My dog takes levothroxine for thyroid problem 0.2 mg, what are the side effects?
Since taking, he has terrible breath, gas, & always hungry, but is getting boney. Also seems confused. (Miniture poodle).
User Comments
- Sounds like you need to take your baby back to the vet. His dosage may need to be adjusted or the dog may not be reacting well with the medication. My husband has the same illness and takes the same medication. The only side affects my husband had were all positive. He was no longer tired and exhausted all the time, etc.
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
What is the thyroid gland, and what does it do?
The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. It is located in the neck near the trachea and is composed of two lobes, one on each side of the trachea (windpipe). This gland is controlled by the body’s master gland, the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.
The thyroid gland regulates the rate of metabolism. If it is hyperfunctional, metabolism speeds up. If it is less functional than normal, metabolism slows down. The latter is the basis for the clinical signs of hypothyroidism.
What causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is almost always caused by one of two diseases: lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. The former disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is thought to be an immune-mediated disease. This means that the immune system decides that the thyroid is abnormal or foreign and attacks it. It is not known why the immune system does this. Idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy is also poorly understood. Normal thyroid tissue is replaced by fat tissue in what is considered a degenerative disease.
These two causes of hypothyroidism account for more than 95% of the cases. The other five percent are due to uncommon diseases, including cancer of the thyroid gland.
What are the clinical signs?
When the rate of metabolism slows down, virtually every organ in the body is affected in some manner. Most affected dogs have one or more of several typical physical and/or chemical abnormalities. These include:
Weight gain without an increase in appetite
Lethargy and lack of desire to exercise
Cold intolerance (gets cold easily)
Dry hair coat with excessive shedding
Very thin hair coat to near baldness
Increased pigmentation in the skin
Increased susceptibility to skin and ear infections
Failure to regrow hair after clipping or shaving
High blood cholesterol
Some dogs also have other abnormalities that are not the typical findings. These include:
Thickening of the facial skin so they have a "tragic facial expression"
Abnormal function of nerves causing non-painful lameness, dragging of feet, incoordination, and a head tilt
Loss of libido and infertility in intact males
Lack of heat periods, infertility, and abortion in females
Fat deposits in the corneas of the eyes
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca ("dry eye" due to very thick tears)
How is it diagnosed?
The most common test is for the T4 level. This is a measurement of the main thyroid hormone in a blood sample. If it is below normal and the correct clinical signs are present, the test is meaningful. However, testing for the T4 level can be misleading because some dogs that are not hypothyroid may have subnormal levels. This happens when another disease is present or when certain drugs are given.
If hypothyroidism is suspected but the T4 is normal, other tests can be performed. These are more expensive so they are not used as first line tests.
Can it be treated?
Hypothyroidism is treatable but not curable. It is treated with oral administration of a thyroid replacement hormone, Thyroxine. This drug must be given for the rest of the dog’s life.
How is the proper dose determined?
There is a standard dose that is used initially; it is based on the dog’s weight. After about one month of treatment, further testing is done to verify that the thyroid hormone levels are normal. In some dogs the dose will need to be further adjusted every 6-12 months.
What happens if the medication is overdosed?
Signs of hyperthyroidism can be caused. These include hyperactivity, lack of sleep, weight loss, and an increase in water consumption. If any of these occur, notify your veterinarian immediately so that a proper adjustment can be made.
Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/hypoth...
Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!
- you really need to speak to your vet. side effects from drugs such as levothroxine can cause big problems if left untreated. call asap.
- If given at the proper dose as determined by blood tests there should be no side effects.
I would consult with your Vet though, as increased hunger, thirst, and confusion can be caused by Levo overdose. They may want to re check thyroid levels to make sure your dog is on the proper strength.
Also, Levo should not be used in animals with untreated adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), and used with caution in animals with high blood pressure. If your dog takes vitamin or mineral supplements containing Iron or Calcium, Give the Levo 1 hour before or 4 hours after giving the vitamins. I hope this helps!