Dietary hyperthyroidism in a Rottweiler

Abstract

In this report, a clinical case of dietary hyperthyroidism in a dog is described. An elevenmonth- old, male, intact Rottweiler was presented because of panting, weight loss and increased serum total thyroxine concentration. A complete history revealed that the dog was fed a bone and raw food diet, which made dietary induced hyperthyroidism very likely. Other possible differentials were excluded after a thorough diagnostic work-up. Finally, after changing towards a traditional commercial maintenance diet, the clinical symptoms resolved and thyroid blood values normalized. In every dog with an increased serum total thyroxine concentration, with or without clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, a thorough dietary history should be obtained. Owners should be informed that raw food diets tend to be nutritionally imbalanced, carry the risk of bacterial contamination, and have other safety problems. Therefore, veterinarians should recommend against feeding these diets.