Thyroid hormone levels?

Brian Young
Guest

Thyroid hormone levels? Jan 21, 2014 11:03:11 GMT 10

Post by Brian Young on Jan 21, 2014 11:03:11 GMT 10

Tom thanks for your replise to my magnetic machine questions. It makes sense . I am not sure where to post my questions and they seem to be a bit off topic I have read most of the topics plus question and answers and realise how much there is to learn despite the fact I have been in the racing game a long time. I really enjoyed your article on bald thighs.
I have been looking for information on this topic for a long time and was aware of most of what you said but I have difficulty in putting it altogether. I recently had T4 tests done on several of my dogs by IDEXX Laborities and the readings came back <10 and although the vet says that is normal for greyhounds (as you also report) I still don't know how much less than 10 it really is.
The report says <13hypothyrodism possible. I have started two of them on .5mg of Thyroxine just in case. After reading your article I feel I may have done the wrong thing. Their mother was on thyroxine as she had bald thighs the whole time she raced . Since retiring the hair has grown back so I am quessing this was stress related not heriditary. However most of her sires family also had bald thighs so this may make it heriditary. Would you be kind enough to give me your thoughts on this and perhaps recommend another test which will give a clearer picture of what is going on. Do you feel I should continue with the tablets? He is going well at the moment but I don't wish to bring on other problems. Thank you again for your time

Tom Meulman
Administrator

Posts: 1,183

Thyroid hormone levels? Jan 21, 2014 19:25:43 GMT 10

Post by Tom Meulman on Jan 21, 2014 19:25:43 GMT 10

Hi Brian,

I have moved your post to a thread dedicated to this subject.

In regard to your questions about thyroid hormone levels, I have no idea why the Lab did not provide the exact T4 levels other than to assume they did not have sensitive enough equipment to obtain them.

I see no problems in keeping the greyhounds that are receiving the Thyroxine on the medication particularly in light of the fact that they are performing as required.

There is another article about the thyroid and thyroid hormone HERE

Cheers,
Tom

Everything that happens to a greyhound can only happen because of an action or inaction by its carer, so don’t blame the greyhound when it all goes wrong.

Brian
Guest

Thyroid hormone levels? Jan 22, 2014 12:53:30 GMT 10

Post by Brian on Jan 22, 2014 12:53:30 GMT 10

Tx again Tom. I read the recomended article.I see where you say the admin. of Thyroxine can depressTSH production of TSH . I am being very careful with his training ,kennel possion etc and out wardly he shows no sign of stress and is very relaxed. His trial times are above average but I want to keep them that way. Do you feel I should add the pinch of iodised salt or iodine just in case. Was thinking of adding some kelp for the iodine but was told the amount of sodium in this is too high for greyhounds. Could you please advise of my best course of action . I know it is had without seeing the dog but general advise would be appreciated

Tom Meulman
Administrator

Posts: 1,183

Thyroid hormone levels? Jan 22, 2014 18:43:08 GMT 10

Post by Tom Meulman on Jan 22, 2014 18:43:08 GMT 10

Hi Brian,

The amount of iodine needed is minuscule and a daily pinch of iodised salt on the evening meal is sufficient. In fact too much iodine in the diet can be toxic and also adversely affect the thyroid.

However a lot of trainers give kelp in the diet as this contains other trace elements that are beneficial. If using kelp instead of iodised salt, a level teaspoon of the powder or one kelp tablet daily is sufficient.

As far as I’m aware kelp contains around 15% Sodium, 13% Potassium, 3% Calcium, with trace amounts of iodine, manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, cobalt, chromium and molybdenum.

Some of these trace elements can often be a worthwhile addition to a diet.

However it is essential when adding minerals and/or trace elements to a greyhounds diet that you check exactly what is in the food currently being fed.

A lot of dry foods have kelp as an additive, and it is also in many vitamin and mineral food additives as this is a cheap and convenient way of adding these elements to a product.

Unfortunately very few vitamin mixtures actually tell you what the raw ingredients are, and generally only list the vitamins and minerals that are supposedly in the product.

So double check what is in the food being fed as it may not be necessary to add either iodised salt or kelp to the diet.

Cheers,
Tom

Everything that happens to a greyhound can only happen because of an action or inaction by its carer, so don’t blame the greyhound when it all goes wrong.

Brian Young Guest	Thyroid hormone levels? Jan 24, 2014 19:17:59 GMT 10 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Brian Young on Jan 24, 2014 19:17:59 GMT 10 Thanks again Tom . The vit product I use does contain Iodine. Wouldn't have looked so a good wake up call

Post by Brian Young on Jan 21, 2014 11:03:11 GMT 10

Post by Tom Meulman on Jan 21, 2014 19:25:43 GMT 10

Post by Brian on Jan 22, 2014 12:53:30 GMT 10

Post by Tom Meulman on Jan 22, 2014 18:43:08 GMT 10

Post by Brian Young on Jan 24, 2014 19:17:59 GMT 10