Does anyones babies here have Hypothyroidism?

[bchgirl]

Oh my goodnesss...that dog needs a sweater.

I agree her case doesn't sound like hypothyroidism. My friend's yorkie's hair...came out in handfuls...without pulling. Really. That alone made her take her to the vet's.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Oh my goodnesss...that dog needs a sweater.

I agree her case doesn't sound like hypothyroidism. My friend's yorkie's hair...came out in handfuls...without pulling. Really. That alone made her take her to the vet's.

Wow, I had no idea that when they said "hair loss" they meant such a LARGE amount No, she most certainly doesn't have that - so maybe it really isn't Hypothyroidism then. Maybe she is just a little chunky butt with allergies that needs to go on a diet LOL.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

Wow, I had no idea that when they said "hair loss" they meant such a LARGE amount No, she most certainly doesn't have that - so maybe it really isn't Hypothyroidism then. Maybe she is just a little chunky butt with allergies that needs to go on a diet LOL.

Oh she can still use the excuse...it's my thyroid for her weight issue.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Oh she can still use the excuse...it's my thyroid for her weight issue.

LOL absolutely! That OR the famous, "I'm not fat, I'm FLUFFY" excuse

[Nancy1999]

My guess is it's not hypothyroidism. Haven't a big appetite isn't really a sign of hypothyroidism, the metabolism is slow in hypothyroidism, and the weight gain is from that not from increased appetite. Medication that stimulates the thyroid stimulates the appetite as well. I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with diabetes, I don't know if diabetes is common in dogs, but increased appetite is a symptom as well as increased thirst. They are also prone to infections. I've also read that certain allergies, to wheat for example, can cause the appetite to enlarge, without ever feeling satiated.

[bchgirl]

Oh...I'm allergic to wheat then.

[Ladymom]

From your vet's notes, it appears she tested positive for the cocci bacteria and she is allergic to it. Lady has the same problem. She is allergic to staph so we battle skin infections all the time. Some dogs, especially dogs who are immune compromised like Lady (diabetes) have allergic reactions to the normal bacteria found on and in their bodies.

Has you vet ever suggested adding fish oil/fatty acids to her diet? That has really helped Lady. I give her 3V caps.

Here is some information:

Fatty Acids for Allergies & Dry Skin in Dogs

What do you feed her? Diet can make a big difference, too.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

My guess is it's not hypothyroidism. Haven't a big appetite isn't really a sign of hypothyroidism, the metabolism is slow in hypothyroidism, and the weight gain is from that not from increased appetite. Medication that stimulates the thyroid stimulates the appetite as well. I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with diabetes, I don't know if diabetes is common in dogs, but increased appetite is a symptom as well as increased thirst. They are also prone to infections. I've also read that certain allergies, to wheat for example, can cause the appetite to enlarge, without ever feeling satiated.

Well, she does have a HUGE appetite lol, but she doesn't over eat as she only gets fed twice daily which is why I was wondering if she could possibly have Hypothyroidism. Meaning she isn't chubby because she eats alot, but she's chubby because --- who knows why??? And her possibly having a slow metabolism is what made me think of the Hypothyroidism. I just have never seen such a small dog want to eat as much as she does But now you've got me thinking about Diabetes Omg...I would just die. This little girl doesn't need anything else serious to be wrong! I am going to mention all of this to my vet the next time she goes in and see what he says.

Thanks so much for your help sweetie!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Oh...I'm allergic to wheat then.

HAHAHAHA!!! Good one girl lol!!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

From your vet's notes, it appears she tested positive for the cocci bacteria and she is allergic to it. Lady has the same problem. She is allergic to staph so we battle skin infections all the time. Some dogs, especially dogs who are immune compromised like Lady (diabetes) have allergic reactions to the normal bacteria found on and in their bodies.

Has you vet ever suggested adding fish oil/fatty acids to her diet? That has really helped Lady. I give her 3V caps.

Here is some information:

Fatty Acids for Allergies & Dry Skin in Dogs

What do you feed her? Diet can make a big difference, too.

