quantrel
06-10-2005, 06:08 PM
Just wondering if anyone is familiar with Thyroid profile results. I have a 3yr old Weimaraner, that has been on and off moody with the other dogs, has had reoccuring infections and the last heat cycle has been alittle abnormal. I brought her to my vet and ran a CBC, chem panel and Thyroid test on her. Everything came into the normal range, some low normal some higher normal, but her actual platelet count was HIGH and her T3 was HIGH. T4 was also normal.
Has anyone had thyroid problems with a high T3 and went onto further testing? My vet doesnt seem very concerned, but if this is causing some problems, although not abnormal for some dogs, I would like to find the cause and fix it.
Also, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
RWDVM
06-10-2005, 09:32 PM
T3 is the inactive form of T4. T3 is converted to T4 by enzymes as the T4 is is broken down in the body and more is needed. While having the T3 helps us get a better overall thyroid function profile, it is the T4 that is the actual amount of active thyroid hormone in the body.
There are a great many factors that affect T3 and T4 production. This is why they must be considered together when assessing thyroid function. I agree with your vet that I would not be concerned about the elevated T3 for two reasons:
1.) The T4 is normal and, as I said before, this is the actual active nromone that is having its effect on the body, NOT the T3.
2.) Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is what we commonly see in dogs, not hyperthyroidism, or high thyroid. Hyperthyroid, we typically see in cats.
However, even if this was a cat, I would not begin place a great deal of significance in a high T3 when the T4 is normal. Likely, I would recommend rechecking the thyroid portion of the blood work in 2-3 months.
With regard to the irregular heats cycles, this is actually quite common in intact females. Causes could be stress, poor nutrition, abnormal reproductive hormone fluctuations, or cystic ovaries.
If this keeps up, you should talk to your vet about getting her abdomen ultrasounded or consider spaying her. This is not something that should be taken lightly, as irregular cycles can predispose to pyometra or cancer.
Good luck! rw