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Thyroid test

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Does anyone here know how to read a thyroid panel? I had one done & the vet said she is normal. But I just want to be sure. I know basenjis are a little different on their readings.
    Thanks in advance for any help someone can offer. 0_1473816214138_image.jpeg

  • @Lily-girl You can send it to Dr. Dodds and ask her for a comment. www.hemopet.org

  • I am one of the seemingly few Dr Dodds not-so-much-a-fan. Thyroid is her demon and she sees it everywhere. I have known too many people for whom her opinion didn't come close to places like Michigan and other testing facilities. While 20 yrs ago thyroid issues were absolutely ignored by many vets, it's one of the first things they do now. I credit her with helping immensely with awareness, but her view that normal range really isn't normal range, that a bit low is bad and needs medication... well, no.

    It is important though, to ask who did the actual labs. It is the one test I do not allow my vets to do in-house. I may be wrong, but comparisons used to show the vet equipment not close to the results of large approved facilities.
    All that said, I do agree that when a dog is low on all, something seems to be off. BUT for basenjis, that may be more normal. I am not sure how much of a database she has on basenjis, but having her look is a good idea. Just get a 2nd opinion if she says abnormal.

    https://www.basenji.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=166&Itemid=292#Thyroid

    When testing your basenji, TT4 and FT4 must be analyzed in conjunction with TSH. Basenjis typically have a lower reference range for TT4 than other breeds. Research conducted by the University of Sydney found that basenjis and some other sighthounds have lower normal levels of TT4 than other dog breeds (Seavers, A.; Snow, D.H.; Mason, K.V.; Malik, R. 2008. Evaluation of the thyroid status of Basenji dogs in Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal: 11, 429-434). Given the difficulty of accurately measuring TT4 concentrations that low, TSH level measures are essential to properly assess thyroid function. Otherwise, your basenji may be diagnosed as hypothyroid by the standard all-breed normal range and be medicated for no reason.<<

  • numbers in the middle are your bs levels
    numbers to the right show the ranges for from low to high for example his t3 level is 0.73
    normal ranges from 0.90 to 2.10 thus one arrow down next to the normal range
    dr dodds levels for basenjiis is as follows
    t4 1.15 - 2.60
    free t4 0.70 - 1.70
    t4ft4 ratio 1.25-1.75
    t3 30-70
    free t3 1.6 - 3.5
    tgaa under 10

    the note at the bottom says the t3 is suggestive of a non thyroidal disease
    you should check that out

    you should start doing some research, get informed, figure this stuff out
    because one thing ive learned over the last year dealing with cushings
    is you cant count on your vet to steer you the right way

    hope this helps you :)

    else over the last year ive

  • Thank you for the info on Dodds levels for basenjis. But note she is (hopefully) using something other than Nmol/L

    dr dodds levels for basenjiis
    t4 1.15 - 2.60 .
    free t4 0.70 - 1.70
    t4ft4 ratio 1.25-1.75
    t3 30-70
    free t3 1.6 - 3.5
    tgaa under 10

  • in this order ug/dL ng/dL ng/dL and pg/mL

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