The Canine Thyroid Epidemic: Answers You Need for Your
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Dogs/Health/Behavior $19.95 W. Jean Dodds, DVM Diana R. Laverdure THE CAN Problems with your dog? It may be his thyroid! If your dog is lethargic, losing his hair, gaining weight or suddenly becomes aggressive, perhaps the last thing you (or your vet!) would think about is his thyroid. Unfortunately, however, thyroid TheThe CanineCanine I disorders can cause literally dozens of health and behavioral problems in dogs and frequently NE go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. And the real tragedy is that most thyroid problems are treatable with the right medical care and a well-informed owner can often minimize the chance T of a thyroid disorder occurring in the first place. HYRO Noted veterinarian Jean Dodds and co-author Diana Laverdure have done the dog owning Thyroid Epidemic public and their vets a great service by writing The Canine Thyroid Epidemic. The book is written Thyroid Epidemic in such a way to inform both the average dog owner and animal health care professionals about I the ways in which thyroid disorders occur, can be prevented and treated. D E You will learn about: pi AnswersAnswers YouYou NeedNeed forfor YourYour DogDog • The role of the thyroid and why it is essential to a dog’s health. DEM • How to identify the clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. I • The lab tests needed to identify thyroid problems and how to administer the proper medicines. C • How an increasingly toxic environment can impact your dog’s health. Answers You Need for Your Dog Need for Your Answers You What experts are saying about The Canine Thyroid Epidemic There’s probably no one in the dog world who garners as much respect from all quarters as Dr. Jean Dodds. Her latest work alarms and alerts us to an epidemic of thyroid disease of staggering proportions. It alarms us as we witness the early age at which the disorder now commonly appears, and alerts us to how commonly we aggravate the problem through breeding, vaccination and feeding practices. Steve Marsden, DVM, Canadian Vet. Med. Assoc. Small Animal Clinician of the Year, 2009 The Canine Thyroid Epidemic is an amazing, life-saving gift to countless dogs and the people who love them. This expertly crafted guide provides the tools, advice and information needed to help dog parents navigate this complex, often misdiagnosed and misunderstood disease. From recognizing the signs to finding the right veterinarian to long-term management, I can’t imagine a better resource. Thanks to Dr. Dodds and Ms. Laverdure for shedding light on this epidemic in terms we can all understand. Melanie Monteiro, author of The Safe Dog Handbook Dr. W. Jean Dodds has raised the awareness that canine hypothyroidism is not only about low thyroid hormone levels, but in fact, it’s a continuum of disease that often begins with the immune destruction of the thyroid gland (autoimmune thyroiditis) and progresses over time to end-stage disease (hypothyroidism). Not only is this book a great “eye opener” for pet lovers but also should serve as Jean Dodds, DVM W. Diana R. Laverdure a reference for veterinarians whether they are in veterinary school or have many years experience in private or university practice. Rhett Nichols, DVM, ACVIM, endocrinologist Dr. W. Jean Dodds received the D.V.M. degree with honors in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Toronto. She is the owner of Hemopet, the first nonprofit national blood bank program for animals. She and her husband live in Santa Monica, California. Diana R. Laverdure received a bachelor of arts in English magna cum laude from Tufts University. A lifelong dog lover, and journalist for over twenty years, she is a frequent contributing writer on dog health and dog care topics to a variety of national dog magazines. She and her dog Chase live in Boynton Beach, Florida. ISBN 978-1-61781-016-9 91995 > www.dogwise.com 1-800-776-2665 9 781617 810169 Publishing The Canine Thyroid Epidemic Answers You Need for Your Dog W. Jean Dodds, DVM Diana R. Laverdure Wenatchee, Washington U.S.A. The Canine Thyroid Epidemic Answers You Need for Your Dog W. Jean Dodds, DVM Diana R. Laverdure Dogwise Publishing A Division of Direct Book Service, Inc. 403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee, Washington 98801 1-509-663-9115, 1-800-776-2665 www.dogwisepublishing.com / [email protected] © 2011 W. Jean Dodds, DVM; Diana R. Laverdure Photos: Anne Bowers, Sheri Crispin, Nix Cuthill, Jean Dodds, Lynn Drumm, Mary Eng- strom, Mike Fields, Karen Hotaling, Susan Merrick, Margie Rutbell, Al Sears, Faith Shariff, Julie Thompson, Nancy Topp, Dickie Walls, Trudy Weitkamp Graphic Design: Lindsay Peternell All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, digital or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty: The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential dam- ages in connection with, or arising out of, the furnishing, performance, or use of the instruc- tions and suggestions contained in this book. