Sometimes pets are chubby because they eat too much, snack on too many treats or don’t get enough exercise. Cora was just a toddler when her family adopted her. She was a bit overweight, but her family planned to correct that. Her life story didn’t unfold quite as easily as her family thought it would with just a diet change.

Cora started having intermittent knee discomfort. “We were able to manage her knee pain quite well with joint supplements, and her energy seemed OK,” said Dr. Kristin BeVirt Patneaude. “However, managing her extra weight remained challenging. When pets carry extra pounds, they are subject to any number of health issues, but joint pain is perhaps the most common trouble.”

Cora’s family was committed to lowering her weight, but it was always a challenge, so in 2020 Patneaude ordered a thyroid panel to see whether Cora’s weight struggle was related to hypothyroidism. The test came back normal. “Over the next couple years, her dedicated family was able to get her to shed 2 pounds, which was fantastic,” said Patneaude.

“Then in 2024 she began having more trouble with her knees bothering her. I found arthritis in her knees and a partial rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.” Cora started standard treatment that included anti-inflammatories for pain relief and regular Class 4 laser therapy to help reduce joint inflammation, improve circulation, reduce swelling and improve healthy joint remodeling.

“As part of beginning anti-inflammatory medications, we ran routine bloodwork, including a thyroid check,” said Patneaude. “This time it was low! Then we ran a full thyroid panel to confirm the findings. That panel showed that in fact she did have hypothyroidism.”

Hypothyroidism in dogs is usually a disease acquired in middle age, with most starting symptoms at around 6 or 7 years old. The condition is caused by immune system-related inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland in 90 percent of the cases. “Spayed and neutered dogs are at increased risk,” said Patneaude, “and certain breeds – including the golden retriever and doberman pinscher – are at higher risk because of genetics.”

Dogs who start having decreased energy, mental dullness, weight gain, hair loss and trouble exercising may be exhibiting signs of the disorder, but symptoms often mimic other illnesses, too. “When your pet starts behaving differently, it is important to get an exam, and bloodwork will help determine if hypothyroidism is the culprit,” Patneaude said.

Once Cora’s disease was clearly identified, she started thyroid hormone replacement therapy. “Her family immediately noticed her energy had dramatically improved,” said Patneaude. “She ran, played and chased her tail – behaviors they had never observed her engaging in before.”

Cora now finds joy in her walks, and she lost 2 more pounds, which greatly took pressure off her knees. “We conducted multiple rechecks to ensure we were optimizing her thyroid hormone levels, and it was then we found her left knee also had a torn ACL.” However, with the combination of her weight loss, laser therapy for both knees and pain management, she didn’t show discomfort in that knee.

Cora’s diagnosis and treatment proved life changing for the little Sheltie. “Her story teaches us many lessons, including the importance of annual screening bloodwork,” said Patneaude. “We are reminded that thyroid status can change over time, and sometimes repeating blood panels is necessary to get the correct diagnosis.

“Additionally, her story stresses the need for good follow-up care after starting medications. We didn’t get her optimal dose right away. It took a bit of time to determine what was best for her. Lastly, she is a success story about the importance of healthy weight management with arthritis. With the support of her incredibly caring family, she is thriving and able to enjoy each day to the fullest.”

More information is available at hypothyroidism in dogs. To make an appointment with a veterinarian at Greendale Village Vet, call 414-421-1800.