Canine Thyroid Diseases, Thyroid Disease SymptomsDid you know that cats and dogs suffer from the same diseases as we humans? Cats and dogs have long been companions to people since back in ancient times. Cats were considered to have special attributes and powers. Dogs became man and woman's best friend. Now Dogs and cats, get sick, just like us humans and there are special diseases that our pets can contract that we cannot. However Canine thyroid disease and cat thyroid disease can also afflict humans. Strange. What can cause a disease that both animals and humans can contract? There is a culprit to blame. What could it be you say? An overactive gland named the thyroid. And yes cats and dogs have one, and yes it can become diseased. Let's explain what the thyroid is and what function it has for the body. A thyroid is a 2 lobed gland located at the bottom of the neck, which produces thyroxin. Thyroxin is a hormone which contains iodine to normalize growth and metabolism. Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland does not release or releases too much of thyroxin which causes an imbalance in the body. This imbalance will produce many thyroid disease symptoms such as weight gain and depression. Thyroid disease is common in people, but it is common in our pets as well, hence canine thyroid disease and cat thyroid disease. Because of the imbalance of the hormone that the thyroid produces dogs and cats can suffer the same symptoms as humans. Disease of the thyroid if left unhindered can cause many complications including cancer. Weight gain is another problem that comes with thyroid disease. Thyroid disease has been blamed for many of the overweight population and their pets in the country. A quick thyroid disease blood test can reveal if your cat suffers from thyroid disease. Veterinarians are very familiar with canine and cat thyroid disease and the symptoms that it causes. They have learned to identify the symptoms so that they will be able to treat the animals that suffer with canine and cat thyroid disease. If your dog or cat is diagnosed with thyroid disease, the veterinarian will prescribe the same medications human doctors prescribe for their patients. A small sweet tasting pill called synthroid. Synthroid can be helpful in regulating the thyroid gland in producing the hormone iodine. This will balance the functions of the body and symptoms will begin to dissipate. Our beloved dogs and cats will benefit from the treatment just as humans benefit from the treatment. Even though it sounds strange that dogs and cats can contract thyroid disease just like humans, it makes you think that that is probably why we tend to bond with them and them with us. Though they cannot talk to us, they can feel our pain and relate. |