs.
• Thyroid biopsy

Treatment

• The initial treatment of choice regardless of the underlying cause of the disease is synthetic sodium L-thyroxine (T₄) 0.02 mg/kg P.O, every 12 hr
• In myxedema coma, T₄ should be administered initially intravenously (5mg/kg) because of poor gastrointestinal absorption due to hypo motility. Other supportive therapy including appropriate fluid therapy, passive rewarming and ventilatory support may also be necessary.