The Occurrence of Hypothyroidism in Dogs in Elverum, Norway

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in the dogs resulting from triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄) deficiency. Deficiency of thyroid hormones is associated with metabolic and dermatological effects. Hypothyroidism can therefore significantly impact on the life quality of dogs. Several risk factors have been reported for hypothyroidism in dogs. The work focuses on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in predisposed breeds of dogs, and risk factors for the development of the disease. In a retrospective study, 24 patient records of 15 breeds of dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism from Anicura Elverum Dyrehospital in Elverum, Norway, during 2021 were selected and categorized according to the breed. Dog´s breeds with the highest prevalence of hypothyroidism were concluded to be: English Setter, English Cocker Spaniel, and the Gordon Setter. Out of 24 dogs, five patient records from the most prevalent breeds were selected, and compared according to age, gender, and whether they were neutered, and body condition scoring. Our results showed, that increased age, and overweight (body condition score of 6‒9), are risk factors for dogs living with hypothyroidism.