Hypothyroidism in canine reproduction

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine diseases in dogs. It has been implicated for many reproductive difficulties in breeding dogs; however, only a few studies have investigated the involvement of thyroid hormones in reproduction. Due to intricacies related to appropriate testing, breeding animals may be placed on thyroid supplementation without justification. The disease, testing, heritability, and animals that may need supplementation are discussed. Additionally, the assumption/appropriateness of breeding animals that are truly hypothyroid is questioned.