Exploring Breed-Related Patterns and Diagnostic Factors in Canine Hypothyroidism: Unveiling Novel Paradigms

Abstract

Canine primary hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrinopathy diseases in dogs affecting various body systems. In veterinary practice, the measurement of total thyroxine together with canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was suggested to have high accuracy for diagnosing this disease. However, the changes in these recommended diagnostic parameters can be distinguished only in a hypothyroid dog with progressive deterioration or later in the disease. This study investigated the relevant predicting factors of canine primary hypothyroidism from animal characteristics and blood chemistry. Among the 672 dogs that met the inclusion criteria, 77 dogs had hypothyroidism and 179 had non-hypothyroidism. Age at diagnosis was significantly lower in the hypothyroid group (P = 0.01). Packed cell volume and serum albumin were significantly lower, while serum cholesterol and serum creatinine were significantly higher in the hypothyroid group (P < 0.001). Thai Bangkaew dogs had the highest risk for hypothyroidism (31.2%). Multivariable logistic regression identified 5 risk factors. Dogs of the Thai Bangkaew breed with skin lesions, anemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia had 4,272 times greater risk of canine hypothyroidism. The potential association of risk factors, including anemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and skin lesions, suggests a strong diagnostic characteristic for canine hypothyroidism. Evaluation of serum cholesterol and triglyceride in health programs for Thai Bangkaew dogs would be advisable before investigating the thyroid profile, indicating that it is a common genetic risk factor (OR 8.21, [95% CI, 2.21-30.45]) in a variety of breeds.