Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How hypothyroidism slows heart function in dogs and improves
By Stephan, I et al.·Published in DTW. Deutsche tierarztliche Wochenschrift·2003·Klinik fü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [The effect of hypothyroidism on cardiac function in dogs].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Ten dogs with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) were found to have heart problems, including low heart rates and irregular heartbeats. They underwent tests like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, which showed reduced heart function and wall thickness. After starting treatment with levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement, their heart rates improved, and the irregularities disappeared. Follow-up tests showed that their heart function and wall thickness also increased, indicating a positive response to the treatment.
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Abstract
The thyroid hormones have direct and indirect effects on the heart. So it is possible that depression of left ventricular function is associated with hypothyroidism. This publication describes cardiac findings (auscultation, electrocardiography, echocardiography) in ten hypothyroid dogs. Low heart rates, reduced R-amplitudes and bradycardic arrhythmias (first and second-degree AV block) were found on the electrocardiogram before treatment. On the echocardiograms most of the dogs showed reduced contractillity and reduced left ventricular wall thickness. Seven dogs were reexamined after levothyroxine supplementation. Effects of treatment were increased heart rates and R-amplitudes as well as disappearance of the bradycardic arrhythmias in electrocardiographic examination. The echocardiographic examination showed increased contractility and increased left ventricular wall thickness.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12866255/