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What is Canine Autoimmune Thyroiditis?
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| Canine Autoimmune Thyroiditis is a genetic disease which is the cause of over half the cases of hypothyroidism diagnosed in dogs. While just one individual symptom may not alert you to this significant genetic problem, a combination of symptoms should signal the need to test for autoimmune thyroiditis. The incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis in males and females is similar. Therefore, it is equally important to test both prior to breeding. The most common clinical symptoms of canine autoimmune thyroiditis are: · Sluggishness · Obesity · Skin disease · Cold intolerant · Hair loss · Weakness · Poor coat · Infertility · If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, ask your veterinarian about thyroiditis.
On the left is a beagle with hypothyroidism, on the right is a normal beagle. However, because autoimmune thyroiditis does not always show symptoms, animals should be tested prior to breeding. Although hypothyroidism resulting from thyroiditis usually manifests itself between the ages of three and five years, our screening test can detect problems in dogs as young as one year. Hence, it can be a valuable addition to breeding programs since early detection can help you avoid investing in genetically inferior animals. We recommend the screening of all dogs used for breeding programs. Hypothyroidism is not considered to be a life-threatening disease. However, the quality of life of an animal suffering from hypothyroidism is substandard. Dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis produce antibodies against the storage form of thyroid hormone. These antibodies are present in the dog's bloodstream, a simple blood test is all that is needed for an accurate diagnosis. The best available technology for early detection of autoimmune thyroiditis in dogs is a sensitive assay for Thyroidglobulin Autoantibody (TgAA). Early screening is important because Canine Autoimmune Thyroidis is genetic, and it accounts for 50% of hypothyroidism cases in dogs. Early detection allows breeders to reduce the rate of occurence hence improving the health and wellbeing of the dogs they raise. The TgAA test can detect Autoimmune Thyroiditis up to two years before any symptoms are visible. A commercial kit for TgAA analysis is manufactured by Oxford Laboratories, and is available to veterinary laboratories worldwide. The TgAA assay has been recommended by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for its canine thyroid registry. In the United States and Canada, your veterinarian can can have your dog's blood tested by an OFA-approved veterinary laboratory. The OFA registry records and stores data concerning the incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis. The level of thyroid function can be quantified using one of three methods: the T4 (L-thyroxine) test, the canine TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test, or the TgAA (Thyroglobulin Auto Antibody) test. |