I think he might of mentioned adding Fish Oil to her diet a while back. But you know, he gave me a bottle of Welactin to put on her food and I stopped using it after a while because I read here (can't remember where, or from who) but someone said that an ingredient in the Welactin isn't the best for them to have when they have allergies. So, she is now getting the Grizzly Salmon Oil in the morning on her food. Do you think the 3V capsules would be better? Or can you give them both (3V and Grizzly Salmon Oil)?

Also - she is currently on NV Raw but I am going to be starting her on Natural Balance Potato & Duck (allergy formula) either tonight or tomorrow to see how she does on it.

[mscat]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

My guess is it's not hypothyroidism. Haven't a big appetite isn't really a sign of hypothyroidism, the metabolism is slow in hypothyroidism, and the weight gain is from that not from increased appetite. Medication that stimulates the thyroid stimulates the appetite as well. I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with diabetes, I don't know if diabetes is common in dogs, but increased appetite is a symptom as well as increased thirst. They are also prone to infections. I've also read that certain allergies, to wheat for example, can cause the appetite to enlarge, without ever feeling satiated.

I was actually leaning more on the Diabetes DX as well. This could make her eat a lot , and then have an enormous amount of energy. THen crash as the blood sugar drops.
i personally am Hypo thyroid. Since the treatment is simalar I was thinking of my symtoms. Yes, there would be cold sensitvity, and the skin is dry, which would cause itchiness in a dog. It is easier to put on weight because the Adrenal Glands are not working Propperly either, "at least that is my excuse" LOL .
your dog could have a mild case of something that is starting to show slight symtoms. A Blood test is all it takes .
it is obviously much better to catch it early before things get worse.
A big Symtom of Diabetes is excessive drinking of water . Watch for that.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

Do you think the 3V capsules would be better? Or can you give them both (3V and Grizzly Salmon Oil)?

If you give fish oils to dogs, you also have to give Vit E with it, since a dog's body needs E to process the Omegas. I don't think Grizzly has the E. But Eicosaderm from Vetamerica.com contains the fish oils and the E - and you just put a 1/2 pump on their food.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by mscat

I was actually leaning more on the Diabetes DX as well. This could make her eat a lot , and then have an enormous amount of energy. THen crash as the blood sugar drops.
i personally am Hypo thyroid. Since the treatment is simalar I was thinking of my symtoms. Yes, there would be cold sensitvity, and the skin is dry, which would cause itchiness in a dog. It is easier to put on weight because the Adrenal Glands are not working Propperly either, "at least that is my excuse" LOL .
your dog could have a mild case of something that is starting to show slight symtoms. A Blood test is all it takes .
it is obviously much better to catch it early before things get worse.
A big Symtom of Diabetes is excessive drinking of water . Watch for that.

Well, she doesn't drink water excessively...in fact, she doesn't drink as much as she should I don't think - neither of my babies do. However, she is currently on NV Raw which has alot of moisture in it, so I'm sure that's why. I notice that they do drink MUCH more water when they are eating dry kibble. I am definitely going to check into all this - geez...I just know there is going to be SOMETHING that shows up on that blood test...my poor baby can't ever catch a break it seems

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

If you give fish oils to dogs, you also have to give Vit E with it, since a dog's body needs E to process the Omegas. I don't think Grizzly has the E. But Eicosaderm from Vetamerica.com contains the fish oils and the E - and you just put a 1/2 pump on their food.

Oh wow - that is FANTASTIC Ann! Thank you soo much for telling me this girl! So, the Eicosaderm is ALL she would need on her food then, correct??

[Nancy1999]

Some dogs do seem to have bigger appetites than others, some dogs are just more food oriented for some reason. Some scientists think appetite has something to do with the length of the intestines, but tests aren't conclusive, and it seems that a mixture of several things, and how they interplay with hormones. I think I've read you say that food was never a big deal with Stedman, and maybe just because she so different you notice it more.