Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Autoimmune thyroiditis signs in giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs
By Ferm, K et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis in giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of giant schnauzers and hovawart dogs were tested for thyroid problems, specifically autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis (a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid) and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Out of the 236 giant schnauzers, 17 were already diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and 22 showed signs of thyroid issues. Among the 95 hovawarts, 3 were hypothyroid, and 9 had elevated thyroid markers. The study suggests that these breeds are genetically predisposed to thyroid problems, and screening for these conditions could help improve their health in the future.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAA) and/or elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and/or hypothyroidism, in two high-risk dog breeds. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in two birth cohorts of giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs. The cohorts were three to four and six to seven years of age at the time of blood sampling and screening for TgAA and TSH levels. Blood sampling was accompanied by one initial and one follow-up questionnaire to the dog owners. A total number of 236 giant schnauzers and 95 hovawarts were included in the study. RESULTS: Seventeen (7.2 per cent) giant schnauzers and three (3.2 per cent) hovawarts had been diagnosed as hypothyroid at the time of sampling. Out of the remaining dogs, 22 giant schnauzers (10.0 per cent) and nine hovawarts (10.1 per cent) had elevated TgAA and/or TSH levels. Prevalence of elevated TgAA and TSH levels varied with age. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The high prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating CLT/hypothyroidism in these two breeds suggests a strong genetic predisposition. It would be advisable to screen potential breeding stock for TSH and TgAA as a basis for genetic health programmes to reduce prevalence of CLT in these breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19320811/