Low-Protein Diets???

[BarbV]

You learn something new every day. I never knew that partial facial paralysis was a side effect of hypothyroidism. I've had friends with dogs who have thyroid issues... and have even shown some for people, but haven't personally owned one myself.
I'll be hoping Bacca's alt levels come back at a more normal level when you have him retested Barb. You've been through so much with him. It's about time you and he both get a break, and a clean bill of health

Amen!

Apparently the partial facial paralysis is not common at all, but it iswhat tipped the vet over. Most dogs don't get diagnosed with hypothyroidism until much later in life, when the more traditional symptoms start to kick in. In reality, they've had it for years, but it takes awhile for the symptoms to start showing up.

In some respects, we are lucky that we discovered it early

My breeder is in the loop, as this is something they will need to watch for in that particular line (Shelhaven Alaris x Laureate Rachel Ray). I believe she's tested some of the other pups with no signs.

And of course the liver issue could still end up being genetic. Too early to tell.

 

[Justicemom]

Amen!

Apparently the partial facial paralysis is not common at all, but it iswhat tipped the vet over. Most dogs don't get diagnosed with hypothyroidism until much later in life, when the more traditional symptoms start to kick in. In reality, they've had it for years, but it takes awhile for the symptoms to start showing up.

In some respects, we are lucky that we discovered it early

My breeder is in the loop, as this is something they will need to watch for in that particular line (Shelhaven Alaris x Laureate Rachel Ray). I believe she's tested some of the other pups with no signs.

And of course the liver issue could still end up being genetic. Too early to tell.

Thyroid disease is complex. The signs are varied and there is not a body system not touched by its function. Facial paralysis is most common in cockers and goldens. Goldens also seem prone to seizures over other breeds. Also not all forms of hypothyroidism are genetic. Autoimmune thyroiditis is considered the genetic form(most comman though). The biggest indicator is the presence of thyroid autoantibodies. If the dog is positive for the autoantibodies it has the genetic form.

Just for people who are wondering about it when searching for a puppy:

The best a breeder can do is do yearly OFA thyroid panels starting prior to breeding until 6 or 7yr and then every 2 years and remove all affected dogs from breeding programs. Gene pools are too small to remove all members of an affected dogs family but there is no need to bred an hypothyroid one. One of the hard things about the disease is that dogs sometimes have already been bred and they become affected since it is such a late onset disease. A good breeder will inform their puppy buyers and use that information to plan future breedings of their line. Ask for health testing and require proof(on paper). If a breeder doesn't test and this goes for anything, they don't really know if the dogs they are breeding are affected unless they are clinical(showing signs.)

 

[HopeShelties]

Sad thing is, there are breeders out there who test, and KNOW their dogs have thyroid problems, yet still continue to breed them anyway.
That was a rude wake up call for me... Bought a puppy, and as soon as it was mine, 'Oh yeah, grandpa and mom have thyroid problems (though they of course failed to report it to OFFA, they only showed the public their older test results) the sire is also closely related, and the dogs we think it came from are also behind him'. This was supposed to be a trusted friend. Made me really angry. I got the speech on 'Yes, this is in my line, and it's a problem I choose to live with, so continue breeding them anyway'. These were NOT BYBs either... This is a BIG conformation show breeder.

 

[Megansmom]

Sad thing is, there are breeders out there who test, and KNOW their dogs have thyroid problems, yet still continue to breed them anyway.
That was a rude wake up call for me... Bought a puppy, and as soon as it was mine, 'Oh yeah, grandpa and mom have thyroid problems (though they of course failed to report it to OFFA, they only showed the public their older test results) the sire is also closely related, and the dogs we think it came from are also behind him'. This was supposed to be a trusted friend. Made me really angry. I got the speech on 'Yes, this is in my line, and it's a problem I choose to live with, so continue breeding them anyway'. These were NOT BYBs either... This is a BIG conformation show breeder.

Wow! I really am getting quite an education on thyroid issues. I never thought to ask my breeder if their line was or has been tested. I guess I could email her to find out. At what age do Shelties typically start showing symptoms of thyroid problems?

 

[Calliesmom]

wow Barb- sorry to hear about Bacca but glad to hear that you've found a food that he likes. see what happens when you can't get online for a week or two. I've been on off and on for a couple of days- spent almost 4 hours so far tonight and still have tons to catch up on

 

[Justicemom]

Sad thing is, there are breeders out there who test, and KNOW their dogs have thyroid problems, yet still continue to breed them anyway.
That was a rude wake up call for me... Bought a puppy, and as soon as it was mine, 'Oh yeah, grandpa and mom have thyroid problems (though they of course failed to report it to OFFA, they only showed the public their older test results) the sire is also closely related, and the dogs we think it came from are also behind him'. This was supposed to be a trusted friend. Made me really angry. I got the speech on 'Yes, this is in my line, and it's a problem I choose to live with, so continue breeding them anyway'. These were NOT BYBs either... This is a BIG conformation show breeder.

Yep, I know some too. That's why I wanted to make people aware. Ask for testing and see proof, ask questions. People wonder why breeders get a bad name and here it is. Breeding dogs with known health issues. I know in the grand scheme of things Hypothyroidism doesn't sound like a big deal, its manageable. But for puppy buyers who have to deal with the results it is a big deal. I appreicate breeders who try their best and anything can happen to anyone. Nothing is for sure.

Suan, the typical onset of clinical signs is 3-4 yrs. But like Bacca it can occur earlier.

 

[Megansmom]

Yep, I know some too. That's why I wanted to make people aware. Ask for testing and see proof, ask questions. People wonder why breeders get a bad name and here it is. Breeding dogs with known health issues. I know in the grand scheme of things Hypothyroidism doesn't sound like a big deal, its manageable. But for puppy buyers who have to deal with the results it is a big deal. I appreicate breeders who try their best and anything can happen to anyone. Nothing is for sure.

Suan, the typical onset of clinical signs is 3-4 yrs. But like Bacca it can occur earlier.

You are absolutely right!! I thought I read and read and read everything I was supposed to do before getting a puppy and for the most part I did. A person can't possibly prevent everything.