Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thyroid hormone poisoning in dogs from jerky and canned pet food
By Rotstein, David et al.·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2021·Office of Surveillance and Compliance, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pet Food-Associated Dietary Exogenous Thyrotoxicosis: Retrospective Study (2016-2018) and Clinical Considerations.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs developed symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as increased thirst and energy levels, after eating certain beef or bison-based pet foods, including jerky treats and canned food. Testing revealed that these foods contained high levels of thyroid hormones, which led to elevated thyroid hormone levels in the dogs. Once the contaminated foods were removed from their diets, the dogs' thyroid hormone levels returned to normal within a month. If your dog shows signs of thyroid issues and has been eating beef-based food, it’s important to consult your vet for a thyroid panel and dietary history.
People also search for: dog hyperthyroidism symptoms · beef jerky treats thyroid problems · dog thyroid test after diet change
Abstract
Dietary exogenous thyrotoxicosis is infrequently observed in pet food. A retrospective evaluation of pet food investigations (PFI) was conducted for 17 dogs, including review of medical records, dietary and environmental exposure interviews, food testing, and regulatory action. Five PFIs occurring between 2016 and 2018 involved 7 food products including 2 food types, jerky treats or canned food, made from beef or bison. The dogs' serum thyroid hormone concentrations were evaluated before and after diet change. The foods were tested for active thyroid hormones and hormone precursors using high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection. The foods were also examined microscopically. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations of thyroxine (T4) varied depending on the food type consumed. Dogs that consumed dried jerky containing greater T4 concentrations often had increased serum T4 concentrations, whereas dogs that consumed canned products containing greater and 3,4,5- and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations often had decreased serum T4 concentrations. After the diets were changed, serum T4 and T3 concentrations normalized at 1 month. Seven foods containing beef or bison had iodine concentrations greater than 11 mg/kg, and iodine speciation identified variable concentrations of iodide, T4, T3, monoiodotyrosine (MIT), and di-iodotyrosine (DIT). Thyroid gland was found in microscopic sections from one finished food and one ingredient, gullet. FDA performed Health Hazard Evaluations to categorize the exposure risk, and 5 foods were recalled for which the product packaging had not been discarded. Dietary exogenous thyrotoxicosis should be considered in dogs exhibiting clinical signs compatible with hyperthyroidism, especially if consuming beef-based food. A thyroid panel that includes serum iodine, coupled with a thorough feeding history can aid in diagnosis. Thyrotoxicosis is typically reversible after removing the contaminated food from the diet.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33556641/