Medicine

Levothyroxine for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

 
Yourvetplanet (Pablo M.S)
By Yourvetplanet (Pablo M.S). January 2, 2024
Levothyroxine for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
Dogs

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Levothyroxine is a medication which is used to treat hypothyroidism in dogs. This is because the hormone thyroxine (T4) is used to control metabolism. When insufficient thyroxine is produced by the dog, hypothyroidism occurs and various metabolic processes are affected. This can result in serious health problems in the dog. Also known as L-thyroxine, levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine which can help redress hormonal balance and return the dog to health.

At AnimalWised, we look at the uses, dosage and side effects of levothyroxine for dogs. We also explain any other considerations we need to make when administering this drug such as contraindications for use.

Contents
  1. What is levothyroxine for dogs?
  2. Levothyroxine for dogs uses
  3. Levothyroxine dosage for dogs
  4. Levothyroxine poisoning in dogs
  5. How to administer levothyroxine in dogs
  6. Side effects of levothyroxine for dogs
  7. Contraindications of levothyroxine for dogs

What is levothyroxine for dogs?

To understand the effects of levothyroxine for dogs, we will need to understand hypothyroidism in dogs. Canine hypothyroidism is the most impactful thyroid-related disease in dogs. It is also one of the most prevalent in veterinary endocrinology.

The thyroid gland has very important functions such in terms of regulating metabolism, growth, development, nervous system processes and tissue recovery. In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones below the normal level, altering these functions in the process.

Certain symptoms are common in dogs that experience hypothyroidism. As it can be a condition which is chronic over time, these symptoms can develop gradually, depending on the individual's experience. Common clinical signs include lethargy, obesity, exercise intolerance, poor coat quality, skin hyperpigmentation, neurological disorders, ocular problems and many others. Diagnosis can be carried out using blood tests and specific hormone tests.

Levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic molecule designed to replace the function of thyroxine (T4) in animals with primary hypothyroidism, i.e. when it is caused by alteration of the thyroid gland. In this case, modified hormones are used, since natural thyroxine is unreliable compared to synthetic products. The latter are more predictable and their action lasts longer in the body.

Levothyroxine for dogs uses

The main use of levothyroxine for dogs is the treatment of hypothyroidism. It is used to return thyroxine to a healthy level in the body, reversing the symptoms of the disease in the process. Synthetic T4 is capable of reversing the symptoms and pathophysiological processes associated with canine hypothyroidism, unless permanent damage has occurred.

The first symptoms that disappear are those related to the level of consciousness and the nervous system. If a notable improvement in this aspect is observed during the first week, it will be a marker of good prognosis. Dermatological symptoms are those that take the longest to recover, taking months of time in most cases.

Levothyroxine dosage for dogs

Levothyroxine for dogs is administered orally either via tablet or oral solution. The latter is usually chosen for dogs that have problems ingesting tablets for whatever reason. The initial dose of levothyroxine for dogs ranges between 0.01 and 0.04 mg/kg of body weight.

One of the key factors for veterinarians determining the correct levothyroxine dose for dogs is the route of administration. The oral route is based on the absorption capacity of the small intestine of this drug, which can vary between 10 to 50%. To achieve basal levels of T4 in the blood, a higher concentration is needed if the drug is used in pills rather than in syrup.

Although we have talked about the oral route, the medication can also be administered intravenously. This format is reserved for extreme situations in which T4 levels in the blood have fallen drastically and is used in a clinical situation by a qualified veterinarian.

Take a look at the video below which explains how to give a dog a shot under the skin:

Levothyroxine poisoning in dogs

Levothyroxine poisoning can occur if the dog takes an overdose of the drug. Unlike other animal species, dogs are quite resistant to the toxic effect of this hormone, making an overdose difficult. In some cases, a multiplication of the initial dose of the drug by 20 will be required to observe signs of overdose. Thyrotoxicosis may also appear in dogs which have an exclusively meat diet or with other organic problems (kidney failure or liver impairment). If this happens, it is best to go to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Some of the most common clinical signs of levothyroxine overdose in dogs are:

  • Increased water intake
  • Increased volume and frequency of urination
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Hyperactivity
  • Tachycardia
  • Increased body temperature
  • Gasp

Most signs disappear within 1 to 3 days after stopping the medication. If the overdose is sufficient that the dog goes into toxic shock, it will be considered a veterinary emergency and the dog will need to be clinically stabilized.

How to administer levothyroxine in dogs

The dosage of levothyroxine sodium varies depending on the characteristics and needs of the individual animal. The maximum concentration of the drug is reached after 3 or 5 hours, prolonging its effect up to 15 hours in some cases. Taking the above into account, the usual frequency of administration is 1 or 2 times a day. The variability will depend on how the dog responds to the treatment.

It is very important to note that levothyroxine for dogs should not be given with food. This is because doing so reduces the bioavailability of the drug (i.e. the proportion of the drug that actually reaches the desired tissue). For this reason, it is very important in these cases to monitor the patient and see how they respond to the medication.

Side effects of levothyroxine for dogs

As mentioned in previous sections, levothyroxine overdose can lead to an undesirable situation for the dog. However, there are more common side effects associated with the consumption of levothyroxine sodium in dogs. Of ten these are related to the dog's skin.

In some cases, increased skin peeling may occur, which may be particularly serious in patients which already have skin problems as a result of their hypothyroidism. Additionally, the administration of levothyroxine may be associated with itching. In this case, the veterinarian must establish the plan to follow and withdraw the medication when necessary.

Other side effects to take into account are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Hyperarousal
  • Tachycardia
  • The same as associated with thyrotoxicosis

Contraindications of levothyroxine for dogs

Finally, this drug is totally contraindicated in dehydrated patients, as well as dogs with kidney problems, liver problems or an allergy to levothyroxine sodium. It is vitally important to inform the veterinarian of any strange event that occurs during the administration of the medication so that appropriate measures can be taken.

To learn more about how irregular levels of thyroxine can affect canines, take a look at our article on whether hypothyroidism affects a dog's life expectancy.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Levothyroxine for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.

Bibliography
  • Small Animal Internal Medicine , 6th Edition
  • Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine , 8th Edition.
  • CIMA-Vet: THYROXAVET 200 MICROGRAMS TABLETS FOR DOGS AND CATS (aemps.es)
  • CIMA-Vet: KELEVO 200 ¿g TABLETS FOR DOGS AND CATS (aemps.es)
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Levothyroxine for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects