What is the use of levothyroxine for dogs?
Levothyroxine for dogs is a synthetic version of hormone T4 or L-thryoxin thyroid used to treat hypothyroidism in these social animals. Hypothyroidism results in when the dog cannot produce enough thyroid hormone to support normal cell metabolism. A dog that is lethargic or weak with a bad hair coat may have hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine for dogs is hormone substitution therapy that can reverse the symptoms and effects of hypothyroidism. This treatment is launched on the market names Soloxine® and Thyrotabs® brands.
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease in middle and older dogs and rare in cats. Some breeds, including labradors, gold retrievals and large Danes, are more sensitive. It is believed that this hormonal disease is the result of immune -mediated thyroiditis caused by antibodies that the dog does against its own thyroid gland. As a result, the dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone to support normal cell function in their orgátech. Othmesi possible causes include thyroid cancer and idiopathic follicular atrophy. Typical symptoms are also sebjije and hair loss. Thyroid testing is often part of clinical processing for any patient dog, as hypothyroidism is common and can cause a wide range of symptoms.
This condition is treated with substitution therapy thyroid hormone and the standard drug is levothyroxine for dogs, synthetic form of hormone T4. It is available in the form of a tablet in sizes from 0.1 to 0.8 milligrams. The usual dose for dogs is 0.1 mg per pound (4.5 kg) served twice daily. The whole treatment plan should be completed, even if the dog begins to show signs of improvement before the last dose.
In most cases the dose and frequency of levothyroxine for dogs will require individual adaptation. The reason is the fact that the intestinal absorption of the drug ranges from 10 to 50 percentfor dogs. Levothyroxine brand switching for dogs and changing the dog's diet can also affect drug absorption. Concentration of thyroid hormones should be tested again after any such change in food and drug brand.
The dog using levothyroxine for dogs should have its concentrations T4 evaluate four to six weeks after starting treatment. If the T4 concentration is too low or too high, the dose will have to be adjusted. Symptoms of overdose include nervousness, increased thirst and weight loss. Increased urination, trembling and gasping for breath are other indicators that the dose of the dog is too high. Once the T4 levels have stabilized, monitoring of hormone concentrations can be reduced to one or two veterinary visits per year.
Most dogs show signs of increased energy within two weeks of starting Levothyroxine mode for dogs. Loss hair may seem to get worse at first, but it's because the dog throws its old hair coat before the new grows. Weight loss is usually evident after DVOu months, while the skin and hair coat will improve within a few months after treatment. Nervous function, if affected, is gradually improving.
Levothyroxine for dogs is not associated with many side effects at the right dose level. Owners should be vigilant for signs of allergic reactions in their dogs, such as hives, compulsive scratches and vomiting. This medicine should not be administered to a dog without diagnosis of hypothyroidism from a licensed veterinarian.