Question about hypothyroidism and medications

[ldvet]

Hi everyone,

It has been a long time since I have written. I usually have time to lurk but just don't always have time to respond. I have a question about a dog with hypothyroidism that has been medicated now about 3 weeks. He is due back for another blood sample to check thyroid levels in another week but the major complaint now is excess gas production.

Before the diagnosis, the owner had the dog on a light formula because the dog was gaining so much weight and causing an awful lot of gas. (imagine that!) After diagnosing the dog and starting medication, the dog was taken off light food and put on another food (but not the original food). The dog still has gas but not quite as severely as when he was on light.

I am wondering if gas production can be a side effect of the hypothyroidism and/or the medication. I told the owner I did not think it was likely but have been searching anyway. Any help would be appreciated.

[jdf]

Hi, ldvet...Roxy was hypoT and took meds and she never had a problem with gas. Since a low thyroid can affect so many different bodily systems and functions, maybe the problem will clear up after the dog has been on thyroid replacement for awhile.

Jim

[jdf]

don't know if this will help : an interesting article on flatulance/flatus in dogs. I'm guessing obviously, but I suspect the gas problem may be unrelated to to hypothyroidism, especially since a diet change caused some change in the level of gas produced. Sites I've on HypoT list contstipation, vomiting and diarrhea as possible signs of a low thyroid but haven't seen flatus mentioned. On the other hand, since a low thyroid can cause digestive problems, it could be related. Guess the only way to know would be to wait and see (or smell) with no further diet changes.

http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/Flatulence.htm

[Traci]

I agree, doesn't sound like a symptom, nor an effect of the med, I'd be willing to bet it was the diet (do you know what the diet brand was?)....even stress or feeding routine, i.e., does he gulp his food, is he inactive, etc.

[ldvet]

for answering my questions. I do not know what the diet food was but the owner is convinced that the thyroid med is the culprit of the gas. The dog had four teeth removed 4 months ago because they were broken off and I think the dog does probably eat differently now because of this. (more gulping, less chewing)

Also, this owner has another dog and he refuses to feed them separately!! They eat out of the same bowl and the same food yet they have totally different needs. I am trying to convince him to feed them separate foods separately but he thinks this is too inconvenient. Honestly, how hard is it to put one dog outside or in another room and close the door?

Anyway, thank you all for all your help. jdf, I printed the flatulence pages you posted and will make a copy for the owner.

[Terri J]

I had a Sheltie with hypothyroidism. He gained a LOT of weight before "I" suggested he be tested. I did not change his diet. He lost the weight just from the medication, but never recovered his lovely coat.

My Pom is on replacement meds now. Neither of the dogs had a gas problem. hope this helps some.