Possible Thyroid Problems

[CopperDakota]

My Golden is having a weight problem. The vet wants to test for thyroid problems if the problem doesn't subside. She told me to only feed him 2 cups of food per day(he was getting 3). Plus he gets 1 - 2 hrs. of exercise a day. He is energetic and alert. The food he eats is Innova so I was thinking I should switch him to Nutro Natural Choice Lite. The odd thing is our other dog also eats Innova and actually lost 1 pound. It's been about 4 mths. and the problem is getting worse not better. Has anyone else dealt with this problem in their dog? I've had dogs all my life and never had a weight problem like this one. Any suggestions or info. on thyroid problems in Goldens would be greatly appreciated.:054

[Jenny]

Here are some links I found for you on hypothyroidism.

wellness.ucdavis.edu/medi...ism38.html (http://wellness.ucdavis.edu/medical_conditions_az/hypothyroidism38.html)

linda.lawrie.com/Articles...Issues.htm (http://linda.lawrie.com/Articles/ThyroidIssues.htm)

www.canismajor.com/dog/thyroid.html (http://www.canismajor.com/dog/thyroid.html)

Hope these help you.


My opinion is, I would stay on the Innova just cut back, give him a few weeks to see if there is any noticable difference in his weight. The 3 cups he was getting may have been too much for him since Innova is a rich food. if he's not had any problems with the Innova, I think it's best to keep him on it. Just my opinion.

Good Luck, keep us posted on how he's doing. ;)

[CopperDakota]

Thanks so much for the links Jenny. He does have some of the other symptoms besides the weight gain. It's good to see that it's easy to remedy if he should turn out to be tested and the thyroid is the problem. I'll let you know if the vet decides to test and what happens. He has to go in for his rabies shot in the next couple of weeks and we'll probably discuss it further at that time.
The info was extremely helpful. Thanks again.:003

[Jenny]

:032 I'm glad the links were helpful!

My mother had a cat with a thyroid problem (only with cats they tend to have an over active thyroid), and with medication the cat did well for many years. She lived to be 17 yrs.
Keep us posted. :)

[lotagoldens]

Hello CopperDakota,
Unfortunately thyroid problems are VERY prevalent in many of the "large" breeds, including Goldens. Luckily you have a Veterinarian that has suggested testing the thyroid. I have seen many dogs treated for the symptoms (i.e. Poor coat, allergy like symptoms, weight issues, endurance, etcetera) while the Veterinarian never suggests a thyroid test. >: The actual testing can only be performed by a handful of laboratories, one of them is Purdue University. If it is determined your Golden does have a thyroid disorder it is my understanding that it is very easily controlled with medication. You may want to read up on Kelp supplementation, it is said to work wonders on dogs with abnormal thyroid results. I include kelp in the diets of my bitches prior to and during breeding/whelping.
Good luck to you,
Lotagoldens
www.healthierpets.com/kelp_products.htm (HTTP://www.healthierpets.com/kelp_products.htm)
(search "Kelp" or "Canine Kelp" for additional information on this supplement!)

[CopperDakota]

I was surprised to hear my vet suggest the thyroid problem since I never knew of anyone that had a dog with that problem. I too, use Kelp powder as a supplement with the dogs' meals. I read about using Kelp and a good quality oil (ie, flaxseed, olive oil, etc.) along with a good vitamin/mineral supplement from a dog nutritionist.

Thanks for your information, lotagoldens. I'm hoping if she does the test that it's nothing but if turns out to be a problem I'm grateful that it's treatable.

[Goldenheart]

<span style="font-family:georgia; color:maroon;">Awwwwww, hope your golden baby is ok CopperDakota. Bianka is over weight too....but thats just winter fat. Hopefully thier are no problems with your golden. Let us know what you find out<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/003.gif" /></span>

[CopperDakota]

Thanks Goldenheart for your concern. I'll probably be taking him in next week after Memorial Day. I'll let you know what the vet decides.