Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Behavior changes in dogs treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine
By Hrovat, Alenka et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2019·Small Animal Department·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Behavior in dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment with levothyroxine.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones) were treated with levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone supplement. After 6 weeks of treatment, the dogs showed increased activity levels, suggesting some improvement in behavior. However, after 6 months, there were no significant changes in their behavior or hormone levels compared to when they started treatment. This indicates that while some dogs may become more active shortly after starting levothyroxine, longer-term effects on behavior may not be as pronounced.
People also search for: dog hypothyroidism treatment · levothyroxine for dog behavior · why is my dog less active · dog aggression treatment · hypothyroid dog symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormone supplementation anecdotally has been described as a valid treatment option for dogs with aggression-related problems. However, prospective, controlled, and blinded trials evaluating behavior and neurohormonal status in hypothyroid dogs during treatment with levothyroxine are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Levothyroxine supplementation will have a significant influence on the behavior and neurohormonal status of dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism. ANIMALS: Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism. METHODS: This prospective study was to evaluate the behavior of dogs, which was screened at initial presentation, and after 6 weeks, and 6 months of treatment with levothyroxine (starting dosage 10 μg/kg PO q12h) using the standardized Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). At each time period, circulating serotonin and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were evaluated using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous radioimmunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation, C-BARQ scores demonstrated a significant increase in activity of hypothyroid dogs (P < .01). No significant change in any of the behavioral signs was observed after 6 months of treatment. No significant difference in circulating concentrations of serotonin (P > .99 and P = .46) and PRL (P = .99 and P = .37) were noted between the 6-week and 6-month periods compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results of this study indicate increased activity of hypothyroid dogs after 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation. None of the hypothyroid dogs in this cohort showed a significant change in any of the evaluated behavioral signs and neurohormonal status after 6 months of thyroid hormone supplementation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30499213/