sick bull terrier

mrttattoo

hi all
really hoping someone will be able to help me, i have an almost 2 year old bull terrier who has a thyroid problem(forgive spelling) she has developed bald batches on both sides. we have finished two seperate doses of meds and four months later it is still getting worse. i was advised it was an iodine insufficency but i have tried altering diet to suit, expense is not an issue any advice would be greatly appreciated,
or if anyone knows of a vet that might specialise in such dogs ie. bull breeds clare area

thanks

Ruby Soho

Now, when you say Thyroid problem, I assume you mean hypothyroidism? (bald patches, lethargy, bradycardia etc). Has she been officially diagnosed with this through appropriate T4 / TSH blood testing? If its hypothyroidism, the medication (Levothyroxine) is a LONG-TERM treatment, she won't just get better overnight. Two separate doses of medication is not going to alleviate the symptoms. It can take months for full hairgrowth to return once starting medication. She needs to stay on this medication... for ever, and preferably have 6 monthly blood testing to ensure she is on the correct maintenance dose.
Can you just clarify for me the actual disease she has, as there are many many thyroid diseases in dogs. Hypothyroidism caused by Iodine deficiency is an EXTREMELY rare condition nowadays, and if the dog is fed on a proper, good quality dog food, then it shouldn't be an issue, as most foods contain all the necessary iodine. Even in human medicine, its only ever seen in the developing world as a result of inadequate diet. Its usually a primary problem relating to the thyroid gland itself. It sounds like you need an endocrinologist, not a bull-breed specialist...
Sorry for the lengthy reply!

spiderdog

i had one of mine tested for thyroid cos of hair loss etc came back all clear but best to be certain.
she actually has, seasonal hormonal alopecia.
i give her various supplements for this!!

mrttattoo

:)thanks so much for your help on the matter, in relation to ur questions my vet only said it was an iodine deffeciency but only very slightly, but he did say it was thyroid related he has her on thyroxyl at the moment. at first we were given 14 days worth of meds then i had to return after 2 months or so to check what else could be done then after asking was told that i could get more medication so when i said her weight was informed that she could be on a stronger dose, i have since looked into what i could boost her iodine intake with and have been adding dark greens and fish to her food. also rubbing oils into her skin.. was advised today to give evening primrose oil as it is to do with her maturing her mother was the same at the age of about 2..... :(

spiderdog

hi, has your vet done all the blood work to confirm that its a thyroid prob?

three generations of my girls all suffered this prob which will look quite similar to tyroid but was actually seasonal hormonal alopecia:eek:

if the bloods have been done and its come back as thyroid ignore this post