Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by the deficiency of the thyroid hormone. This occurs usually due to a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Read on to know more about the causes and treatment of this disease in dogs...
The thyroid gland, located near the base of the neck, is responsible for producing thyroxine, a hormone that regulates the metabolic activities of animals. Hypothyroidism is a disease that is caused by lower or insufficient production of the thyroid hormone. It is a common health problem that equally affects both male and female dogs.
Causes
Hypothyroidism is usually caused by the impairment of the thyroid gland, when it fails to produce and release adequate amount of hormones required to carry out metabolic activities. Sometimes, the damage of this gland is done by the dog's own immune system and this condition is known as autoimmune thyroiditis. In this condition, the cells of the thyroid gland are destroyed by the immune system. At other times, it is caused by atrophy of the thyroid tissues and the consequent invasion of these tissues by fats.
