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Abby's Magazine - Volume 5 Issue 2 | Page 43 Diagnosis is made from laboratory blood tes ng. The earlier the diagnosis, the more treatment op ons are available. Tradi onal western therapies are daily medica on, surgery to remove the thyroid gland and radioac ve-iodine therapy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Generally, the treatment a cat receives for hyperthyroidism will depend on specific circumstances, including heart and kidney func on. Concern about kidney failure is a major determinant of the course of treatment, and may eliminate some of the op ons. If diagnosed early, some cats respond well to homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, herbal remedies (Eastern, Western and Ayurvedic), and nutraceu cals. Proper thyroid screening for a cat should include: total T4, free T4, total T3, and free T3 and a TSH test. Hypothyroidism - Dogs Hypothyroidism is caused by too li le thyroid hormone being produced. This may result from autoimmune disease (the body a acks its own ssue), or the thyroid gland is damaged and can not produce sufficient levels of hormone. Other poten al causes include medica ons (par cularly cor costeroids), lack of exercise, exposure to toxins, and some vaccina on exposures. Symptoms may not appear un l 70% of the thyroid gland is damaged. Common symptoms include chronic skin and ear disease, hair loss (o en symmetrical), dull coat, reduced ac vity, weight gain, muscle loss, mental dullness, fa gue easily, and can't tolerate cold temperatures. Underlying adrenal stress is very o en the root cause of hypothyroidism. In spayed and neutered dogs, in par cular, removal of the gonads means a drama c decrease in sex hormones. To make up for this loss, the adrenal glands are required to put in a lot of over me. A er years of too much work, the adrenals get stressed and exhausted. Sick adrenal glands almost invariably lead to sick thyroid glands. Adaptogenic herbs like astragalus help to boost the immune system and support the adrenals. We offer magne c resonance therapy (Magnesphere) to balance the autonomic nervous system and restore hormone health. Call my office for more informa on. Proper thyroid tes ng for a dog should include: total and free T4, thyroid an body test and total and free T3. Total T3 and free T3 are the markers that indicate a non- thyroidal condi on. Thyroid supplements (both synthe c and natural) are available for treatment and pa ents require regular blood monitoring (1-2 mes per year). Diabetes - Dogs and Cats Type 1 diabetes is rare in companion animals. Type II (adult-onset) diabetes is becoming far too common in middle aged/ senior pets. Simply put, it is caused by a decrease in produc on of insulin or the inability of the body to use insulin efficiently. Type ll diabetes is a direct result of diet and lifestyle! Obesity is the #1 reason pets become diabe c. Dogs are carnivores, they are meat eaters. Cats are obligate carnivores. Neither have a biological requirement for grains or most other carbs. Processed foods are exceedingly high in carbohydrates, lack enzymes needed to properly digest the food, and contain chemicals, hormones, preserva ves and gene cally modified ingredients, all of which contribute to inflamma on, leaky gut and disease. To prevent diabetes, feed a species appropriate raw diet. I recommend a grass fed meat source, 85-95% meat balanced with the proper amounts of bone and organ meat. The remaining diet ingredients should be organic fruits and vegetables. The worst diet is an unbalanced diet.