|
PETCARE
TODAY BULLETIN ON Hypothyroidism has long been recognized as a common endocrine disorder causing skin disease in dogs occur due to deficiency of thyroxine harmone secreted by thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is usually insidious in nature. The owner may attribute many of the clinical signs simply of aging, or the signs may be completely overlooked. Because thyroid hormones affect most tissues in the body, the clinical signs are multisystemic in nature, variable and rarely specific for hypothyroidism. Clinical signs attributed include dullness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, increase in weight, heat seeking, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, ocular abnormalities, reproductive dysfunction, dermatological abnormalities etc. Dermatological abnormalities may include a dry and scaly coat, bilaterally symmentrical nonpruritic alopecia, rat tail, hyperpigmentation, seborrhoea etc. |
The disease is commonly diagnosed in middle aged dogs of either sex and appears to be more common in mid to large breeds like Labradors, Boxer, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Irish Setters, German Shepherd etc. Disease fetures develop gradually and may not have been apparent to the pet owner at the onset, thereby influencing the history of the problem.
Although the loss of the general metabolic activity may be the first indication of thyroid hormone deficiency, owners oftern present the dog for Vet. Evaluation when dermatologic abnormalities become evident. The first dermatologic signs usually include development of a dry scaly coat, and constant shedding of hair. Failure of hair regrowth is also apparent early in the course of the disease and existing hair lacks luster, are dry and brittle, and epilate easily. Hair loss in the classic case is bilateral and symmetric and most evident at areas like asillae, thoracic areas, tail etc. the skin is occasionally thickened in hypothyroidism due to the dermal deposition of mucopolysaccharides. Hyper pigmentation often occurs in chronic cases could be in most cases due to cutaneous response to inflammation.
THERAPY
Lifelong
therapy should be initiated once the hypothyroidism has been diagnosed. Synthetic
thyroxine is the initial therapy of choice. The plasma half-lif of thyroxine
is probably between 12 and 16 hours. the recommended starting dose for synthetic
thyroxine is 0.02 to 0.04 mg / kg every 24 hrs. Initially it is recommended
that the dose start at 0.02 mg / kg every 12 hours per orally for 6 weeks after
which time it can be reduced to 0.02 mg / kg every 24 hours. Many, but not all,
dogs can be successfully maintained on once a - day therapy with synthetic thyroxine.
Since it is quite common for obese dogs to lose considerable weight during the
first few months after initiating thyroid harmone replacement, it is necessary
to monitor body weight frequently during this time and adjust the dose accordingly.
 |
Kennel Cough, also known as canine cough / tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract (trachea) and the main lower airways (bronchi). Kennel cough is primarily caused by bacteria called "Bordetella bronchioseptica" and can involve various viral infections such as Para influenza and adenovirus. The organisms that cause kennel cough are highly infectious and the disease is spread via contact or by being in close proximity to infected. These infectious organisms are airborne pathogens, which are easily spread when infected dogs sneeze, cough or even drool. Because of the highly infectious nature, the disease is often contracted when dogs are congregated at places such as shows, kennels etc. It is important to note that some dogs are carriers and often carry and spread the infections for months while not showing any signs of disease themselves. The classical symptoms of the disease are harsh hacking cough that often finishes with gagging and may or may not be accompanied by mucus. The disease can appear to have a sudden onset, though coughing usually occurs 4-8 days following exposure. More severely affected dogs have depressed appetite, fever and complications that could lead to pneumonia. Some vets, feels that it is best not to treat this condition with antibiotics since it is almost always self limiting and as the organism is a normal inhabitant of the upper airways. But some vets, use antibiotics like sulfa / trimethoprim combination or doxycycline etc. but iti is said that many antibiotics work well for this condition. Use of cough suppressant can make the dog a lot more comfortable, whether antibiotics are used or not. Immunity to this infection is not long lasting even after the illness. Immunity probably lasts 6 to 12 months in most of the dogs and when it wears out they can get the infection again. There are vaccination available and in high risk situations it might be a good idea to vaccinate twice a year. In other circumstances using it only once a year is adequate or even using it only when it appears to be necessary such as prior to boarding a dog at a kennel or participating in a event in which many dogs will be present. |