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Dodds, W. Jean. The canine thyroid epidemic : answers you need for your dog / W. Jean Dodds, Diana Laver- dure. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-61781-016-9 1. Dogs--Diseases. 2. Thyroid gland--Diseases. 3. Thyroid gland. 4. Veterinary endocrinol- ogy. I. Laverdure, Diana, 1965- II. Title. SF992.E53.D63 2011 636.7’089644--dc22 2010051308 ISBN: 978-1-61781-016-9 Printed in the U.S.A. Dedication To Issho—my inspiration to continue on the path of healing animals. And to Shari—a sweet angel who shared our lives and home. W. Jean Dodds, DVM To Rodney—the only time words fail me is when I try to express the love, joy, and meaning that you have brought into my life. Namasté, my baby. And to Chase—a shelter dog who never gave up hope. You are my hero and my inspiration. Thank you for rescuing me. Diana R. Laverdure Praise for The Canine Thyroid Epidemic Jean Dodds has been my closest friend and mentor for over 17 years. Her enduring dedication to the health and welfare of dogs has been absolutely inspiring to all of us seeking viable health methods and longevity for our loving, furry companions. Jean has spent over 40 years researching, testing and lecturing about the impact the thyroid gland has on the health and longevity of dogs and other animals. There are few true revelations in veterinary medicine, and Jean’s work is a major example. Her studies of thyroid dysfunction, behavioral problems, and autoimmune diseases has solved many undiagnosed canine problems, and has answered a lot of unanswered questions. As the founder of a large canine care group, I have seen the health of thousands dogs improve remarkably as a result of Jean’s clinically tested discoveries. I’ve also seen seizures re- duced or eliminated in dogs with canine epilepsy. Over the years five of my own dogs have benefited from Jean’s experience. I don’t know Diana, but she is clearly an amaz- ing writer. She has combined academic credibility, case studies and Jean’s voluminous research into a easy-to-read form that benefits veterinarians and dog guardians. This is a book that should find its way to the door of every veterinarian looking for answers to unanswered questions. Joanne Carson, PhD, founder www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com Dr. W. Jean Dodds has raised the awareness that canine hypothyroidism is not only about low thyroid hormone levels, but in fact, it’s a continuum of disease that often begins with the immune destruction of the thyroid gland (autoimmune thyroiditis) and progresses over time to end-stage disease (hypothyroidism). And anywhere along the way clinical signs may appear; such as behavioral issues to classic signs such as lethargy and weight gain. In addition, Dr Dodds has made it clear to pet owners what signs to look for that may suggest thyroid dysfunction and what questions to ask their veterinarian about thyroid testing. Moreover, from her vast experience, she has outlined the many pitfalls that can lead to a wrong diagnosis such as assuming normal thyroid hormone levels rule out thyroid dysfunction. Not only is this book a great “eye opener” for pet lovers but also should serve as a reference for veterinarians whether they are in veterinary school or have many years experience in private or university practice. Rhett Nichols, DVM, ACVIM (Internal Medicine), senior educator in veterinary endocrinology. A must read book to all dog lovers!!!! Dr. Jean’s knowledge is a breath of fresh air and a life saver for our beloved 4-legged “children.” Tamar Geller, renowned dog coach and best seller author of The Loved Dog and 30 Days To A Well-Mannered Dog. There’s probably no one in the dog world who garners as much respect from all quar- ters as Dr. Jean Dodds. She is widely known for her uncompromising standards in research and her relentless devotion to the welfare of the canine species. She is truly a household name amongst dog owners and veterinarians alike. Her latest work alarms and alerts us to an epidemic of thyroid disease of staggering proportions. It alarms us as we witness the early age at which the disorder now com- monly appears, and alerts us to how commonly we aggravate the problem through breeding, vaccination and feeding practices. Aggression, anxiety disorders, skin disease, seizures, cruciate ligament tears, food al- lergies, inflammatory bowel disease – the diversity of conditions that Dr.