Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Marie replied:

I love your description of how Harly occasionally acts like she won the lotto. That is so typical of a lab to act like a wing nut even when not feeling well. :)

What you have described on Harly's belly with flakey scales sounds really typical of a bacterial skin infection. If this is the case, then usually a long course of oral antibiotics is necessary. If it has returned then it may mean that she needs a longer course this time. Often 6-8 weeks is needed.

You have mentioned several symptoms that fit with hypothyroidism:
-Recurring skin infections are common with hypothyroid dogs. Often we can see ear and eye infections too.
-Hypothyroid dogs are usually overweight. If Harly is 101 pounds I am guessing she is overweight
-Hypothyroid dogs generally have low energy so that would explain the increase in how much she is sleeping.

Sometimes hypothyroid dogs will have a reduction in appetite but with labs, that may not always be the case as they love to eat!

I see lots of hypothyroidism in labs.

Regarding a chest mass, it's hard to say what it could be without examining it, but it would be hard to tie in her symptoms with the mass. The most common reason would be a lipoma which is a fat lump and nothing to worry about. But, if you are worried there is no harm in having the vet test it. I'd be very surprised if it was something serious though.

If this were my case I would be recommending doing a thyroid profile. A simple T4 blood test will not be enough because the skin infection can cause a T4 value to be artificially lowered. But, a thyroid profile will allow the vet to determine if this is what she has. If so, hypothyroidism is treated usually quite easily with medication but unfortunately it is medication she will need to be on for the rest of her life.

If the thyroid profile came back as normal then I would likely do a very long course of antibiotics and look into allergy issues. But, I think underlying thyroid problems are much more likely.

I hope things improve soon!

Dr. Marie




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Dr. Marie replied:

Hmmm...I can't really connect the masses and the skin problems. The fact that she doesn't want to eat much and has a slow to heal skin infection REALLY sounds like hypothyroidism.

Did you have her thyroid tested yet?

Dr. Marie replied:

Ah, I see. I will be surprised if she is not hypothyroid.