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Publication
Hipotiroidismo Canino: Abordagem Diagnóstica e Tratamento
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
O hipotiroidismo é uma das endocrinopatias mais prevalentes na espécie canina, sendo, por
isso, essencial uma compreensão aprofundada dos seus mecanismos fisiopatológicos, das diferentes
etiologias envolvidas, bem como dos múltiplos fatores que podem interferir no seu diagnóstico e
tratamento. Apesar dos progressos significativos verificados nos últimos anos ao nível da capacidade
diagnóstica e terapêutica, ainda existem lacunas importantes no conhecimento e na abordagem clínica
desta patologia.
A apresentação clínica é, frequentemente, inespecífica, com sinais dermatológicos (como alopecia,
seborrreia e espessamento cutâneo) e sinais metabólicos (apatia, intolerância ao exercício) a serem os
mais frequentemente relatados. A identificação precisa da etiologia é crucial, não apenas para orientar
o plano terapêutico, mas também para estabelecer possíveis associações com outras doenças
concomitantes.
O diagnóstico exige uma abordagem integrativa, combinando história clínica detalhada, exame físico
e exames complementares. O doseamento sérico da T4 total e da TSH endógena constitui o alicerce
da avaliação hormonal, embora fatores como a presença de doenças não tiroideias ou a administração
de determinados fármacos possam comprometer a fiabilidade dos resultados. Neste contexto, a
distinção entre hipotiroidismo verdadeiro e a síndrome do cão doente eutiroideu é particularmente
desafiante e representa um risco real de sobrediagnóstico.
A monitorização rigorosa da terapêutica e a interpretação crítica dos dados laboratoriais são, por
conseguinte, fundamentais para evitar erros diagnósticos e intervenções clínicas inadequadas.
O presente trabalho visa sistematizar o conhecimento atual sobre o hipotiroidismo canino, com base
em literatura de referência e em publicações revistas por pares. Para além de abordar os principais
consensos e divergências encontrados na prática clínica veterinária, discutem-se também novas
perspetivas, nomeadamente a valorização de alterações comportamentais como potenciais
indicadores clínicos da doença, contribuindo assim para uma abordagem mais abrangente e precisa
do diagnóstico.
Hypothyroidism is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in the canine species. As such, a thorough understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms, the various underlying etiologies, and the multiple factors influencing its diagnosis and treatment is essential. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in recent years, notable gaps persist in both the scientific knowledge and clinical management of this condition. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, with dermatological signs—such as alopecia, seborrhea, and cutaneous thickening— and metabolic signs—such as lethargy and exercise intolerance—being the most commonly reported. Accurate identification of the underlying etiology is crucial, not only for guiding therapeutic decisions but also for establishing possible associations with concurrent diseases. Diagnosis requires an integrative approach, combining a detailed medical history, thorough physical examination, and complementary diagnostic tests. Measurement of total serum T4 and endogenous TSH constitutes the cornerstone of hormonal evaluation. However, factors such as the presence of non-thyroidal illness or the administration of certain medications may compromise the reliability of these results. In this context, distinguishing true hypothyroidism from euthyroid sick syndrome remains particularly challenging and poses a real risk of overdiagnosis. Rigorous therapeutic monitoring and critical interpretation of laboratory findings are therefore fundamental to avoid diagnostic errors and inappropriate clinical interventions. This thesis aims to systematize the current knowledge regarding canine hypothyroidism, drawing upon authoritative literature and peer-reviewed scientific publications. In addition to addressing major points of consensus and controversy encountered in veterinary clinical practice, it also explores emerging perspectives—particularly the recognition of behavioral changes as potential clinical indicators of the disease—thereby contributing to a more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic approach.
Hypothyroidism is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in the canine species. As such, a thorough understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms, the various underlying etiologies, and the multiple factors influencing its diagnosis and treatment is essential. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in recent years, notable gaps persist in both the scientific knowledge and clinical management of this condition. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, with dermatological signs—such as alopecia, seborrhea, and cutaneous thickening— and metabolic signs—such as lethargy and exercise intolerance—being the most commonly reported. Accurate identification of the underlying etiology is crucial, not only for guiding therapeutic decisions but also for establishing possible associations with concurrent diseases. Diagnosis requires an integrative approach, combining a detailed medical history, thorough physical examination, and complementary diagnostic tests. Measurement of total serum T4 and endogenous TSH constitutes the cornerstone of hormonal evaluation. However, factors such as the presence of non-thyroidal illness or the administration of certain medications may compromise the reliability of these results. In this context, distinguishing true hypothyroidism from euthyroid sick syndrome remains particularly challenging and poses a real risk of overdiagnosis. Rigorous therapeutic monitoring and critical interpretation of laboratory findings are therefore fundamental to avoid diagnostic errors and inappropriate clinical interventions. This thesis aims to systematize the current knowledge regarding canine hypothyroidism, drawing upon authoritative literature and peer-reviewed scientific publications. In addition to addressing major points of consensus and controversy encountered in veterinary clinical practice, it also explores emerging perspectives—particularly the recognition of behavioral changes as potential clinical indicators of the disease—thereby contributing to a more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic approach.
Description
Keywords
Alopecia Animal doente eutiroideo Disfunção tiroideia Hipotiroidismo canino Levotiroxina sódica Teste de estimulação com TSH Tiroxina (T4) Tiroidite linfocítica Canine hypothyroidism Euthyroid sick syndrome Levothyroxine sodium Lymphocytic thyroiditis Thyroid dysfunction Thyroxine (T4) TSH stimulation test