Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Hypothyroidism

I'm not sure what factors actually play into thyroid disorders but now even Gaby is diagnosed as hypothyroid! I've had her about 2.5 months now and she's only lost 5.5# despite exercise and a careful diet. She has also had an immense amount of hairloss. When she arrived, it appeared as though she'd been shaved with a 40 blade (the kind you use to shave for surgeries, or for poodle faces/feet--very, very short). The problem was that her hair never actually grew in, she started to lose more!

Last Tuesday Gaby went to the vet clinic that did her dental (shout out to Animal Medical Clinic in Minneapolis for being amazing about working with rescue organizations) for a blood draw for a thyroid panel. Gaby's results came back as "borderline low" with her T4 at 0.4 with a reference range of 0.4-3.6, and her TSH high. Her veterinarian opted to try treatment because her clinical signs are typical of a dog with Hypothyroid disease.

You get a pretty good idea of her hairloss in the photo above; she really has lost a lot!

So now she takes Soloxine 0.5mg twice daily along with Buzz and Bailey. She will have been on meds a week tomorrow. I'm hoping to remember to take a weekly photo so I can make a compilation once her hair has grown in!


Just a funny picture of her enjoying the great outdoors with Bailey last time we were at the farm.

Gaby continues to be the easiest dog on the planet. She is a seriously great pet!