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Harry is a beautiful 6 year old Border collie cross belonging to our vet Michelle. He has always been a very active bouncy dog and frequently jumps up and down off a deck 1.5 metres high. So when Harry stopped jumping up on the deck and became very lethargic mid-2014, Michelle (who was on maternity leave at the time) decided she needed to bring him into the clinic to check him over!

Upon check-up at the clinic, Harry had gained 5kg in several months, and he had a very slow heart rate (approx 45 beats per minute). Everyone commented on how his coat had changed and was much lighter and more brittle than usual. Nothing unusual was found on examination of his limbs, and the reluctance to jump was put down to a generalised weakness. All of these subtle symptoms could be attributed to Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands), so a blood test was done on Harry.

Hypothyroidism is an immune-mediated disease whereby the body destroys its own thyroid glands. Clinical signs can include hair loss, lethargy, weight gain, skin infections and slow heart rate. It can be a reasonably subtle and quite slow onset disease, so the early signs can be easily missed.

The normal healthy Harry

Harry with Hypothyroidism

Harry’s blood results came through the next day, and confirmed hypothyroidism. He was started on thyroid hormones twice daily, and a repeat blood test 1 month later showed that his thyroid levels were back to normal. Over the following months his coat returned to normal, he lost weight, and his activity improved. His energy levels are now back to what they once were and he is back leaping up onto the deck and chasing birds all round the section!

Our famous cat family have all found their forever homes. Attention all “unusual pet” owners!!

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