Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

I have a lab mix dog that is six years old. He has low ...

Sent to Pet Experts May 12 10:07 AM

I have a lab mix dog that is six years old. He has low thyroid and does not get around so well. His energy level is extremely low. Is there a medication that you would recommend that may make it easier for him?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 6; Male; Breed: lab/rott mix

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Info Request
May 12 10:10 AM (3 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
IS he currently on thyroid medication?

When was he placed on it?

Describe his difficulty getting around?

When did this start?

What does he eat? How much?

Is he overweight currently?

Any limping? Difficulty rising from laying down or doing stairs?

If I have answered your question in a satisfactory manner please press the Accept button. Positive feedback is appreciated. Thank-you!!!
Amy P. -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 80 Pet Accepts
10 years in animal field, 5 years working as a Vet Tech, pet owner
Reply
May 12 10:15 AM (5 minutes and 31 seconds later)
         
Reply to Amy P.'s Post: He was on medication, but i can't remember the name. We don't have the money to take him to the vet right away. He is very overweight, he weighed 113 lbs last time we took him to the vet and he has gotten bigger. He does have extreme difficulty rising and climbing stairs. We have tried to get him active, but he is just very lethargic. He doesn't eat anything besides dog food, and not much of that.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
May 12 10:22 AM (6 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
The last time he was at the vet was two years ago. That was when he was placed on the medicine, I just remembered it was Thyrotabs. It helped a little, but not much. I was wondering if there is something better that he could be put on.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 12 10:31 AM (9 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Thanks for the additional information,

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is likely the cause of his overweight appearance and lethargy/inactivity. If you add that to arthritis or hip dysplasia, it could make for a very uncomfortable dog. Obesity alone would not cause difficulty climbing stairs so you may be looking at a combination. He should be placed back on his thyroid medication- there is no substitute for this treatment. If you feel that he was not properly managed after his second visit, you could take him to another vet or ask that he is placed on a name brand medication such as Soloxine. A vet will need to regulate him so that his level is properly managed. When this occurs, he will safely lose weight and increase his activity. If he is not placed back on thyroid medication, complications are much more serious then just not losing weight. Hypothyroidism can lead to loss of hearing or vision, anemia, and even irregularities with the heart.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_hypothyroidism.html

As with any aging pet, a conservative way to help the joints is to place him on a supplement. Cosequin is a combination of glucosamine and condriotin that helps support joint cartilage. It can be purchased online or through a vet. You can shop around for the most economical price. When placing him on this, it is best to start with a maintenance dose (listed on the bottle by weight) for 7 days to introduce it to his system. After that you can give the initial dose and maintenance dose as directed on the bottle. Starting with a smaller dose decreases the risk for any upset stomach. This "low dose" is best when placing your dog on any supplement.

http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/Products/Animal/Cosequin/cosequin_jointHealth.asp

I realize that finances can play a role. If you are close to a teaching hospital (veterinary school) I would consider seeking treatment there as they are often less expensive and have access to the latest treatments and technology. Additionally, if you are concerned about the cost of treatment, you can look at the following websites for financing information/financial assistance.

www.carecredit.com

www.imom.org

www.angels4animals.org



Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need additional information.

Best wishes to you BOTH,
Amy

Edited by Amy P. on May 12 2008 at 10:32 AM

If I have answered your question in a satisfactory manner please press the Accept button. Positive feedback is appreciated. Thank-you!!!
Amy P. -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 80 Pet Accepts
10 years in animal field, 5 years working as a Vet Tech, pet owner
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet Health