Soloxine Brand of Levothyroxine for Dogs
Effective Treatment for Canine Hypothyroidism
Canine hypothyroidism is a common malady in dogs. Hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by a decrease in the levels of thyroid hormones produced within the thyroid gland.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland in the dog becomes damaged by an immune-mediated process or when the thyroid gland atrophies due to other causes. Immune-mediated destruction is thought to be the most common cause of canine hypothyroidism. With the canine thyroid gland destroyed or atrophied, inadequate amounts of thyroid hormones are produced, resulting in hypothyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism in dogs can also be due to pituitary disease causing a lower than normal level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to circulate through the blood stream. TSH normally cues the canine thyroid gland to secrete additional thyroid hormone. When TSH is absent or decreased, the canine thyroid gland will not secrete an adequate amount of thyroid hormone.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Dogs
When the canine thyroid gland stops secreting adequate amounts of the thyroid hormones, T4 and T3, canine hypothyroidism occurs. Signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include:
- skin disease
- lethargy
- obesity
- anemia
These symptoms comprise the classical appearance of the hypothyroid dog. Less commonly, other disease can occur as a result of hypothyroidism in dogs and include:
- heart disease
- neurological disease
- eye disease
Treatment of Canine Hypothyroidism using Soloxine or Other Forms of Levothyroxine
Treatment of canine hypothyroidism involves supplementing the missing thyroid hormones. Soloxine is commonly used for this purpose
Soloxine is a commonly used brand name of levothyroxine sodium. Other brands of levothyroxine sodium exist and are widely used as well.
Soloxine or other brands of levothyroxine provide an outside source of thyroid hormone and are effective in treating all forms of hypothyroidism in the dog, whether it be caused by destruction of the thyroid gland or by pituitary disease.
Soloxine and other forms of levothyroxine are effective in stimulating the growth, development, differentiation and metabolism of canine tissues, effectively replacing the thyroid hormones which would normally be secreted by the thyroid gland of the dog.
Levothyroxine or Soloxine is given orally (by mouth) and is rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. It is then bound to proteins which circulate through the blood stream and from there is delivered to the varying tissues which rely on the hormone to function normally.
Soloxine brand of levothyroxine is available in eight different dosage sizes, ranging from 0.1 mg per tablet to 0.8 mg per tablet. The medication is administered orally following the directions from your veterinarian. Typically, Soloxine and other forms of levothyroxine are given once or twice daily for affected dogs.
Monitoring Canine Hypothyroidism While Receiving Soloxine or Other Forms of Levothyroxine
Thyroid blood levels must be monitored periodically while your dog is receiving Soloxine or any other form of levothyroxine. Dosages of Soloxine or of levothyroxine are adjusted based on the thyroid blood level results. Typically thyroid blood levels are measured about every four weeks until the proper maintenance dose is determined. Once your dog is receiving an adequate maintenance dose, thyroid blood levels can usually be measured less often, but you should follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
Overdosage with Soloxine or Other Forms of Levothyroxine
Soloxine and most other forms of levothyroxine are typically very safe medications, but overdosage with the medication can result in:
- increased thirst
- increased urine volume
- increased appetite
- hyperactivity or other personality changes
- reduced tolerance to increased temperatures
Soloxine and other forms of levothyroxine need to be used with caution in dogs suffering from heart disease or hypertension.
Soloxine is contra-indicated in dogs suffering from thyrotoxicosis (an overactive thyroid gland in the dog), acute myocardial infarction (lack of proper blood supply to the heart muscle), and uncorrected adrenal insufficiency (disease of the adrenal gland causing decreased production of adrenal hormones).
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