Yankee Coton de Tulears

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Why Is Hypothyroidism In Cotons Important?

Diagnosis of a malfunctioning thyroid can be difficult prior to bloodwork due to the varying signs and symptoms, the usually slow onset, and sometimes advanced age of the dog. However, according to OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) statistics, about 14% of cotons tested have abnormal results, so being aware of this disease is helpful. Let’s go over the most common signs and symptoms as well as tests and treatment of hypothyroidism in cotons.

Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism In Cotons

  • Generally, a change in or loss of coat
  • Lack of energy (less desire to go out and play)
  • Weight gain
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Change in temperament.
  • Skin becomes thickened, dry and flakey

When faced with one or more of these symptoms, owners usually try a change in diet, feeding less, changing the shampoo they use to bathe their dog, adjusting the environment if their coton suddenly gets fearful or agitated and a variety of other adjustments to no avail. Finding out the real cause and how to alleviate these issues will vastly improve your coton de tulear’s quality of life.

The Disease

There are two general etiologies for hypothyroidism in cotons: 

  • Genetic and inheritable
  • Environmental causes

When a body attacks its own thyroid it is called “autoimmune thyroiditis”. This is the type of illness that is genetic and inheritable. However, other things can cause hypothyroidism that are not hereditary, including reactions to vaccines, environmental toxins etc. 

So, once again, as a breeder, I have to caution people from attributing all illnesses to genetic, inheritable defects and therefore the fault of the breeder. The owner of the dog may have to take some responsibility to what happens to a dog they have in their possession for 10-15 years.

While diagnosing hypothyroidism in cotons may initially be a challenge, it is generally an easily treatable illness whether it is due to genetics or not. The pup can live a long and healthy life with relatively inexpensive medication.

While it is possible to support the function of this important gland with OTC herbs including seaweed supplements such as kelp, too much of a good thing can actually do more harm than good. So easy does it.

Testing For Hypothyroidism In Cotons

While owners of companion cotons wouldn’t test for hypothyroidism without some obvious change in their dog’s health, responsible breeders use testing information long before any signs or symptoms become evident. That is because the lab results can show a problem long before it becomes noticeable. Checking for hypothyroidism in dogs is performed annually starting at 1 yr old.

The lab test I use involves not just the T4 level but a complete panel that shows thyroxine, triiodothyronine and antibodies:

  • TT4(total thyroxine)
  • TT3 (total triiodothyronine)
  • FT4d (free T4)
  • T4AA (thyroxine 4 auto-antibodies)
  • T3AA (triiodothyronine auto-antibodies)
  • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
  • TgAA (thyroglobulin auto-antibodies)

What The Test Results Mean

Generally speaking if you have an elevated TgAA or persistently elevated T4AA or T3AA you have a problem. 

High TSH means your coton’s body is trying to get the gland to produce more hormones. Sometimes it can and sometimes it can’t. That’s when you look at the T3,T4 levels.

Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, the registry for hip evaluations, also registers lab results. They have a list of labs from which they will accept results from veterinarians. I use Michigan State University’s OFA Canine Thyroid Profile. There is also Jean Dodd, DVM’s lab, Hemopet. Not all labs are created equal when it comes to this particular type of testing.

Depending on the cost to have your vet draw blood, pack it in ice, ship it overnight plus the lab test itself, it can run about $180. 

What Affects The Test Results

  • Testing of bitches must be done during anestrus (12 -16 weeks after her heat) as lab results are affected by estrogen and progresterone. 
  • Vaccines such as Rabies will increase the Thyroglobulin antibodies significantly for at least 45 days after administration so testing is done after that time period. (But vaccinations are totally harmless, r-i-i-g-h-t!!)
  • Steroids, overfeeding seaweed / kelp (see, I told you not to overdo it!),
  • Phenobarbital and sulfa drugs can decrease function as well. 

The End Result

While it can be a disappointment to have a breeding coton develop thyroid disease, I think it’s better to know the facts than stick one’s head in the sand.  Those cotons can be placed in pet homes with appropriate medication and lead long and healthy lives with routine medication.