thyroid gland

My 11 yr Maltese is loosing his hair. my vet thinks it maybe due to his thyroid glad.  I dont want any operations. should I just leave it?  just cant afford any more!

[Misfits4Me]

No! You don't just leave it.....You have him tested (T4 & Free T4 are the most reliable) and then treat it with medications daily.......To my knowledge, there is NO operation! Did your Vet suggest one?

The test is done with bloodwork sent to a speciality lab.......Michigan State is where my Vet sends Thyroid Panels and we live in Oklahoma.

The meds. are given daily for life.....They are inexpensive! The bloodwork is around $100.

I will say that 2 of my 3 dogs tested positive for Hypothyroidism.(By a small town Vet). They took meds. for a couple of years......My new Holistic Vet questioned it & retested. He's who will only use Michigan State lab. Both results came back negative & both dogs were taken off their meds. So............Be careful.......

If the hair loss is truly a Thyroid problem, the medication will help immensely!  I'd lean towards a possible nutritional problem for starters.....

Another disease that effects Toy breeds that causes Hair loss is "Cushings Disease".....There are many other symptoms that go along with the hairloss....You might google some of these things and see what you think.....Good luck and please let us know the outcome....Karla

[zoe114]

Misfits4Me is right on target. Get the blood work, full chem and thyroid test done. This will give the vet enought information to know what is going on with your pet. I too believe in teh holestic vets and I am now feeding my dogs Natural Balance because it has a few things in there that are supose to be good for dogs with hypothyroid. One of my dogs that has this condtion started having seizures.... this i sunder control right now. When the blood work is done, make sure to get a clear copy of it for your self so you can look up things for yourself. If you can find a Holestic vet in your area I would use them, they allcharge the same but will have greater knowledge of more natural solutions. You can keep using your vet, and use the vet on here, she is very kind and helpful.