Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal condition of dogs. The thyroid gland has two symmetrical lobes and is in your dog’s neck just below the voice box. It produces thyroid hormone, which is like a volume control for your dog’s metabolism. Thyroid hormone regulates the energy level in almost every cell in the body. What happens in the thyroid affects your dog’s entire system.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone. In the majority of cases, this results from destruction of thyroid cells by the dog’s own immune system, a condition called lymphocytic thyroiditis. Other causes of hypothyroidism include thyroid atrophy or less commonly, thyroid cancer. Certain drugs or other diseases can inhibit thyroid hormone levels, as can pituitary disorders. Congenital hypothyroidism or cretinism, in which the thyroid gland is underdeveloped at birth, occurs in dogs but is extremely rare.

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