hyposupplements

chloelogoa

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Supplements

talalogoa

Species affected: Cats, Dogs (rare in cats)

Background: Dogs suffer from hypothyroidism which, in approximately 95% of cases, is an autoimmune disorder equivalent to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The causes are genetic (common in certain breeds like Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, and many others), environmental, and immunologic (especially, some believe, due to yearly distemper vaccines). Hyperthyroidism is a rare diagnosis in the dog and would likely be due to a thyroid tumor. When cats are hypothyroid, it is usually associated with other systemic disease. When the other disease is cleared up, the thyroid function usually returns to normal.

Symptoms: Obesity, lethargy, intolerance of cold, dull coat, dandruff, skin disease, slow heart rate and metabolism.

Diagnostics: Initial diagnosis of hypothyroidism is notoriously difficult in dogs, especially if the basis for the diagnosis is a simple T4, which is affected by other illnesses, phenobarbitol, etc. If the disease has progressed to the point where thyroid function is severely compromised, it is easily diagnosed.

Special Notes: None.

Principles for Supplementation: Natural treatment supports the thyroid gland and immune system; treatment may need to be multifactorial including homeopathy, acupuncture and herbs to make permanent changes.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—HYPOTHYROIDISM
Formulas	Dosage	Mechanism/Purpose
Chinese HerbalVitammune	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid	Builds qi and blood, enhances the immune system, general health.
Hypo-Thyro2 (mixed with food)	Cats: ½-1 scoop, sid Dogs: 1 – 3 scoops, sid (mixed with food)	Kelp provides iodine to boost the thyroid hormone level. Other herbs support basic thyroid function.
Kelp	Dogs: 100 - 500 mg, sid to bid	Iodine helps thyroid function. Adjust dose by monitoring thyroid hormone level.
Moducare	Cats: ½ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, sid	Plant sterols and sterolins modulate immune function. May be of use with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Thyrocsin	Dogs: ½ capsule/25 lbs, bid	Provides nutritional substrates for initial production of thyroid hormone as well as cofactors needed for peripheral conversion to bioactive thyroid hormone T3.

Source
Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines
This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful,
they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal friends. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine
always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
http://www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_2004a_final.pdf